Serena Williams' attention turns to Wimbledon after doubles partner Ons Jabeur withdraws at Eastbourne due to injury

ByEurosport

Published 23/06/2022 at 10:27 GMT

Serena Williams and Ons Jabeur have quickly gained a popular following in the doubles at Eastbourne this week, but their run has come to an end as the Tunisian has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a knee injury. Williams and Jabeur had won their opening two matches and have both expressed their joy at playing alongside each other. Serena's focus now turns to Wimbledon next week.

Ons Jabeur and Serena Williams have withdrawn from WTA Eastbourne due to the Tunisian picking up a right knee injury.

Jabeur and Williams joined forces for the Wimbledon warm-up event on the south coast of England in what was Serena's first tournament since suffering an injury at Wimbledon last year.

The pair were due to play Aleksandra Krunic and Magda Linette in the semi-finals, but Jabeur's injury means the Serbian and the Pole will receive a bye into the final.

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Williams and Jabeur defeated Shuko Aoyama and Chan Hao-ching 6-2 6-4 on Wednesday, a day after beating Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova in three sets 2-6 6-3 13-11.

The duo agreed their partnership was flourishing after reaching the semi-finals.

"I think we played much better today,” Williams said. “Although I thought we played really good together yesterday too but Ons really held me up today.

"She was playing so good. I was looking up to her and was thinking 'wow she is playing so great' so it's good."

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Jabeur responded, saying she’s “getting used” to playing with her 40-year-old partner.

"I'm getting used to this really," she said.

Williams' attention will now turn to Wimbledon where she has been awarded a wild card.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion will be bidding to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.

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Watch daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm on Eurosport 2 and discovery+ from June 27, as well as the two singles finals live on July 9 and 10.

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