The Williams sisters' Wimbledon doubles campaign is in doubt after they were omitted from Friday's order of play, raising concerns about Serena Williams' knee injury.
Serena's Injury and Singles Exit
Younger sister Serena, 44, picked up a knee injury during her singles return at the All England Club on Wednesday, where she was beaten in three sets by Australian Maya Joint on Centre Court. Serena had come out of a four-and-a-half year retirement last month to play doubles at Queen's and was subsequently handed a pair of wildcard entries for Wimbledon, one in the singles bracket and another to play doubles alongside her sister.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to be ready for doubles with [Venus],” she wrote on Instagram after her singles defeat. However, the Williams sisters’ campaign appears to be in danger after they were left off the order of play.
Current Status and Possible Rescheduling
The pair are yet to formally withdraw from the tournament. There is a possibility their first-round match could be bumped to Saturday morning, but this would be unusual. The sisters had been due to face Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio in the first round.
Venus Williams' first-round mixed doubles match is still due to go ahead, in the third match of the day on Court 14. She will partner Kevin Krawietz, and will face Lloyd Glasspool and Tereza Mihalikova.
Serena's Instagram Statement
Writing in an Instagram post after being dumped out of the singles bracket, Serena said: “It felt so good to be back on the grass at (Wimbledon). I’m incredibly thankful for the wild card - and even more grateful my daughters got to see that it’s never too late to chase something you love. Thank you to everyone who showed up and showed me so much love. That feeling will never get old.”
Serena and Venus Williams have won 14 major doubles titles together, making their potential withdrawal a significant blow to the tournament.
