Serena Williams faces a race against time to be fit for her Wimbledon women’s doubles campaign alongside sister Venus after suffering a knee problem during her singles comeback.
The 44-year-old returned to Wimbledon singles action on Tuesday for the first time in almost four years and received a warm welcome from the Centre Court crowd.
Despite producing an encouraging performance, Williams eventually lost 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint.
There was no obvious sign of injury during the contest, but Williams did not attend her scheduled post-match press conference.
While players can face fines for missing media duties, it later emerged that the American had been excused on medical grounds.
A statement from her agent, Jill Smoller, explained the situation.
“Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams.
“She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”
Williams and her sister Venus, whose combined age is 90, accepted a wildcard entry into the women’s doubles draw.
The pair are set to play together at the All England Club for the first time since lifting their sixth Wimbledon doubles crown 10 years ago.
Before the tournament began, Serena acknowledged she had reservations about returning to singles competition but ultimately felt the opportunity was too significant to ignore.
The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion enjoyed tremendous backing from spectators throughout her match and showed flashes of her trademark determination, notably saving a match point before forcing a deciding set.
After the defeat, Williams took time to acknowledge fans around the stadium before leaving Centre Court.
Reflecting on her return, she said, “It was really great to be back at Wimbledon.
“I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”
Her opponent, Joint, was born after Williams had already collected seven Grand Slam singles titles and admitted the occasion weighed heavily on her mind beforehand.
The Australian also praised the former world number one’s performance.
“I really didn’t know what to expect.
“I went in thinking that she’d bring her best game that she brought when she was at her peak, because you need to prepare for the hardest possible match. I think she played really well.”
