Tennis legend Serena Williams has withdrawn from her planned Wimbledon doubles campaign alongside her sister, Venus Williams, after suffering a knee injury.
The American sisters were due to reunite on a Grand Slam court for the first time since 2022, but Serena’s injury has brought an early end to the highly anticipated comeback.
The 44-year-old picked up the injury during her singles defeat to Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday.
Following the match, Serena did not attend her scheduled media duties, with Wimbledon organizers stating that she was “not able to undertake” her post-match obligations.
She has now confirmed that the injury has ruled her out of the doubles competition.
In a message shared on Instagram, Serena expressed her disappointment at being unable to compete alongside her older sister.
“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles.”
She added that returning to competitive tennis and sharing the court with Venus again had meant a great deal to her.
“Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus once more meant the world to me.”
Serena revealed that she had done everything possible to recover in time but ultimately had to accept that her body was not ready.
“I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”
The Williams sisters were scheduled to play together at Wimbledon for the first time in three years.
Together, Serena and Venus have enjoyed one of the most successful doubles partnerships in tennis history, winning six Wimbledon women’s doubles titles and 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles championships, while also claiming multiple Olympic gold medals.
Although fans will now have to wait longer to see the iconic duo reunite on court, Serena’s statement suggests she remains hopeful about returning once she has fully recovered from her injury.
