Serena Williams' comeback cut short by partner's injury at Queen's Club

Serena Williams' much-anticipated return to professional tennis lasted just one match after her doubles campaign at Queen's Club came to an abrupt end on Thursday due to an injury suffered by her partner Victoria Mboko.

The 44-year-old American had marked her comeback in style on Tuesday, returning to the court for the first time since the 2022 US Open and helping 19-year-old Canadian Mboko upset third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (2), 6-2 in the opening round.

However, the excitement surrounding Williams' return proved short-lived. Mboko was forced to withdraw from the tournament after sustaining a left knee injury during her singles last-16 clash against Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday.

The teenager collapsed while trailing 6-2, 3-4 and was unable to continue, leaving the court in tears.

As a result, Williams and Mboko pulled out of their scheduled quarter-final against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, who advanced to the semi-finals via a walkover.

Dream return cut short

Williams' appearance at Queen's Club had generated enormous interest, with the seven-time Wimbledon champion making her first professional appearance in 1,375 days.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion stepped away from the sport following the 2022 US Open, famously saying she was "evolving" away from tennis rather than retiring.

Despite the long absence, Williams showed flashes of her old brilliance alongside Mboko.

The pair produced an impressive victory over Melichar-Martinez and Routliffe, raising hopes of a deep run at the grass-court event.

But those hopes disappeared less than 48 hours later because of Mboko's unfortunate injury.

Berlin Open next on Serena's schedule

The premature exit does not mean the end of Williams' comeback.

The former world No. 1 is expected to return to action next week at the Berlin Open, where she is set to compete in the doubles draw once again.

While her partner has not been officially confirmed, reports from The Times of London suggest Czech star Karolina Muchova could team up with the American great.

Whether Williams will also make an appearance at Wimbledon remains uncertain.

With seven titles at the All England Club and 23 Grand Slam singles crowns overall, the tennis legend's return has already reignited excitement among fans.

But her Queen's Club campaign served as a reminder that even the most eagerly awaited comebacks can hinge on factors beyond a player's control.