The 44-year-old tennis legend, competing at the All England Club for the first time since 2022, was set to reunite with Venus on a Grand Slam court Saturday.
But after her three-set defeat to Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday, swelling in her left knee prevented her from being match-ready.
“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” Williams announced on Instagram, posting images of her bandaged knee and syringes used to drain fluid. “I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”
The pair, six-time Wimbledon doubles champions, had their match added to Friday’s order of play, but Williams’s condition failed to improve. She pulled out roughly 15 minutes before a scheduled practice session.
Wimbledon organisers said Williams did not speak to media after her singles loss because she was “not able to undertake” her duties.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has not confirmed her next competitive move, though the North American hard-court season leading to the US Open looms as a possible return.
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