Mboko Retires from Singles at Queen’s Due to Injury
The doubles partnership involving Victoria Mboko and Serena Williams faces uncertainty after Mboko was forced to retire during her opening singles match at the HSBC Championships in London.
Williams, aged 44, made her return on Tuesday, partnering with Mboko in their first doubles match. The pair secured a victory against Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe and are scheduled to compete next against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund on Thursday evening at Queen’s Club.
Mboko, who had a bye into the round of 16, was trailing by a set but leading Karolina Pliskova 4-3 in the second set when she slipped behind the baseline attempting to return a shot. This movement caused her to go into the splits, prompting a gasp from the audience.
Visibly distressed, Mboko spoke with attending medical staff and was initially able to stand and bear weight on her leg. However, the official reason for her retirement from the singles match was later confirmed as a left knee injury. The 19-year-old Canadian was heard on camera stating:
"there is no stability right now"
Mboko managed to walk independently to the bench, covering her face with a towel while consulting with her team. The umpire subsequently announced her retirement from the match, which was met with an encouraging reception from the crowd.
