LONDON: World number nine Victoria Mboko slipped and appeared to injure her knee during her last-16 clash against Karolina Pliskova at the Queen’s Club WTA tournament on Wednesday and could be in doubt for her doubles quarter-final with Serena Williams.

The 19-year-old Canadian teamed up with Williams to win a doubles match on Tuesday as the 44-year-old American great returned to action after almost four years away from the sport.

Having beaten third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe they were scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Mboko, trailing 6-2, 3-4 to the powerful Czech player, had a break point but fell awkwardly on the slick grass behind the baseline as she tried to change direction.

After being helped to the net she looked uncomfortable and emotional and opted to retire.

Earlier on a showery day at the pre-Wimbledon tournament, second seed Amanda Anisimova breezed past Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-1, 6-3 to set up a quarter-final against fellow American Iva Jovic who easily beat Alexandra Eala 6-2, 6-2.

On Tuesday, Williams made a winning return after four years in retirement as the American legend rolled back the years in a 7-6(7/2), 6-2 win over third seeds Routliffe and Melichar-Martinez.

“It was so much fun, it felt so natural playing with Vicky,” a beaming Williams said on court. “I guess I’ve got nothing better to do, I’m tired of sitting at home, my kids are out of school this summer so why not?”

It was like she had never been away as the 44-year-old produced her trademark thunderous serve and fearsome ground-strokes to the delight of a capacity crowd, including her two young daughters Olympia and Adira and husband Alexis Ohanian.

After appearing to end her glittering career four years ago, the 23-time Grand Slam champion stunned the sporting world on Monday with her shock announcement that she would compete in the Queen’s Club doubles.

Williams’ decision to pick up a racquet in a competitive setting for the first time since losing to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open had sparked questions about the wisdom of her move.

But she delivered a typically combative performance that will intensify questions over a potential return to singles action at Wimbledon, which starts later in June.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026