​Serena Williams’s highly anticipated comeback at Wimbledon has encountered another setback. Just days after returning to Grand Slam singles competition for the first time in nearly four years, the 44-year-old withdrew from the women’s doubles, quashing what would have been a much-awaited reunion with her sister Venus Williams on the storied courts of the All England Club.
In an Instagram post highlighted by ESPN, Serena expressed heartbreak over the decision. “I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” she wrote. “Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside [Venus Williams] once more meant the world to me.” She explained that a lingering knee injury prevented her from continuing, noting, “I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”
Serena also shared a video showing her navigating the courts with a heavily bandaged right knee, along with photographs of syringes used to drain fluid from the joint and images from her treatment sessions.
The organizers had already granted the Williams sisters an extra day to prepare for their opening-round doubles match against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra after Serena sustained a knee injury during her singles play. The withdrawal abruptly ends one of Wimbledon’s most talked-about storylines: the anticipated reunion of Serena and Venus, who together have 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, including six Wimbledon crowns. Samantha Murray Sharan and Lanlana Tararudee will now occupy their place in the doubles draw.
Serena’s injury traces back to her opening-round singles contest against Maya Joint, a match her agent, Jill Smoller, described as a tweak to her right knee late in the first set. Despite the setback, Serena pushed the match to three sets before losing 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3, a contest that drew significant attention and contributed to record television ratings for the tournament. Although she did not speak to reporters after the loss, she later reflected on the experience in a statement: “It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”
The Wimbledon appearance capped a busy period for the tennis icon beyond the court. Earlier this year, Mattel highlighted Serena as the centerpiece of its inaugural Barbie Dream Team for International Women’s Day, celebrating women who have broken barriers across sports, science, and entertainment. She also appeared at Barbie Dream Fest in Florida as the recipient of the event’s first Icon Award, a role that drew attention when discussions arose about the event’s organization and its broader SEO impact.