A Wobbly, Dizzy Serena Williams Could Barely Hit Serves In Her Wimbledon Doubles Match [Video]

by Tom Gainey | July 1st, 2014, 12:07 pm
  • 17 Comments

It was a surreal scene earlier today at Wimbledon when 5-time champions Serena and Venus Williams took the court to face Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegle in the second round.

After losses in singles, the sisters stuck around in search of a sixth Wimbledon title, but during the warm-up things look awfully wrong.

Struggling with her balance, Serena could barely catch the balls from the ballboys. She couldn’t hit a volley over the net and she could hardly serve.


Following a lengthy 15 minute discussion with medical officials, Serena decided to go ahead with the match. But down 2-0 when it came time for her to serve Serena’s health and disorientation hadn’t improved.

The match was stopped thereafter.

Here’s how it ended:

Serena officialy retired with a viral illness.

“Unfortunately Serena has been feeling unwell for the past few days and she just couldn’t play to her potential today,” Venus Williams said in a statement. “I’m really proud of her for trying because we just love playing doubles together. We are looking forward to coming back to Wimbledon next year.”

“I am heartbroken I’m not able to continue in the tournament,” Serena said. “I thought I could rally this morning, because I really wanted to compete, but this bug just got the best of me. I want to thank my sister, Kristina, Stefanie and our teams for their support. We were all looking forward to a great match. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of the fans for their cheers and understanding.

“I look forward to returning to Wimbledon next year.”


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17 Comments for A Wobbly, Dizzy Serena Williams Could Barely Hit Serves In Her Wimbledon Doubles Match [Video]

jane Says:

not sure what to make of that exit. why was venus smiling at her after those serves? strange. oh well hope she feels better.

July 1st, 2014 at 3:52 pm


Jack Lewis Says:

Either she had too much to drink, or she needs to see a doctor really fast. This sort of loss of motor control is not normal.

July 1st, 2014 at 7:53 pm


Jack Lewis Says:

Either she had too much to drink, or she needs to see a doctor really fast. This sort of loss of motor control is not normal.

July 1st, 2014 at 7:53 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

I think she was drunk. In tennis, we don’t test for drugs that much, let alone alcohol.

July 1st, 2014 at 11:09 pm


Jack Lewis Says:

Indeed since alcohol is not a banned substance.

July 2nd, 2014 at 12:02 am


Peep Says:

Her bf said he had not seen her in a couple days.strange since he her coach.

July 2nd, 2014 at 12:33 am


skeezer Says:

^neither is a viral illness!

July 2nd, 2014 at 12:59 am


Richard Colin Says:

Everyone is sugar coating all of this. Let’s face it folks she was high. Either drunk or drugs. So funny how everyone is all worried that there is something medically wrong with Serena. Are we really that dumb??? She lost her singles, was disappointed, got high and made herself look like an idiot.

July 2nd, 2014 at 4:03 am


Polo Says:

Serena must be trying to make a grand gesture to explain her loss in singles by showing that she was in such poor shape. Then she blames some “bug”. She should have been tested for drugs because that appearance looks more from drugs than a virus. But of course, she will not be tested. The Williams sisters are untouchable.

July 2nd, 2014 at 6:15 am


Frankie Says:

Serena was high and should be tested. But of course we will hear nothing.

Shame in tennis!

July 2nd, 2014 at 8:12 am


Okiegal Says:

Being high would never have entered my mind regarding her bizarre behavior……you guys are serious about this, so it seems. Why couldn’t it be a viral illness?? The comments I’m reading is what’s bizarre…..umm…..Would it be possible to go on the court drunk or high and it not be detected?? Maybe you could…..but I think these comments are pretty strong w/o more proof. Maybe everyone is teasing because they don’t like her.

July 2nd, 2014 at 8:28 am


REMCOM Says:

While this is a mildly interesting topic to gossip about here – do you guys really think she’s getting high/drunk in the middle of the day?

As a professional athlete, I would think that she works too hard to do that sort of foolishness.

July 2nd, 2014 at 4:55 pm


Okiegal Says:

I agree REMCOM…..some made the comment that Vee was laughing during this behavior. I think it is all so weird……but surely she was really sick. I just can’t imagine her coming out on the court drunk or high on drugs.

July 2nd, 2014 at 5:55 pm


madmax Says:

Goodness me! Don’t be daft! Serena was NOT drunk! What a strange reaction she had, obviously wobbly. Have none of you ever suffered from a virus that made you feel lightheaded/wobbly? She probably had fish the night before, or rotten eggs and was left with that nauseous feeling you get the following morning. It’s not a pleasant one and obvious that Serena was suffering from something.

May be she is pregnant? Who knows?

July 2nd, 2014 at 6:02 pm


eastcoast Says:

don’t defend her. If you have known someone with a drug problem you have seen this pony show before.

The telling fact is how her family and corner were acting…frustrated and upset. Not concerned

July 3rd, 2014 at 7:49 am


Thomas Beleskey Says:

She was high as shit, professional athletes work too hard lol does the name Theo Fluery ring any bells?? I do believe she is sick as in addicted to pain killers thats what it looks like to me, don’t make excuses that won’t help her at all!!! She looked like she just took a pile of oxys!! Im not even a fan of tennis but never underestimate the power of being knocked off your #1 pedestal. She was skinamerinked!!

July 3rd, 2014 at 6:08 pm


Stuxnet Says:

Completely off her face, Martina Navratilova has the same opinion. If a virus has affected your motor skills to that extent, you would be in hospital. Where was the concern from her sister? Venus knew she was wasted.

July 4th, 2014 at 9:43 pm

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