Groundsman dismisses criticism

Wimbledon’s head groundsman has staunchly defended the condition of the courts following criticism from players.

A number of players have claimed the grass is more slippery than in previous years, with Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic branding Court 18 dangerous.

Neil Stubley, the All England Club’s head of courts and horticulture, said: “We set them up to the exact standard we’ve done in many previous years.

“The players have their reasons why they’re saying they’re more slippery.

“I don’t know if there’s been more slips this year or whether it’s just a couple of high profile ones.

“Obviously we’ll listen to players because their feedback is important but the data shows to us that those courts that are in question are within range of the other courts and they are within the range of previous years so that’s all that we can work to.”

Stubley acknowledged the heat of the first week has been a challenge but insisted the courts are no more worn, particularly around the baseline, than would have been expected.