Serena Williams' highly anticipated return to professional tennis lasted only one match, as her doubles campaign at Queen's Club came to an abrupt halt on Thursday due to an injury sustained by her partner Victoria Mboko.
A Brief Comeback
The 44-year-old American made a stylish return on Tuesday, stepping onto the court for the first time since the 2022 US Open. Alongside 19-year-old Canadian Mboko, she upset the third-seeded duo of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory in the opening round.
However, the excitement surrounding Williams' comeback proved short-lived.
Mboko's Injury Forces Withdrawal
Mboko was forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering a left knee injury during her singles last-16 match against Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday. The teenager collapsed while trailing 6-2, 3-4 and could not continue, leaving the court in tears.
As a result, Williams and Mboko pulled out of their scheduled quarter-final against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, who advanced to the semi-finals via a walkover.
Dream Return Cut Short
Williams' appearance at Queen's Club generated enormous interest, as the seven-time Wimbledon champion made her first professional appearance in 1,375 days. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion stepped away from the sport following the 2022 US Open, famously saying she was "evolving" away from tennis rather than retiring.
Despite the long absence, Williams showed flashes of her old brilliance alongside Mboko. The pair produced an impressive victory over Melichar-Martinez and Routliffe, raising hopes of a deep run at the grass-court event. But those hopes disappeared less than 48 hours later due to Mboko's unfortunate injury.
Berlin Open Next on Serena's Schedule
The premature exit does not mean the end of Williams' comeback. The former world No. 1 is expected to return to action next week at the Berlin Open, where she is set to compete in the doubles draw once again. While her partner has not been officially confirmed, reports from The Times of London suggest Czech star Karolina Muchova could team up with the American great.
Whether Williams will also make an appearance at Wimbledon remains uncertain. With seven titles at the All England Club and 23 Grand Slam singles crowns overall, the tennis legend's return has already reignited excitement among fans. But her Queen's Club campaign served as a reminder that even the most eagerly awaited comebacks can hinge on factors beyond a player's control.
