Williams, Jabeur withdraw from Eastbourne semifinals due to an injury

In their two matches, Serena Williams and Ons Jabeur wowed crowds at the Eastbourne International. Sadly, the pair will not play in the semifinal after withdrawing from the tournament.

Williams' first match since last year's Wimbledon was alongside Jabeur against Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo in the opening round. After a thrilling battle, Williams and Jabeur prevailed 2-6, 6-3, 11-9.

They played Shuko Aoyama and Chan Hao-Ching in the following round. The American and Tunisian won far more comfortably than their previous round, easing into the semifinal 6-2, 6-4.

Williams and Jabeur were scheduled to face Magda Linette and Aleksandra Krunic in the semifinal. Fans were excited to watch the high-profile pair try and reach a final in the 23-time Grand Slam champion's first tournament back.

Unfortunately, that prospect is now over. Many may assume Williams made this decision after spending so much time sidelined with an injury, but it was actually her partner who elected to withdraw.

Read also

Why is Serena Williams playing with black plasters on her face?

In their first-round match against Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo, Jabeur slipped and hurt her right knee. After some initial discomfort, the Tunisian seemed okay and played two matches without any visible difficulties.

However, it turns out Jabeur is still feeling the effects of that injury. With Wimbledon starting in a few days, this year's Madrid Open champion has chosen to be cautious by withdrawing from the Eastbourne International due to concerns about her injury.

Although this is disappointing news for the fans of the WTA-500 event, Jabeur's decision is entirely understandable. The Eastbourne International is a great tournament, but Wimbledon is the most essential part of the grass-court season.

Despite the premature end, the tournament was great preparation for both players. Jabeur undoubtedly learned a lot by competing alongside a legend of the sport, and Williams played herself into a good rhythm ahead of Wimbledon.  

Read also

"I grew up watching Serena" - Sakkari on Williams return To Tennis