By Charles Maduka
Serena Williams’ participation in the Wimbledon women’s doubles tournament is in serious doubt after suffering a knee injury during her singles return at the All England Club.
Williams and her older sister, Venus, are due to reunite in a Grand Slam doubles match for the first time since 2022. The six-time Wimbledon doubles champions are scheduled to play together on Friday, but the 44-year-old’s fitness remains uncertain after her knee swelled during her defeat to Australia’s Maya Joint.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion did not speak to reporters after the match. Wimbledon organisers said she was “not able to undertake” her media responsibilities.
Williams’ agent, Jill Smoller, said: “Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams.
“She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”
Williams later posted on Instagram: “It felt so good to be back. I’m incredibly thankful for the wildcard – and even more grateful my daughters got to see that it’s never too late to chase something you love.
“I tweaked my knee late in the first set, but I’ll be doing everything I can to be ready for doubles.
“Congratulations to Maya on a great match, and thank you to everyone who showed up and showed me so much love. That feeling will never get old.”
Missing the doubles event would be a disappointing end to Williams’ highly anticipated return to Wimbledon. The American attracted huge attention during her comeback, with many eager to see why she had returned and how she would perform after such a long absence.
Williams had previously believed her career ended at the 2022 US Open, although she avoided describing it as retirement, saying instead that she was “evolving away” from tennis.
After spending 1,462 days away from Wimbledon, she returned to Centre Court and showed flashes of the quality that helped her win seven singles titles and six women’s doubles crowns at the tournament. Despite a spirited display, she was beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 by 20-year-old Maya Joint.
Reports indicate that Williams suffered the injury before the deciding set and continued playing despite being advised not to do so. Although she did not receive treatment during the match, she moved cautiously between points and struggled with her movement in the final set.
Medical staff reportedly offered Williams crutches after the match to help her leave the court, but she declined. While she has not ruled herself out of Friday’s doubles match, her chances of making another emotional appearance on Centre Court alongside Venus Williams remain uncertain.
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