Serena Williams’ comeback campaign at Queen’s Club was cut short after her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
The American tennis icon returned to competitive action earlier this week for the first time in four years, teaming up with Mboko to secure a straight-sets win in the opening round against Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe.
Williams and Mboko had been scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in Thursday’s quarter-final, but the match was called off after the Canadian teenager pulled out.
Mboko sustained a left knee injury during her singles encounter with Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday after slipping on court. The world number nine was unable to complete the match and later decided against featuring in the doubles event to avoid worsening the injury.
The 19-year-old appeared distressed after the incident and was heard telling medical staff, “there is no stability right now”.
Her withdrawal brought an early end to Williams’ bid for the Queen’s Club doubles title.
