Serena Williams pulls out of Wimbledon doubles comeback because of knee injury

Serena Williams has withdrawn from her planned doubles appearance with sister Venus due to a knee injury.

The American pair, six‑time doubles champions, were set to play together again at Wimbledon for the first time since 2022. However 44‑year‑old Serena could not muster the fitness after a knee problem emerged in her loss to Australia’s Maya Jannath at the last‑court event.

Following the match, Williams did not speak to the media and the organisers said she was “not able to undertake” her duties. “I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” she posted 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,” she added. “I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”