Serena Williams hits out against Wimbledon courts system
Defending champion Serena Williams lashes out at being made to play her opening Wimbledon game on Court Two – dubbed the “graveyard of champions”.
Serena Williams spoke out against her relegation – and that of her sister Venus – to the outer courts at Wimbledon. She is demanding equal billing with the top men, who are yet to be scheduled other than to the show courts.
The defending women’s champion was backed by Stacey Allaster, the head of the WTA women’s tour, after complaining about being forced to play on Court Two.
“Venus and I have won more Wimbledons together than a lot of the players,” said Serena. “They like to put us on Court Two for whatever reason. I haven’t figured it out yet.”
Serena has won four singles titles and a further four doubles titles at Wimbledon, and Venus is the five-time singles champion.
Williams believes she and Venus, who also played her first round match on Court Two, are getting a raw deal in comparison to the elite men.
Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have so far played their matches exclusively on Centre Court and Court One.
29-year-old Serena overcame the early scare of losing the first set to beat Romanian Simona Halep on Court Two, 3-6 6-2 6-1. The court lies in the corner closest to Wimbledon Village at the All England Club. Serena noted the fact the top men are rarely asked to play anywhere but on the main two show courts.
Serena will play the Russian 26th seed Maria Kirilenko in the third round. Court allocation for this match is due to be announced on Friday evening, but it is presumed that this match will take place on either Centre Court or Court One.
Serena complained last year when her second round match against Anna Chakvetadze was put on Court Two on the day the Queen visited Wimbledon and watched the Centre Court action.
“Obviously they’re not going to change. I don’t make it a big issue. I think at some point maybe I should.” Serena Williams
The younger Williams sister has indicated she will not necessarily take it in her stride if she is sent away from the two main show courts again.
“I try to play my match and take that first and foremost, deal with whatever later,” Williams said. “But obviously they’re not going to change. I don’t make it a big issue. I think at some point maybe I should.”
Sister Venus was given her chance on Centre Court on Friday – winning her second round match with Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in straight sets.