Serena Williams has withdrawn from Wimbledon doubles competition with sister Venus due to a knee injury, ending hopes of a potential farewell Grand Slam campaign. The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced the decision via Instagram, sharing images of her bandaged knee and fluid extraction treatment. Williams, 44, returned to competition last month after a four-year hiatus, losing her opening singles match Tuesday in a marathon three-setter.

The injury occurred late in her first-round singles victory, forcing the tournament to grant the Williams sisters an extra preparation day for their doubles match. Despite receiving a wildcard entry for both events, Serena's knee reportedly did not recover sufficiently for the grass-court major. The 14-time doubles champions will be replaced by Samantha Murray Sharan and Lanlana Tararudee, who open against the British pair of Nell Jones and Scarlett Murphy.

Venus Williams also faced disappointment in mixed doubles, falling to Lloyd Glasspool and Tereza Mihalikova. While Serena reflected on her emotional return to Wimbledon, calling it a "gift" to compete again, the doubles withdrawal leaves their bid for a simultaneous singles and doubles farewell at the All England Club unrealized. Serena hinted at future play but provided no timeline.