In brief
Serena Williams, who played her first Wimbledon since 2022, has withdrawn from her scheduled doubles partnership with Venus due to a knee injury sustained during a match against Australia’s Maya Joint. The 23‑time Grand Slam champion was expected to reunite with her sister on the All England Club stage for the first time since 2022, but organisers confirmed she is not fit to compete. Serena posted a heartfelt Instagram message expressing her disappointment and gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside Venus. The injury marks a setback for the champion’s return to the sport amidst heightened expectations for a Grand Slam run this season.
Serena Williams withdraws from Wimbledon doubles
Serena Williams has pulled out of her planned Wimbledon doubles appearance with older sister Venus because of a knee injury.
The American pair, who are six‑time doubles champions at the All England Club, were scheduled to reunite on a Grand Slam court for the first time since 2022 later on Saturday.
However, 44‑year‑old Serena Williams is not fit enough to play after picking up a knee problem during her defeat by Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday.
The 23‑time Grand Slam singles champion did not speak to the media following the match, with Wimbledon organisers saying she was "not able to undertake" her duties.
"I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles," said Serena in a post on Instagram.
"Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus once more meant the world to me. I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete," she added.
More to follow.
