Serena Williams has been a highly visible presence at the All England Club this week, training intensively ahead of her first singles match at Wimbledon after four years of retirement. The former champion, now 44, took the last available singles wildcard into the women's draw, announced by the All England Club on Sunday evening.
Training and Preparation
Williams has been training with various players, including Marta Kostyuk, Maria Sakkari, and Jaqueline Cristian. During a practice session on court 10 in Aorangi Park, Kostyuk, known for her outspoken nature, was left speechless when Williams thanked her, responding, "No, thank you for playing with me." Williams's serve remains a formidable weapon, though her movement and footwork are still recovering. She played points with Kostyuk for over an hour, striking the ball cleanly and prompting Kostyuk to smack her racket bag in frustration.
Motivations for Return
Williams has framed her comeback as an opportunity to share her profession with her children, Olympia and Adira. Her eldest daughter, Olympia, accompanied her during practice at Queen's Club. However, other motivations are speculated, including her role as spokesperson for Ro, the company manufacturing the GLP-1 drug Zepbound. The broadcast of her comeback doubles match at Queen's Club was sponsored by Ro. Some wonder if she misses the limelight or was simply bored.
First Round Draw and Potential Path
Williams received a favorable first-round draw against Maya Joint of Australia, a 20-year-old player who has lost 13 of her past 14 matches. If she wins, her first seeded opponent could be 29th seed Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Defending champion Iga Swiatek, the third seed, could await in round three. Williams's level remains uncertain, especially given her late wildcard decision.
WTA Landscape
The WTA is in a curious state, with top players Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff all showing unconvincing form. Sabalenka, the top seed, is enduring her worst run since becoming world No. 1. Gauff is not ranked inside the top four and struggles on grass. Mirra Andreeva, 19, is determined to add to her French Open title. Deep runs from Karolina Muchova, Belinda Bencic, or Jessica Pegula are possible. Elina Svitolina withdrew from Bad Homburg with a hip injury.
For the first few days of Wimbledon, Serena Williams will dominate attention at the All England Club, as she has for much of the past three decades.
