Serena Williams Withdraws From Wimbledon Doubles As Swiatek Crashes Out

Serena Williams has withdrawn from her planned Wimbledon doubles return alongside sister Venus Williams after suffering a knee injury, bringing an early end to one of the tournament’s most anticipated reunions.

The American sisters, six-time Wimbledon doubles champions, had been due to face Colombia’s Camila Osorio and Argentina’s Solana Sierra later today, July 4, in what would have been their first Grand Slam doubles appearance together since 2022.

Williams, 44, aggravated her knee during Tuesday’s three-set defeat to Australia’s Maya Joint and was unable to recover in time for the match.

“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” Serena wrote on Instagram.

“Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus once more meant the world to me.

“I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”

There had been hope she might still feature after the match was added late to Saturday’s order of play and scheduled no earlier than 4.30pm BST, giving her extra time to prove her fitness.

However, Williams pulled out shortly before a planned practice session at the All England Club. She later shared photographs showing her left knee heavily bandaged, along with images of syringes she said had been used to drain fluid from the joint.

“I’m especially grateful to tournament director Jamie Baker and the entire tournament team for giving me every opportunity to play here,” she said.

“Thank you to the fans after your incredible support and for making this comeback so meaningful.

“All I can say is stay tuned to a city near you.”

Williams has yet to reveal when she expects to return, with attention now turning to the North American hard-court season ahead of the US Open.

Elsewhere at Wimbledon, defending champion Iga Swiatek suffered a surprise third-round exit after losing 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 to Alexandra Eala of the Philippines on Centre Court.

The upset came shortly after 2022 champion Elena Rybakina was beaten 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 by Belgium’s Elise Mertens, ending another disappointing Wimbledon campaign for the Kazakh star.

Rybakina’s defeat guarantees Aryna Sabalenka will remain world number one after the Championships.

Swiatek’s exit also extended a remarkable Wimbledon streak. No woman has successfully defended the singles title at the All England Club since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2016.