Serena Williams Withdraws from Wimbledon Doubles Due to Knee Injury

Serena Williams has withdrawn from her doubles match with sister Venus at Wimbledon due to a right knee injury. Serena, aged 44, sustained the injury earlier in the week during her singles match, which resulted in a three-set defeat.

In an Instagram post, Serena expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles. Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the chance to play alongside Venus meant the world to me. I did everything possible, but my knee is not ready for competition.”

The post included images of four syringes, which Serena explained were used to drain fluid from her knee after her singles match. A video also showed her walking with support on her right leg, accompanied by what appeared to be one of her daughters holding a cane for her.

With the U.S. Open on the horizon, Serena hinted at a potential return elsewhere soon, advising fans to “stay tuned to a city near you.”

The Williams sisters, with Venus now 46, were set to face Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. The match was the last first-round doubles game to be scheduled, delayed to allow Serena additional recovery time.

Earlier in the week, Serena was defeated 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 by 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia. Venus participated in the mixed doubles tournament on Friday with Kevin Krawietz, losing in straight sets to Tereza Mihalikova and Lloyd Glasspool.

The Williams sisters have previously achieved six titles as partners in women’s doubles at Wimbledon.