She was looking for her 24th grand slam title.
But it was not long before that ambition faded.
Serena Williams injured her ankle in the match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in Wimbledon's first round.
The American received medical attention and came back - but was then forced to cancel the match at the position 3-3 in sets.
The 39-year-old then left in tears.
- I was devastated to have to pull myself out today after injuring my right leg, Williams wrote in a post on Instagram yesterday.
She expresses great gratitude to the supporters and her team, which she believes makes time out on the field meaningful.
- To feel the extraordinary warmth and support from the supporters today when I went on - and off - plane meant the whole world to me.