Serena Williams’ singles return at the upcoming Wimbledon has already sparked widespread reactions across the tennis community. While many have praised the returning legend’s decision to professionally compete once again at one of the biggest Grand Slams of the year, some fans have started speculating about a potential high-profile matchup right at the starting round, as many suggest that Williams could be drawn against a top-seeded player at her first match.
Days after accepting a wildcard for a doubles run at Wimbledon, Williams was also awarded the final wildcard for Wimbledon’s singles draw. As Williams is returning after four years, she currently remains unseeded and holds no official WTA ranking. As a result, many have started assuming that the returning legend could be in for a first-round blockbuster matchup against one of the tournament’s top-seeded players.
One fan said:
Another fan speculated that Williams might get to meet Coco Gauff in the first round:
One user also put in Iga Swiatek as a potential first-round opponent:
Another fan asked the following:
One fan also suggested:
Wimbledon’s main draw ceremony will take place on Friday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m.
Serena Williams’ Dramatic Singles First-Round Exit In Her Last Wimbledon in 2022
Serena Williams had a startling time in tennis in 2022, during which she dealt with injuries and losses, most notably exiting SW19 from both singles and doubles. In her singles run, Williams went up against the then world No. 113, Harmony Tan, from France, in a bid to secure her eighth Wimbledon title after ending her 2021 Wimbledon campaign due to a hamstring tear.
Williams’ dream came to a startling end as Tan battled the seven-time Wimbledon champion in a grueling three-set match and pulled off a shocking upset win: 7-5, 6-1, 6-7. The loss was a repeat of her 2021 heartbreak, when she had to retire from battling Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the first round due to her hamstring tear.
Incidentally, Harmony Tan has just received a qualifying spot at Wimbledon this year, and it remains to be seen if the two could cross paths again for a supposed rematch.
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