Williams, 40, was coming the internet whilst down 5-1 on function in the first set against Errani and wrapped the ankle after trying to stabilize herself to return .

The former world No. 1 instantly cried out in pain and took an injury timeout to receive treatment on the ankle, but she was clearly in distress as the physician and trainer worked to ascertain the issue.

Williams took a second medical timeout for her troublesome left knee to become restrapped but was hobbling and trying hard to walk between points after the break, which lasted over 15 minutes.

Williams did not appear for a postmatch news conference, but Errani stated she was”really scared” for the American later Williams went down, crying in pain.

“I didn’t know what occurred. I really don’t know. I was scared,” the Italian said.

“I was watching her. I was saying to the chair umpire that [someone should] visit her since I couldn’t. I was telling him to proceed, please visit her.”

Williams, competing in her 21st Australian Open, looked on the verge of quitting the match, but having called it quits just once within her 350-match Grand Slam profession, fought hard to stay on the court.

After looking shaky on foot for the rest of the first set, which Errani won 6-1, Williams was restricted but far from her best in a gutsy second-set showing.

Despite being limited by her ankle and knee, Williams had three break point opportunities, but was unable to convert any despite any raucous audience support.