Wimbledon: Serena Williams withdraws from doubles with sister Venus due to knee injury
New Delhi, July 4
Serena Williams and Venus Williams have withdrawn from the doubles draw at The Wimbledon after Serena was forced to pull out because of a knee injury, ending hopes of a long-awaited reunion between the iconic sisters at the All England Club.
Serena announced her decision on Instagram on Saturday, stating that her knee had not healed enough after the injury from her first-round singles match earlier in the week.
"I'm heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles," Serena wrote on Instagram. "Coming back to compete has been a gift. The chance to play alongside Venus again meant everything to me. I did everything I could, but unfortunately my knee just isn't ready to compete."
This news comes four days after Serena hurt her knee late in the first set of her first singles match in nearly four years. She lost a tough match to Maya Joint, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, in her long-awaited return to Grand Slam singles competition.
The Williams sisters, who have won six Wimbledon doubles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, received a wild card into the doubles draw. They were set to face Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio in the first round on Saturday.
This match would have been the first doubles game for Serena and Venus since the US Open in 2022, which was also Serena's last singles match before her comeback this season.
Before Wimbledon, Serena had gradually rejoined the tour by playing doubles with Victoria Mboko at the Queen's Club Championships and with Karolina Muchova in Berlin.
Although the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion did not say when she expects to return, she suggested that fans might not have to wait long.
"All I can say is stay tuned to a city near you."
Venus, on the other hand, is still set to compete at the Washington Open and the Canadian Open after her mixed doubles run at Wimbledon ended on Friday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Yaar, what a shame. Was really looking forward to seeing the Williams sisters do their thing at Wimbledon. That magic they have on court is unmatched. But seriously, these injury issues are becoming too common - players need more time to recover properly before coming back.
The GOATs 🙌 I don't think any other pair has dominated doubles like Venus and Serena. It's heartbreaking that they couldn't reunite at the All England Club. But hey, if Serena says "stay tuned," I'm definitely staying tuned! Indian fans are rooting for you, queen!
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. Serena has been dealing with injuries for years now, and at 42, it's getting harder. Maybe it's time to hang up the racquet? She's achieved everything possible in tennis. But then again, who am I to question a legend? Best wishes for her recovery.
Such a bummer for Wimbledon crowds. The Williams sisters are box office gold. I hope Serena doesn't rush back though - another serious injury could end her career. Venus seems to be managing better these days. All the best to both!
As someone who grew up watching them in India on old TV sets, this hits different. Venus and Serena are icons for so many of us. That said, I appreciate Serena's transparency about the injury. It's better to withdraw than to worsen it. Wishing her a speedy recovery! 🎾❤️
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