The setback unfolded during Mboko’s singles match against Karolina Pliskova, where she slipped in the second set and was unable to continue. What initially appeared to be a precautionary concern quickly escalated, with the teenager officially withdrawing from doubles competition the following morning and later pulling out of Wimbledon altogether.
Her absence reshuffled the draw at Queen’s Club, handing Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund a walkover into the semi-finals and abruptly halting what had been a promising doubles storyline involving Williams.
“Some moments mean more than trophies” — Williams reflects on setback
Williams, 44, who had returned to competitive tennis after nearly four years away, acknowledged the emotional side of the moment while sharing a personal message on Instagram alongside a photo of herself training in west London with her daughter, Olympia, watching courtside.
“Some moments mean more than trophies. Olympia,” she wrote, before adding: “What a fun and memorable week at HSBC Championships. Thank you to everyone who made it so special.”
The post reflected a softer tone amid the disappointment of losing her partner for the grass season, while also highlighting how her comeback has been shaped by family presence and selective participation.
Wimbledon return still uncertain but not ruled out
Despite the setback, Williams has not closed the door on a possible return to Wimbledon, where she has enjoyed historic success—winning six singles titles and multiple doubles crowns alongside her sister, Venus Williams.
Speaking after Tuesday’s match, she noted that organisers had given her flexibility over her schedule. “They have been great about giving me that space and time to decide,” she said.
Her potential appearance at SW19 now rests with the tournament’s wild-card committee, which will finalise selections next week.
Wimbledon leadership reacts to Serena buzz
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has acknowledged the renewed attention surrounding Williams’ comeback, with officials hinting that her presence would carry significant excitement for the Championships.
AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said at a press briefing: “I can't answer that question.”
However, she added: “We can all see how much excitement Serena being back on a tennis court and particularly on a grass court has created… the wild-card committee will formally make their decisions next week.”
AELTC chair Debbie Jevans also noted: “There is a meeting next week and I am sure it won't ignore her success at Wimbledon when making that decision.”
Attention shifts to Berlin and recovery timeline
With Mboko sidelined for the foreseeable future, Williams is expected to shift focus to the Berlin Tennis Open, where she has yet to confirm a doubles partner.
For Mboko, however, the priority is recovery, as her injury appears serious enough to rule her out of the entire grass-court swing—an abrupt halt to what had been a breakthrough season trajectory.
As Wimbledon approaches, the spotlight now splits between uncertainty over Williams’ wildcard fate and concern over a promising young player’s recovery.