The future of Victoria Mboko’s doubles partnership with Serena Williams was plunged into doubt after the Canadian was forced to retire in her opening singles match at the HSBC Championships in London.
Williams, 44, made her comeback to tennis on Tuesday, securing a win alongside Mboko in their first doubles match.
The duo beat Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe, and are scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund on Thursday evening at Queen’s Club.
Mboko, who received a bye into the round of 16, was down a set but leading Karolina Pliskova 4-3 in the second when she slipped behind the baseline trying to return a shot, effectively forcing her into the splits, evoking a gasp from the crowd.
Mboko was visibly upset as she spoke to the attending staff and was initially able to get up and bear weight, though the official reason later given for her retirement from the singles match was a left knee injury. The 19-year-old Canadian was heard on camera saying “there is no stability right now”.
Mboko was able to walk over to the bench independently, burying her face behind a towel as she continued to consult her team, before the umpire eventually announced she would be retiring from the match to an encouraging reception from the crowd.
