While tennis fans are on Serena and Venus Williams watch for women’s doubles, hoping the two do not withdraw because of Serena’s injury, 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalists and 2025 French Open champions Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani quietly withdrew from Wimbledon.
Paolini and Errani were unable to defend their French Open title last month due to Paolini’s ongoing injuries. Errani paired with Austrian Lilli Tagger, but the two lost in the second round. It is not clear what prompted the withdrawal. Paolini remains in singles with a third-round match against Maria Sakkari scheduled for July 4.
Advertisement
MORE: Fans eager for Wimbledon ‘pretty match’ with Grigor Dimitrov, Matteo Berrettini
Serena and Venus set to play on July 4
Meanwhile, Serena Williams is set to take the court on Saturday with her sister Venus for women’s doubles. The pair have not played together since Serena’s farewell tournament, the 2022 US Open.
Aug 5, 2012; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams (USA), left, and Venus Williams (USA) during the gold medal ceremony after winning the women’s doubles competition during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wimbledon. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
In their prime, the Williams sisters were unbeatable in women’s doubles. They won 14 Grand Slams and two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012). The 2012 Olympic gold came at Wimbledon, and their last Grand Slam win in 2016 was also at the All England Club.
Advertisement
MORE: Learner Tien shares unusual social media post from hospital after Wimbledon loss
Though in their mid 40s, many believe they can still be competitive in doubles. Martina Navratilova was also in her 40s when she won her final women’s doubles Grand Slam at the US Open in 1990.
The match time is yet to be determined, but the Williams sisters will face Solana Sierra (who nearly upset Coco Gauff in singles on Thursday) and Camila Osorio.
