Serena Williams‘ long-awaited return to competitive tennis has encountered an early setback.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion was due back on court at the HSBC Championship alongside doubles partner Victoria Mboko, but the pair has been forced out of the tournament following an injury to the Canadian rising star.

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Mboko sustained a knee injury during her singles match earlier this week and has subsequently withdrawn from the remainder of the event. As a result, Williams and Mboko will no longer compete in the doubles draw, handing their opponents a walkover into the semifinals.

The development comes just days after Williams marked her first competitive match since 2022 with a winning return at Queen’s Club.

Still, fans may not have to wait long to see the tennis icon back in action, with Williams already confirming plans to compete at next week’s Berlin Open.

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[Photo Credit: Getty]