Serena Williams' much-awaited return to Wimbledon has been thrown into doubt after she suffered an injury scare during her opening-round match. The 44-year-old tennis legend lost a hard-fought three-set encounter (6-3, 6-7, 6-3) against Australia's Maya Joint, but concerns quickly shifted from the result to her fitness for the rest of the tournament.
Williams, who battled for two hours and 22 minutes on Centre Court, appeared to struggle with her movement as the match progressed. Worries intensified when she skipped her scheduled post-match press conference, fuelling speculation about her condition and whether she would be able to participate in the women's doubles event with her sister Venus Williams.
Her team later clarified the situation, confirming that she had sustained a knee issue while expressing optimism about her recovery.
According to her agent, Jill Smoller, Serena aggravated her right knee near the end of the opening set and was excused from media duties by Wimbledon and WTA medical personnel. Smoller added that Williams left the venue without assistance and is doing everything possible to be ready for her doubles match later in the week.
The Williams sisters, six-time Wimbledon doubles champions, received a wild card entry into the tournament and are set to take on the unseeded duo of Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra.
For Serena, the injury concern comes after an encouraging performance in which she pushed Joint to a deciding set. Although her trademark power and determination were evident throughout the contest, the demands of competing at the highest level on grass after a comeback appeared to take a physical toll.
Medical staff at Wimbledon are expected to assess her condition closely over the coming days. Given her reputation for resilience and fighting spirit, fans remain hopeful that Serena and Venus will still have the opportunity to reunite on court at the All England Club.
