Serena Williams' return to professional tennis at the Queen's Club WTA tournament ended after just one match. The 44-year-old American, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, returned to action after nearly four years away from the sport, partnering with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko. On Tuesday, the duo won their opening doubles match, defeating third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (2), 6-2.
The comeback was put on hold after Mboko, the world number nine in singles, suffered a left knee injury during her last-16 singles clash against Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday. Mboko slipped behind the baseline and told a physiotherapist there was no stability in her knee. Trailing 6-2 3-4, the Canadian retired from the match and was subsequently forced to withdraw from the tournament.
As a result of Mboko's withdrawal, the pair will not play their scheduled quarterfinal match against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund on Thursday. Williams is now set to continue her return to the sport by playing doubles at the Berlin Open next week, though her partner has not yet been announced. She may also seek a wildcard for the Wimbledon championships.