Serena Williams in all American Wimbledon quarter final against Alison Riske
Serena Williams will be first up on Centre Court today as she faces compatriot Alison Riske in the quarter finals.
Having never met before in any Tour-level match, 45 ranking places separate the two Americans with seven time champion Serena Williams being the higher ranked at number 10.
Bidding to tie with Australia’s Margaret Court for the all time record of 24 major titles, Serena Williams lost in last year’s final 6-3 6-3 to Angelique Kerber. Missing the 2017 tournament, Williams’ last title came three years ago when she beat Kerber in the 2016 final.
At 37 years old the woman from Michigan is playing her 19th Wimbledon. Only her sister has played in more amongst active players, when she made her 22nd appearance this year.
Only nine time Martina Navratilova has won more Open Era Wimbledon singles titles than Williams, who is currently tied on seven with Steffi Graf. The 37 year old will hope to move to eight titles this week, as she now stand the bookies favourite to get her hands on the trophy.
Williams is also playing on Centre Court last today when she will partner Andy Murray in their second round mixed doubles match against French Fabrice Martin and American Raquel Atawo. So far this week she has beaten qualifier Gatto-Monticone in round one, then was given a tough three setter against Kaha Juvan when she was forced to battle from a set down to win 2-6 6-2 6-4. Williams looked in better rhythm in her third and fourth round matches, when she beat Georges and Suarez-Navarro in straights.
Alison Riske pulled off a shock win in the fourth round, as she beat world number one Ash Barty from a set behind. The 29 year old is making her first ever Grand Slam quarter final appearance in her ninth Wimbledon appearance and 30th Slam. She has spent 9hr 05 on court so far, which is the longest a player has spent on court before the quarter final since 2011.
The winner of this quarter final will meet either Britain’s 19th seed Johanna Konta or 54th ranked Barbora Strycova who play on Centre Court after.
Williams (USA)
Age: 37
WTA ranking: 10
Career Wimbledon record: 96-11
Career Grand Slam record: 341-47
2019 record: 13-3
Time spent on court so far: 5hr 10
Riske (USA)
Age: 29
WTA ranking: 55
Career Wimbledon record: 11-8
Career Grand Slam record: 18-29
2019 record: 17-12
Time spent on court so far: 9hr 05
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