Serena Williams injures knee on Wimbledon singles return

Serena Williams lost her first singles match in nearly four years on Tuesday at Wimbledon, falling to Australia's Maya Joint in three sets. The 44-year-old American showed flashes of her former level on Centre Court but could not complete the comeback after her right knee swelled during the match.

Injury and medical response Williams tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and continued without on-court treatment. Medical staff offered her crutches after the match, which she declined, and she left the site unaided. "Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams," said Williams' agent Jill Smoller.

her sister are scheduled to play doubles on Friday for the first time at a Grand Slam since 2022. Officials have not confirmed whether she will be fit enough to compete. The injury occurred before the final set, according to sources who spoke to BBC Sport, and Williams declined treatment despite advice against continuing.

Context of the return Williams had not played at Wimbledon since 2022, when she said she was "evolving away" from tennis rather than retiring. Her appearance drew significant attention at the All England Club, where she has won seven singles titles and six doubles titles. Joint won the match 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 after holding off a late push from Williams in the deciding set.