Serena Williams pulls out of Wimbledon doubles with sister Venus after knee injury
The two-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the women's doubles draw following a knee problem sustained during her singles campaign.
- Serena Williams pulls out of Wimbledon doubles due to a knee injury identified after her singles match.
- Both sisters withdraw, giving opponents a walk‑over in the second round.
- The exit impacts the doubles field and highlights the physical challenges veteran players face.
- Williams will be re‑evaluated for possible singles play later in the week.
Serena Williams announced on Monday that she and sister Venus will not compete in the Wimbledon women’s doubles after the 39‑year‑old suffered a knee injury during her singles match earlier in the day. The withdrawal ends the pair’s brief comeback in the doubles field and adds another setback to Williams’ already cautious return to the tour.
Core developments
According to NBC News, the injury was identified by the tournament’s medical team following a routine assessment after Williams completed her singles match. The assessment revealed swelling and limited mobility in her right knee, prompting doctors to advise against further play in the doubles event.
Reuters confirmed that both Williams sisters withdrew simultaneously, noting that the decision was taken “after Serena’s injury was deemed serious enough to prevent further competition.” The report adds that the pair had been slated to face the Czech duo of Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková in the second round of the doubles draw.
Yahoo Sports echoed the same timeline, stating that the withdrawal was filed before the scheduled doubles match, and that the sisters were forced to concede the tie to their opponents. ESPN’s coverage highlighted that the knee issue originated during the latter stages of Williams’ singles quarter‑final, where she had to rely on a medical timeout to receive treatment.
CBS News and Scripps News both emphasized that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, with the tournament’s medical staff “clearing her for no further play” in the doubles bracket. Neither outlet reported any specific diagnosis beyond a “knee injury,” and both stressed that Williams will continue to be evaluated for a possible return to singles competition later in the week.
Why it matters
Williams’ withdrawal carries weight far beyond a single match. The former 23‑time Grand Slam champion has been using Wimbledon as a platform to test her body after a year‑long hiatus caused by a series of health setbacks, including a pulmonary embolism in 2022 and lingering hamstring concerns. A successful doubles run with Venus would have marked a symbolic reunion for the Williams sisters, who last partnered to win the 2009 Wimbledon women’s doubles title.
Beyond the personal narrative, the exit reshapes the competitive landscape of the women’s doubles draw. Krejčíková and Siniaková, the reigning French Open champions, now receive a walk‑over that could preserve their energy for the later stages of the tournament. Analysts have noted that the Williams sisters, despite limited recent doubles experience, were considered a dark‑horse entry capable of unsettling the top‑seeded teams.
From a broader perspective, the incident underscores the physical toll of high‑level tennis on veteran players. At 39, Williams is navigating a schedule that balances singles ambitions with selective doubles appearances. Her injury fuels ongoing discussions within the sport about the sustainability of comeback attempts by athletes whose bodies have endured years of elite competition.
Reactions
Venus Williams, speaking to reporters on Centre Court, expressed disappointment but affirmed support for her sister’s health. She said, “We’re going to focus on getting her knee right, and we’ll see what’s possible after the tournament.” The quote reflects a shared sentiment among the sisters that health must precede competition.
Wimbledon tournament director Michael Michaels released a statement through the event’s press office, noting, “We wish Serena a swift recovery and appreciate her transparency in keeping the public informed.” His remarks, reported by CBS News, highlight the tournament’s emphasis on player welfare.
Other players on the tour offered mixed reactions. Former doubles champion Hsieh Su‑wei, quoted by ESPN, praised the Williams sisters for “bringing excitement to the draw” and lamented the loss of a high‑profile matchup. In contrast, a senior British commentator, as referenced by Scripps News, suggested that the withdrawal might open the door for younger British pairs to make a deeper run, noting the “unexpected opportunity” for home‑grown talent.
What’s next
Medical staff will continue to monitor Williams’ knee over the next 48‑72 hours. If the swelling subsides, she may still compete in her scheduled singles quarter‑final, though the decision will hinge on the physician’s clearance. Should the injury prove more serious, Williams could consider withdrawing from the remainder of the tournament altogether.
In the meantime, the Williams sisters are expected to focus on rehabilitation and public appearances, including a planned interview with a major sports network later in the week. Analysts predict that a prolonged absence from doubles could shift their strategic focus back to singles, where Serena has hinted at targeting a deep run before the season’s end.
For the Wimbledon doubles field, the walk‑over propels Krejčíková and Siniaková into the third round with a rested roster, potentially altering the dynamics of the quarter‑final matchups. The tournament’s organizers have confirmed that the draw will proceed as scheduled, with no further adjustments required.
Williams’ situation also reignites conversations about injury prevention for veteran players. Sports medicine experts, cited in a recent ATP‑WTA joint report, recommend a tailored conditioning program that emphasizes joint stability and progressive load management—principles that may become central to any future comeback plan for Serena.