Serena Williams’ much awaited comeback to the tennis court ended in defeat as she was defeated in the first round by Harmony Tan, who prior to the game, was ranked No. 115.
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It was Tan’s first Wimbledon tournament and she defeated Serena Williams in three sets with a super tiebreak 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) in the first round after 3 hours and 10 minutes, the longest match thus far at the tournament.
Though Williams looked rusty, her renowned will-power saw her recover from going one set down, before saving a match point in the 12th game of the decider.
Tried as she could, Williams was unable to prevent the underdog Tan from triumphing in the tiebreak, with the three hour and 10 minute long match finishing 7-5 1-6 7-6.
When Williams appeared at a warm-up tournament, the Eastbourne International earlier in June, fans spotted that the superstar was wearing black tape on her face.
Williams was spotted wearing the same black tape during her first round defeat to Tan at Wimbledon 2022.
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What is on Serena’s face at Wimbledon 2022? According to The Times, the small sections of plaster on Williams’ cheek are a medical tape designed to help relieve her of her sinus problems.
What is sinus infection (sinusitis)?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause them to get blocked and filled with fluid. It is usually caused by cold or allergies and an infection could result from the blockage.
Williams spoke with characteristic openness about the issue in an interview ahead of the busy summer Grand Slam schedule in 2007.
In an interview with Reuters, she said;
“My secret’s out. I’m a sinus sufferer. Playing tennis or pretty much doing anything every day is not easy when you have sinuses.
“You feel a lot of pressure, congestion and pain and training for grand slams such as… Wimbledon and the French Open, it’s not easy.”
One of the way she deals with the sinus problem includes hot showers as part of measures to keep the chest and passageways around the body clear.
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