Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Wimbledon doubles event after a knee problem, the 23-time Grand Slam champion announced on Saturday.
Williams and her sister Venus were scheduled to begin their campaign in the first round against Colombia’s Camila Osorio and Argentina’s Solana Sierra.
The decision comes after Williams picked up the injury during her opening match in the singles draw, a first-round loss to Maya Joint. With the knee issue affecting her fitness, the doubles match with Venus became uncertain.
In an Instagram message, Williams said: “I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles. Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus once more meant the world to me. I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”
