Serena and Venus Williams are entered to play in the women's doubles at Wimbledon this year, which would mark the first time the sisters have played together at the All England Club since 2016. They won the title that year, in what would be their last major title as doubles partners. They returned in 2022 for the US Open but were knocked out in the first round by Czech pair Linda Noskova and Lucie Hradecka.
Serena's Knee Injury Casts Doubt
Serena suffered a knee injury in her first-round singles defeat, where she was beaten by Australian Maya Joint in a three-set thriller on Centre Court. As such, it has thrown into doubt whether the two sisters will be able to play in their doubles match against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. The first round of women's doubles typically takes place on the Thursday and Friday of the first week, but the Williams sisters were absent from both days' order of play.
Tournament Director's Comments
They have, however, emerged on Saturday's schedule, although a time for their match is still “to be arranged.” Tournament director Jamie Baker told reporters on Friday morning that the All England Club was doing all it could to help Serena play. “We are giving her as much time [as possible], obviously,” Baker said. “We want her to play if she, if she possibly can.” He added that the days for first-round matches are a guideline, and exceptional circumstances like injuries can lead to matches being carried over, provided it does not jeopardize the rest of the competition.
Serena's Recent Comeback
Serena had already delayed accepting her singles wildcard, having not played a singles match since her comeback earlier this summer. She played at Queen's with Victoria Mboko, then partnered Karolina Muchova at the Berlin Open. She revealed ahead of the tournament that she decided to play singles on the Friday before the draw, the day of her wildcard deadline, and this situation seems similar.
