Serena Williams’ doubles participation at the Queen’s tournament has been cut short because her partner, Victoria Mboko, has pulled out due to an injury to her left knee.
The tennis legend, a 23-time Grand Slam singles winner now aged 44, re-entered the professional circuit on Tuesday following an absence of nearly four years.
The duo was slated to compete in their quarter-final match on Thursday; however, Mboko, aged 19, sustained an unfortunate tumble during her singles contest on Wednesday, compelling her to withdraw from that game.
While behind 6-2 3-4 facing Karolina Pliskova, the young Canadian athlete screamed in agony after collapsing and clutching her knee, subsequently limping off the playing area visibly upset.
Consequently, her fellow countrywoman Leylah Fernandez and Germany’s Laura Siegemund, who were set to meet them in the doubles event on Thursday, will progress directly to the semi-final round.
“What an enjoyable and unforgettable week at the HSBC Championships. My gratitude to everyone who contributed to its uniqueness,” Williams shared on her Instagram account.
“Vicky Mboko, you possess extraordinary talent, and you will return to the court very swiftly.
“I extend my wishes for your quick recuperation.”
Williams marked her comeback with a victorious display on Tuesday when she and Mboko triumphed 7-6 (7-2) 6-2, defeating the third-seeded team of Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.
Competing after an interval of 1,375 days since her previous official match, Williams – considered among the sport’s all-time elite – appeared perfectly at ease as she demonstrated her potent serves and groundstrokes once more.
The full severity of Mboko’s injury is still unverified, but there are apprehensions that the athlete ranked ninth globally might be unable to participate in Wimbledon, scheduled to commence on June 29.
