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Serena Williams' return to competitive tennis at Queen's Club has been overshadowed by concerns over a knee injury suffered by her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, casting doubt over their chances of continuing in the tournament.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion made her long-awaited comeback on Tuesday, stepping onto the court for the first time in nearly four years. Teaming up with 19-year-old Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko, Williams enjoyed a successful return as the duo upset the tournament's third seeds to reach the quarter-finals.
However, uncertainty now surrounds their scheduled last-eight clash on Thursday after Mboko was forced to retire from her singles match against former world number one Karolina Pliskova.
The injury occurred during a crucial moment in the contest. Mboko slipped while stretching for a forehand on a break point and immediately grabbed her left knee as she fell to the grass. The teenager cried out in pain and remained on the court for several moments before eventually getting to her feet and making her way back to her chair.
Although she was able to walk unaided, Mboko appeared visibly distressed. She covered her face with a towel before retiring from the match and leaving the court in tears.
Pliskova, who was leading 6-2, 3-4 at the time, expressed sympathy for her opponent after the match.
She said it was unfortunate to see the contest end in that manner and praised Mboko's performance, noting that the young Canadian had been improving as the match progressed. Pliskova also said she hoped Mboko would recover in time for Wimbledon later this month.
Williams and Mboko are currently due to face Canada's Leylah Fernandez and Germany's Laura Siegemund in the doubles quarter-finals. Whether Mboko will be fit enough to compete remains unclear.
Former British number one Annabel Croft described the incident as heartbreaking, particularly given Mboko's excitement at partnering with Williams. Croft suggested the fall resembled a typical grass-court injury, where a player's legs move in different directions and place strain on the knee.
The injury also raises concerns ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on June 29. Mboko has emerged as one of the brightest young talents on the women's tour, and any lengthy absence would be a significant setback as she continues her rise in the sport.
For now, attention remains on her recovery and whether Serena Williams' comeback campaign at Queen's can continue.
