Wimbledon is again on Serena Williams watch amid reports the iconic champion was offered crutches at the All England Club following her loss to Maja Joint due to injury, putting at risk an appearance in the doubles alongside her elder sister Venus.
As Aussie coach Rennae Stubbs hit out at a “lack of empathy” following the furore that arose over her initial lack of acknowledgement for Maya Joint and no show for media commitments, almost 14 hours later news broke of an injury worry.
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Skipping press commitments can draw fines of up to $50,000 but the citation of injury or illness is an acceptable excuse and Williams’ agent Jill Smoller released a statement to The Times of London stating the 23-time champion had injured her knee.
But the statement made clear that the icon, who appeared to have taping on her knee while training last week, was able to leave the club without assistance.
“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,” Smoller said.
“She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”
The 44-year-old did not appear hindered during her three set loss to Joint in her first singles since the 2022 US Open and at no stage did she call for or receive medical training during a match in which she launched a big comeback in the second set. She was also able to walk from the court without any issues, taking the time to wave goodbye to fans on Centre Court as they gave her a standing ovation following the gripping encounter that finished near 10pm.
Williams subsequently posted a congratulations to the young Aussie on social media on Wednesday while saying the knee issue was a concern.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the wild card – and even more grateful my daughters got to see that it’s never too late to chase something you love,” she wrote.
“I tweaked my knee late in the first set, but I’ll be doing everything I can to be ready for doubles with Venus.
“Congratulations to Maya Joint on a great match, and thank you to everyone who showed up and showed me so much love. That feeling will never get old.”
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The criticism clearly irked Stubbs, a former world No.1 doubles player and multiple major winner in the teams pursuits, who has been working with the seven-time major champion in her return to tennis.
“The hate and lack of empathy in this world is astounding to me, especially when you have no idea what you are talking about. (It) just blows my mind.”
Irrespective of how serious the “tweak” was, Williams produced an effort and performed at a level that more than justified the decision to grant her a wildcard, an offer that was criticised in some quarters despite her status as a seven-time champion.
While her statistics tailed off in the third set, midway through the match she was above average according to tournament metrics in most measures in what was an entertaining clash.
The Williams sisters, who have won the Wimbledon doubles crown on six occasions, have drawn Colombian Camila Osorio and Spaniard Solana Sierra in the opening round in a match that looks likely to be scheduled for Thursday.
Venus Williams, who is 46, has also received a wildcard into the Wimbledon mixed doubles championships.