Serena Williams withdraws from doubles at Wimbledon

Injury during the comeback

Alongside her post, the athlete published a video showing her limping with a heavily bandaged right leg while her daughter Olympia played with her walking stick. Williams also wrote: "Das Foto der Spritzen zeigt die Flüssigkeit, die sie nach meinem Einzelmatch aus meinem Knie abgesaugt haben – igitt! Die gute Nachricht ist, dass mein Knie nicht mehr so stark anschwellen oder sich wieder so viel Flüssigkeit ansammeln sollte."

The 23-time Grand Slam tournament winner had originally been entered in both the singles and doubles at Wimbledon. Following her defeat to Joint and subsequent treatment, there was a period of uncertainty over a possible start in the doubles. Williams' opening doubles match was the only match scheduled to be played on Saturday.

Thanks to the tournament team

In her post, Williams explicitly thanked tournament director Jamie Baker and the entire tournament team: "Ich bin besonders Turnierdirektor Jamie Baker und dem gesamten Turnierteam dankbar, dass sie mir jede Gelegenheit zur Erholung gegeben haben." She stressed that she had been given every opportunity to recover.

Williams also expressed gratitude to her fans: "Danke an die Fans für eure unglaubliche Unterstützung und dafür, dass ihr dieses Comeback so bedeutungsvoll gemacht habt." At the same time, she offered a glimpse of future appearances, writing: "Alles, was ich sagen kann, ist: Bleibt dran für eine Stadt in eurer Nähe…"

Outlook on further appearances

The athlete had played her first match at Wimbledon in nearly four years. The singles match against Joint was her first match on the big stage in a long time and was intended to mark the start of a possible further season. The injury has now thwarted these plans, at least for the doubles competition.

Observers view the appearance as a remarkable comeback by one of the most defining players in tennis history. The knee injury, however, represents a significant setback and raises questions about whether and when Williams can return fully to competition. There is as yet no clarity on how to proceed and possible further tournament appearances.