Serena Williams’ return to competitive tennis has been temporarily halted after doubles partner Victoria Mboko withdrew from the WTA event at Queen’s Club due to a knee injury.
The former world number one made her comeback this week after nearly four years away from the sport. Williams teamed up with 19 year old Canadian Victoria Mboko and the pair opened their campaign with a doubles victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in front of a sold out crowd on Tuesday.
Williams and Mboko had been scheduled to face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez and Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the quarter finals. However, Mboko was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury during her singles match against Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday.
The Canadian teenager slipped during the match and was unable to continue, retiring before its conclusion. Mboko left the court visibly struggling and in tears following the incident.
The withdrawal brings an early end to Williams’ run at Queen’s Club, where her return attracted significant attention from tennis fans.
Despite the setback, the 23 time Grand Slam singles champion is expected to continue her comeback in Berlin next week. Williams could also seek a wildcard entry for this year’s Wimbledon Championships as she continues her return to competitive action.
