Serena Williams and Karolina Muchova lose opening doubles match at Berlin Open after tactical experiment

Serena Williams teamed up with Karolina Muchova for a one‑time doubles entry at the Berlin Ladies Open. The pair, assembled only a week before the tournament, were beaten in the first round 4‑6, 4‑6 by the duo of Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmas.

Williams broke a decades‑long habit by serving from the left side of the court, a move intended to sharpen her singles return game. The change did not pay off, and both players cited limited coordination and lack of dedicated doubles practice as key factors in the loss.

Muchova, the world No. 10 in singles, remains focused on her Wimbledon preparation, with a final warm‑up at the Bad Homburg Open. Williams retains a guaranteed wild‑card for Wimbledon doubles with sister Venus and may also appear in singles warm‑up events such as Bad Homburg or Eastbourne.