Serena Williams made a return to Centre Court this week, but a physical setback has changed the narrative. Now, tennis fans are left wondering if this setback will ruin the doubles reunion with her sister.

The physical issues started on Tuesday, June 30, during a first-round singles match against Maya Joint. It was a tough draw against the 20-year-old Australian player who pushed the veteran from the start.

Williams tweaked her right knee toward the end of the opening set. The joint began to swell noticeably as the match continued, making lateral movements difficult for Serena. 

According to a report by The Independent, the knee injury has made Serena Williams’ participation in the women’s doubles tournament into serious doubt. No official withdrawal has been announced by her team or tournament directors yet. 

The injury impacts a doubles schedule that is set to begin on Thursday, July 2, or Friday, July 3. If Williams is cleared to play, she and her sister are scheduled to face the South American team of Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round. 

Wimbledon medical staff assessed the situation during a lengthy on-court medical timeout. The tournament physiotherapists advised her not to continue playing the match to avoid further damage. 

Williams ignored that advice and decided to fight through the pain anyway. She pushed the match to two and a half hours, winning a second-set tiebreak before losing 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3.

While the singles loss was disappointing, the chance to see the famous sisters share the grass courts again remains a huge storyline.

Will She Compete in the Doubles with Her Sister 

Following the tough singles loss, her longtime agent, Jill Smoller, issued a formal update regarding the player's physical condition. 

Smoller confirmed the injury at the end of the first set and was excused from mandatory post-match press conferences by the WTA and Wimbledon medical teams.

She stated that her client is focused on rehabilitation to be ready for the upcoming doubles match.

Williams had already tested her physical fitness by playing some doubles matches on grass at the Queen's Club earlier in 2026. 

According to ESPN Tennis, the pair has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together throughout their careers. The grass courts in London have always been the most successful venue for their joint career milestones. 

The state of that right knee will decide what happens next over the next 24 hours. The tournament schedule is moving forward, but no official announcement has come from the camp. 

Share your thoughts on whether we will see the sisters on court this week.

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha