Serena Williams is set to play in the Wimbledon Women’s Singles event for the first time since 2022.
The American superstar received the final wildcard for this year’s event on Sunday afternoon.
Serena’s return to SW19 will be welcomed by many, not least by the American fans who watched her dominate the sport for the best part of 20 years.
How many singles matches do you think Serena Williams will win at Wimbledon this year?
With that being said, Serena’s wildcard nomination raises an uncomfortable question.
Should Serena have been awarded a wildcard ahead of a young, aspiring WTA talent?
Tennis fans have now had their say on the matter.
Tennis fans are divided over Serena Williams’ Wimbledon wildcard
Many fans on social media expressed their support for Wimbledon in making this decision.
“To those complaining: wild cards exist for a reason,” one fan said on X. “If Wimbledon grants it, the debate is over. She deserves it.
“This is the news I needed!” another added. “Serena on Centre Court again… nothing beats it. Thank you Wimbledon for making this happen.”
“The Queen and the GOAT have returned — the crown still rests on her, as magnificent as ever,” another comment read.
One fan also said: “Oh damn. She’s returned to singles and will be a terrific player this season.”
However, many have expressed their unhappiness.
Wildcards for the Wimbledon Women’s Singles event
- Maja Chwalinska
- Harriet Dart
- Alicia Dudeney
- Hannah Klugman
- Mika Stojsavljevic
- Katie Swan
- Mimi Xu
- Serena Williams
“Tennis is a professional sport and should be taken seriously like other sports,” one tennis enthusiast said.
“If she wants to continue playing tennis, she should play exhibitions. It is sad that fans have to say this.”
“Love Serena but why is she doing this?” another said on X. “All this is doing is giving women 20+ years her junior a chance to say they beat Serena Williams.
“I don’t see an upside to any of this. Doubles, yes. Singles, no.
Not sure how I feel about this,” another fan admitted.” One hand, it’s great to see her again.
“But she’s played 2 doubles matches, zero singles and straight into a Grand Slam?
“It’s either going to be a genius move. Or fall very flat.”
“Absolute disgrace. She has had her brilliant career,” one contributor also exclaimed vehemently. “Taking the spot of someone starting out in their career.”
Many expressed the disappointment in Serena being awarded a wildcard – but not Dan Evans.
Evans, a Davis Cup champion with Great Britain, recently announced his intention to retire at Wimbledon.
However, to the dismay of many, the Briton was not awarded a wildcard for the main draw.
“And not one for Dan Evans?” one fan commented under the Wimbledon post announcing Serena’s wildcard.
“Utterly ridiculous,” they added.
“Welcome this news and wish Serena all the best,” another began.
“I also hope Dan Evans, a former British number one and Davis Cup winner – who was not granted a wildcard – makes it through qualifying at his final Wimbledon.”
Serena is also set to compete alongside her sister, Venus, in the women’s doubles draw after the pair received wildcards for the event.
Serena and Venus, who have won a record-breaking six Wimbledon Women’s Doubles titles, will find out their draw for this year’s tournament on Friday.
Serena Williams’ last match win at Wimbledon
Serena has not won a singles match at Wimbledon since 2019.
That year, Serena reached the final of the event after defeating Barbora Strýcová in the last four.
She was then defeated in the final by Simona Halep: 6-2, 6-2.
Serena returned to the event in 2021 and 2022, losing in the first round on both occasions.
What do you think Serena Williams needs to do to make her comeback successful?
Harmony Tan defeated Serena in her last Wimbledon match, winning 7-6, 1-6, 7-6.
Remarkably, the possibility of Serena playing Tan at this year’s Wimbledon event has now arisen following the withdrawal of Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage from the main draw.
