Serena Williams’ doubles plans have taken an unexpected turn after her partner, Victoria Mboko, was forced to retire from her singles match due to an injury during the HSBC Championship at Queen’s Club.
Serena Williams to Partner With Karolina Muchova
Mboko Forced to Retire After Knee Injury
The 19-year-old Canadian suffered a leg injury while competing against Karolina Pliskova. Mboko slipped behind the baseline and immediately grabbed left knee during the second set. At the time of the incident, she had lost the opening set 2-6 but was leading 4-3 while attempting to break. Unable to continue, Mboko retired from the match and subsequently withdrew from the tournament.
“I wish her only the best. It is not the way I want to win, so hopefully she is going to be fine for Wimbledon,” Pliskova expressed following the match.
Doubts on Quarterfinal Appearance
Mboko had been partnering Williams in the doubles draw at Queen’s Club. The pair advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the Round of 16. They were scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the last eight on Thursday. However, Mboko’s withdrawal leaves their participation in doubt, with their opponents likely to receive a walkover into the semifinals.
Tennis Legend Resumes Competitive Career
Williams’ return to professional tennis had been one of the biggest stories of the season. The 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped back onto the court this week after nearly four years away from tennis. Her previous professional appearance came at the 2022 US Open, where she fell to Ajla Tomjanovic in the third round 5-7 7-6 1-6.
Muchova Confirmed as Williams’ Berlin Partner
Despite the setback involving Mboko, Williams’s plans for next week’s WTA Tournament in Berlin are already in place. The American confirmed that she will not continue her partnership with the Canadian and will instead team up with Karolina Muchova.
Muchova, currently ranked No. 10 in singles, will join Williams in Berlin as the former World No.1 continues her highly anticipated return to competition.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
