Serena Williams has shared disappointing news with her fans after being forced to withdraw from doubles at Wimbledon.
The tennis legend, who is a close friend of Meghan Markle, took to Instagram to reveal that a knee injury had stopped her from competing alongside her sister, Venus Williams.
Serena posted a video and photos showing her injured knee as she explained how difficult the decision had been.
“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” she said. “Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus Williams once more meant the world to me.”
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said she had tried everything possible to be ready, but her knee was not fit enough for competition.
“I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete,” she added.
Serena also thanked tournament director Jamie Baker and the wider Wimbledon team for giving her every chance to take part. She expressed gratitude to fans for their support, saying it had made her comeback even more meaningful.
Explaining the extent of the problem, Serena said doctors had drained fluid from her knee after her singles match. She added that while the swelling should not return in the same way, she still could not recover in time for doubles.
“The good news is my knee shouldn’t swell or collect that much fluid again,” Serena said. “The bad news is that, as hard as I tried, I just wasn’t able to get it ready for doubles.”
Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven Wimbledon singles crowns. She has also enjoyed major success in doubles, winning six titles at the All England Club with her older sister Venus.
