Serena Williams loses Berlin Open doubles match ahead of Wimbledon return
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Serena Williams and her Czech doubles partner Karolina Muchova were defeated in straight sets by Giuliana Olmos of Mexico and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand at the Berlin Open. This match followed the confirmation of Williams' return to Wimbledon to play alongside her sister, Venus. Williams, 44, noted she felt "more nimble and more sturdy and quicker" than in her previous match, emphasizing the need for quickness on grass. This was Williams' second match since announcing her comeback earlier in June, having won her first match at Queen's Club before her partner's injury ended their tournament. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, stepped away from tennis in 2022 but returned due to a desire to play in front of her daughters. Despite showing flashes of her powerful game, she acknowledged a lack of rhythm after a nearly four-year absence. She dismissed speculation about a singles return at Wimbledon, stating, "I need to get to work." Her last Grand Slam singles victory was the 2017 Australian Open, and she last won Wimbledon in 2016. The Williams sisters have secured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including six at Wimbledon.
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