Serena Williams’ much-anticipated return to tennis at The Queen’s Club in London has met with an unfortunate setback. The iconic athlete had been expected to make waves in the tournament; however, her plans were curtailed following the withdrawal of her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, due to a knee injury.
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Mboko, just 19 years old, sustained a right knee injury during her singles match against Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday, June 10. After slipping on the grass, she was photographed in distress while lying on the court, holding her injured knee. The young player ultimately retired from the match and withdrew from their scheduled doubles encounter against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, which was set for Thursday morning. As a result, Fernández and Siegemund will now progress to the semi-finals unchallenged.
Despite the disappointing turn of events, Williams and Mboko had started the tournament on a promising note. The duo successfully defeated Erin Routliffe from New Zealand and American Nicole Melichar-Martinez in straight sets, showcasing Williams’ enduring skill and determination on the court. Throughout their first match, Williams donned a light pink Nike warm-up jacket and tennis dress, which attracted a warm reception from the audience at the prestigious venue.
Adding to the atmosphere was Williams’ family in attendance, including her husband Alexis Ohanian and their two daughters, Olympia, aged eight, and Adira, aged two. Well-wishers also included her friend Lindsey Vonn, as the event drew a supportive crowd keen to witness the legendary athlete’s comeback.
Looking ahead, Williams is scheduled to compete again at the Berlin Tennis Open, commencing on June 15. While she has yet to confirm her new doubles partner, reports suggest that she is considering the Czech player Karolina Muchova. Williams expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament in a recent interview, highlighting her excitement about competing for the German fans and focusing on gaining momentum during the grass-court season.
This latest chapter in her career marks Williams’ first tournament appearance in four years. Her last competitive outing was in the 2022 US Open, where she announced her gradual withdrawal from the sport to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Shortly thereafter, she welcomed her second daughter into the world in August 2023.
In preparation for her return to competitive play, Williams took a deliberate approach by re-entering the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered drug testing pool last year, a procedure necessary for any professional comeback. This move was followed by the announcement of her entry into the Queen’s Club tournament, signalling her readiness to compete once again.
During a recent press conference, the mother of two reflected on her motivations for returning to the sport. “I don’t need to win,” she stated candidly. “I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives, so it’s not that important to me… it’s important that I keep reminding myself of that, because I don’t have anything to prove.” Her words underline a shifted perspective, one that prioritises personal fulfilment over competitive pressure.
As the tennis community continues to rally behind her, Williams’ journey remains a testament to resilience and passion for the sport. The coming weeks will be crucial as she navigates her return and focuses on building both her fitness and competitive edge once more.