Serena Williams withdraws from Wimbledon doubles after a right knee injury ended her planned reunion with sister Venus. The 44-year-old suffered the problem during her singles comeback and could not recover before Saturday’s match, as reported by the Baltimore Chronicle.
Williams had been scheduled to face Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra alongside her 46-year-old sister. Organisers delayed the first-round contest to give Serena additional recovery time.
However, treatment could not make her knee ready for competitive tennis.
Serena Williams explains Wimbledon withdrawal
Williams announced the decision through Instagram, describing herself as heartbroken. She said returning to competition had been a gift.
Playing beside Venus again also carried deep personal meaning. Yet her right knee remained unable to withstand another match.
“I did everything I could, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete,” Williams wrote.
Her post showed syringes containing fluid drained from the knee after Tuesday’s singles match. A video also showed her walking with extensive strapping on her right leg.
The images underlined the physical cost of her first Wimbledon singles appearance since 2022. Williams had declined a post-match press conference because of the injury.
How Serena Williams sustained the knee injury
The problem developed during Serena’s first-round singles defeat against 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint.
| Match detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Wimbledon 2026 |
| Opponent | Maya Joint |
| Score | 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 |
| Injury | Right knee |
| Consequence | Doubles withdrawal |
Williams completed the three-set contest but later required fluid to be removed from her knee. The injury prevented the sisters from beginning another Wimbledon doubles campaign.
Williams sisters lose another chance to compete together
The withdrawal cancelled one of Wimbledon’s most anticipated first-round doubles matches.
Serena and Venus have built one of tennis’ strongest family partnerships. Their Wimbledon record together includes:
- 6 women’s doubles titles;
- 14 Grand Slam doubles trophies;
- 3 Olympic doubles gold medals;
- an unbeaten record in Grand Slam doubles finals.
Their last competitive appearance together came at the 2022 US Open. Saturday’s match would have marked their first reunion in almost four years.
Venus had already competed in Wimbledon mixed doubles with Kevin Krawietz. They lost in straight sets to Tereza Mihalikova and Lloyd Glasspool.
Could Serena Williams return before the US Open?
The injury has disrupted Serena’s comeback but may not end it.
Her message concluded with a deliberate hint: “Stay tuned to a city near you.” That wording suggests she still plans further appearances.
The Serena Williams knee injury will now shape any decision about the North American hard-court season. The 2026 US Open remains the most significant possible destination.
No tournament has confirmed her next appearance. Recovery time and medical assessments will determine whether the comeback continues.
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