SERENA’S CENTRE STAGE AGAIN
SERENA WILLIAMS returned to Centre Court yesterday after she was drawn to face the world No.113 in her first singles match for a year.
The American superstar slipped and hurt her ankle in the opening round 12 months ago – and was only back in competitive action playing doubles in Eastbourne this week.
The All England Club have allowed top players to practise before the tournament on the two show courts for the first time this year in a bid to make them less green and slippery in the early matches.
And Williams,
40, underwent a 45-minute session with her hitting partner Jarmere Jenkins after learning she will face France’s Harmony Tan on Tuesday.
Spanish No.32 seed Sara Sorribes Tormo is her potential opponent in the second round.
Williams followed world No.1 Iga Swiatek (above) on to Centre Court yesterday.
The Pole is to be given the honour of playing the first women’s match on the main stage on Tuesday in the absence of retired champion Ash Barty.
Swiatek will bid to continue her 35-match winning streak against Croatian qualifier Jana Fett – with British wildcard Sonay Kartal waiting if the British world No.228 can send Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic packing.