Serena Williams confirmed in a statement released today by her agent that she will return to competition at this year’s Wimbledon tournament – update: she’s also playing at the Wimby warmup tournament in Eastbourne* the week before, where she’s been given a wildcard. Here she is, via the NYTimes:
“I am so excited to be healthy enough to compete again. These past 12 months have been extremely tough and character building.
“I have so much to be grateful for. I’m thankful to my family, friends, and fans for all of their support. Serena’s back!”
So Wimbledon Champ “Serena’s back!” She hasn’t played on tour since winning the title at AELTC last year. I had to laugh at that last sentence, imagining it as an inside, chilling message to the rest of the WTA field (she’s BAAAACK, girls!) Venus is also rumored to be planning her return to tennis – she’s been out since January – at *Eastbourne and SW19.
Serena’s back! So. . .
Loading ...In semi-related news, Roger Federer, who told reporters after losing the French Open final yesterday that his goal this year was to win Wimbledon, has pulled out of this week’s Wimby warm up in Halle. His statement via rogerfederer.com:
Dear Fans
I’ve unfortunately decided to pull out of The Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany. I am very disappointed as its one of my absolute favorite tournaments on the ATP Tour, but my body, especially my groin, really needs a rest. After talking with my team this morning, I feel that its way to risky to take a chance on aggravating it even more before Wimbledon.
I send my very best wishes to all my fans in Halle, and again I am so sorry I can’t go this year. But I will see you next year.Yours,
Roger
Halle’s tournament director is not so pleased about Fed’s groin situation. Via tennis.com:
Tournament director Ralf Weber said Federer’s withdrawal was “a personal disappointment that I cannot describe at the moment.”
“I am stunned,” Weber said. “Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing. And he never gave us any doubts that he had health problems. I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management.”
So how are you feeling about it? Stunned? Relieved? Thinking a little too much about Roger’s groin region?
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