Serena Williams' return to singles competition at Wimbledon ended in a three-set defeat, and the 23-time Grand Slam champion now faces uncertainty over her doubles appearance with sister Venus after sustaining a right knee injury.
Injury During Match
Williams, 44, played her first singles match in nearly four years on Centre Court on Tuesday evening, losing 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3 to Australian qualifier Maya Joint in two hours and 22 minutes. The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set, according to a statement from her agent, Jill Smoller.
Smoller's statement, released through the All England Club, said: "Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams. She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week."
Media Obligations Waived
Williams departed before completing her post-match press conference. In her absence, a statement was issued to on-site media: "Unfortunately Serena Williams will not be able to undertake media this evening." Quotes were subsequently provided on her behalf, in which Williams said: "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 All England Club confirmed that Williams will not face the standard fine of up to £37,000 for missing media duties, as players are permitted to skip such commitments due to injury or illness.
Doubles Plans Uncertain
Williams and her sister Venus, who have won the Wimbledon doubles title six times, are scheduled to play their first-round doubles match on Friday. The pair last lifted the trophy together at Wimbledon a decade ago. Whether Williams will recover in time remains to be seen.
Williams made her return to competitive action last month at Queen's in doubles, partnering Victoria Mboko. The pair won their opening match but were forced to withdraw after Mboko sustained an injury. She then partnered Karolina Muchova in Berlin, where they lost in the first round.
