Serena Williams and Venus Williams will have to wait at least one more day for their long-awaited Wimbledon doubles reunion.
Tournament organizers unexpectedly removed the sisters’ first-round doubles match from Thursday’s order of play. The schedule change came without a public explanation. The move also fueled questions about Serena Williams’ availability after she suffered a knee injury earlier this week.
The Williams sisters were set to play doubles together at Wimbledon for the first time in a decade. Their return has been one of the tournament’s most anticipated storylines. They accepted a wildcard into the draw after years away from Grand Slam doubles competition.
Serena’s status became uncertain following her first-round singles loss to Australian teenager Maya Joint. During that match, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion appeared to injure her right knee. She completed the contest but later skipped her required post-match news conference. Her agent said Wimbledon and WTA medical officials excused her because of the injury.
Injury Clouds Highly Anticipated Reunion
Despite the setback, Serena previously expressed optimism about competing alongside her older sister.
“My daughter, Olympia, told me I should play with Venus,” Williams said during the Berlin Tennis Open before Wimbledon. “She was like, ‘Mom, you have to play doubles with Auntie Venus.’”
After her singles defeat, Serena also shared an encouraging message with supporters through social media.
“Thank you @wimbledon. There’s nothing like being back on Centre Court. Thank you to all the fans. I gave everything I had. I am so grateful my girls got to see me out there. Now I’m doing everything I can to be ready for doubles with Venus.”
Officials have not confirmed whether the scheduling change relates directly to Serena’s health. The All England Club has not publicly stated why the match disappeared from Thursday’s schedule. Tournament schedules are typically finalized the evening before competition.
Sisters Chasing Another Wimbledon Memory
The doubles partnership carries special meaning for both players. Serena and Venus have built one of tennis’ greatest sibling legacies. Together they have won 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles. Six of those championships came at Wimbledon.
Their last Wimbledon doubles appearance came in 2016. They lifted the championship trophy that year. Their upcoming return marks another chapter in a partnership that has defined women’s doubles for more than two decades.
Venus recently reflected on sharing the court again with her younger sister.
“Serena and I have so much history here,” Venus said. “It’s really special to be back together.”
Fans packed the grounds throughout Serena’s singles comeback, underscoring her enduring popularity nearly four years after stepping away from full-time competition. Even in defeat, the crowd responded with extended applause as she exited Centre Court.
For now, supporters must wait to learn whether Serena’s knee will allow another memorable Wimbledon moment. If she is cleared to compete, the Williams sisters will have another opportunity to add to one of tennis’ most celebrated partnerships when their rescheduled doubles match is officially placed back on the tournament calendar.