LONDON — Serena Williams’ return to competitive tennis ended early at Queen’s Club on Thursday after her doubles partner Victoria Mboko withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
Williams and Mboko had advanced to the quarter-finals after winning their first-round match earlier in the week in straight sets against Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe.
Tournament organizers confirmed Mboko’s withdrawal hours before their scheduled quarter-final match against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund. Mboko withdrew after sustaining a left knee injury during her singles match on Wednesday against Karolina Pliskova.
Mboko slipped during the match and was unable to complete play, later describing instability in her knee to medical staff.
Her withdrawal ended Williams’ run in the doubles event, which marked her return to competitive tennis after four years away from the sport.
Williams had partnered with Mboko in her first match back on Tuesday, where they secured a first-round victory. The match marked Williams’ first competitive appearance in 1,375 days since her 2022 US Open exit.
Tournament officials said Williams is expected to compete in the Berlin Open doubles next week, with no confirmation yet on whether she will enter singles competition.
Wimbledon organizers said a wildcard decision for Williams, should she seek entry, will be made by the tournament’s selection committee next week.
