Serena Williams’ Queen’s Club Return in Doubt After Doubles Partner Victoria Mboko Suffers Injury

Posted : 11 June 2026

Serena Williams’ highly anticipated return to professional tennis has been thrown into uncertainty after her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, was forced to retire from her singles match at the WTA event at Queen’s Club due to injury.

The 44-year-old Williams made a successful comeback on Tuesday, teaming up with the Canadian teenager to secure a straight-sets victory in the doubles competition. The pair impressed in their opening match, defeating the third-seeded team of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe to advance to the next round.

However, concerns emerged on Wednesday when Mboko suffered an injury during her singles encounter against Karolina Pliskova. After losing the opening set, the 19-year-old had battled back and was leading in the second when she slipped while attempting to chase down a shot behind the baseline.

The awkward fall forced Mboko into an involuntary split, immediately drawing concern from spectators and medical staff. She appeared visibly distressed as she received treatment on court and later indicated that her left knee felt unstable. Following further consultation with her team, she was unable to continue, and officials confirmed her retirement from the match due to a knee injury.

The setback could have wider implications for the tournament. If Mboko is unable to compete in the doubles event, Williams would also be forced out, bringing an abrupt end to her first competitive appearance since the 2022 US Open.

Williams’ return to the court has generated significant excitement. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion surprised the tennis world by announcing her participation at Queen’s Club, where she is competing exclusively in doubles as she eases back into competition.

After her opening victory, Williams said she thoroughly enjoyed sharing the court with Mboko and revealed that her motivation for returning was largely driven by a desire to compete in front of her children. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and daughters Olympia and Adira were present to watch her comeback in London.

The American legend is also scheduled to participate in doubles at next week’s Berlin Open, although she has remained noncommittal about whether she will compete at Wimbledon. While acknowledging discussions with tournament organisers, Williams said she is still considering her options regarding a potential appearance.

For Mboko, who has often described Williams as her tennis idol, the opportunity to play alongside one of the sport’s greatest players was a memorable milestone. The young Canadian said she was grateful for the experience and viewed it as a valuable chance to learn while competing at the highest level.

Attention now turns to Mboko’s recovery, with Williams’ immediate future in the tournament dependent on the severity of her partner’s injury.

Serena Williams’ Queen’s Club Return in Doubt After Doubles Partner Victoria Mboko Suffers Injury

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