Serena Williams' hopes of teaming up with older sister Venus in the Wimbledon women's doubles have been boosted after their first match was placed into Saturday's order of play.
Together on a Grand Slam Court for the First Time Since 2022
The sisters, six-time women's doubles champions at the All England Club, are set to share a Grand Slam court again for the first time since 2022. They will face Colombia's Camila Osorio and Argentina's Solana Sierra. No court has been allocated for the match yet, but organisers have confirmed it will not be played before 16:30 BST.
All Eyes on Serena's Fitness
The late timing appears designed to give Serena as much time as possible to prove her fitness, after her knee swelled up during a three-set defeat in singles to 20-year-old Joint. Sources close to the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said on Friday that the plan remains for her to play doubles.
Having been given a wildcard, the Williams sisters are likely to be placed on one of Wimbledon's biggest show courts once the day's singles matches have finished. The loose scheduling also works in the organisers' favour, since it leaves no complications if the sisters do end up withdrawing at the last moment.
Serena Skips Media Duties
Serena did not speak to reporters after her singles exit, with Wimbledon organisers saying she was "not able to undertake" her media obligations.
Serena's agent, Jill Smoller, said: "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 added: "She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week."
