Serena Williams’ comeback in doubles at the grass-court tournament at Eastbourne ended prematurely, due to a knee injury to her partner Ons Jabeur, which meant they were unable to play in their semi-final.
“Jabeur/Williams have withdrawn from their semi-final due to an injury to Ons Jabeur’s right knee,” the English tennis federation wrote on its Twitter account.
The American-Tunisian couple had to face the Polish Magda Linette and the Serbian Aleksandra Krunic for a place in the final.
In the first round, on Tuesday, the Tunisian had slipped and in the quarter-final match on Wednesday, she often touched her right knee, having discomfort.
Registered in this tournament to prepare for Wimbledon, which she has won seven times, Williams had passed, at 40 years of age and a blank season, the first two rounds with the world number three in singles.
At Wimbledon, Williams will play the singles thanks to a wild card awarded by the organizers.
“I feel good. As good as it gets after a long time without playing,” the American said after her match on Wednesday.