"I was heartbroken" - Serena Williams on having her quest for a 24th Grand Slam halted due to injury

Serena Williams' Wimbledon campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday afternoon, as the American was forced to retire in her first round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich due to an ankle injury.

The sixth seed suffered a bad landing on her left ankle, after which she requested a medical timeout. Despite a valiant attempt to power through the pain, the 39-year old was unable to continue and retired with the score tied at 3-3 in the first set.

"I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," Williams revealed in an Instagram post later that night.

"My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on Centre Court so meaningful. Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on – and off – the court meant the world to me."

The seven-time Wimbledon champion was hoping to add another Major trophy to her cabinet, increasing her already imposing total to 24 Grand Slam titles. Prior to Tuesday's retirement, Williams held an impressive 19-0 record in the first round of Wimbledon. This was just her second career retirement in a Grand Slam match, dating back to her first against Virginia Ruano Pascual in the third round of Wimbledon in 1998.