Wildcards announced for 2022 Wimbledon, Including Serena Willams, Stan Wawrinka and Tim Van Rijthoven
After news of Serena Williams' comeback was released, it was confirmed that she has received a wildcard entry into this year's Wimbledon Championship
Serena Williams back on CourtShe will play in the women's singles draw along with other wildcard entries. She will even play WTA Eastbourne but only in the doubles with Ons Jabeur as her partner. On the men's side, the wildcard list includes several Brits such as Ryan Peniston, Liam Broady and Paul Jubb. The women's list has Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal and Katie Swan.
Alongside Williams, the non-British names include Stan Wawrinka who returned to the sport on the clay courts and has been a quarter-finalist twice at Wimbledon, the only Grand Slam he has not won. In addition, Dutch player Tim van Rijthoven who won the Libema Open as a wildcard outclassing Daniil Medvedev in the final has earned a wildcard. Meanwhile, another name will be announced on the men's side and two more on the ladies' side.
Serena Williams is ready to travel to Wimbledon with her sister Venus Williams' coach after split with Patrick Mouratoglow
The tennis world is swept with excitement due to the 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams' decision to return to the tour. The announcement was made on Tuesday and now the former world number one has shaken up her coaching team. The initial Wimbledon entry list did not have Williams' name but her recent statement confirmed her presence in the main draw of the ladies' singles as a wildcard.
She took to Instagram to share the news and also tagged her sister Venus Williams' coach Eric Hechtman. He later reshared the post on his Instagram story mentioning his upcoming trip with Williams. Although his bio still reads "Coach of Venus Williams," Hechtman, who has served as Venus' coach since 2019, was the team captain for three years securing the school record for the most all-time wins during his time at the University of Miami. He has also been a hitting partner for players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams, among others.
Serena Williams is no longer training under former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who is currently working with two-time Major champion Simona Halep. Williams and Mouratoglou started working together in 2012 and amassed 10 Grand Slam victories and an Olympic Gold medal for the American.
Iga Swiatek excited to witness Serena Williams' return
Among the WTA players, Iga Swiatek is excited about Williams playing at Wimbledon and commented on Serena's social media picture tagging Wimbledon confirming her participation. Swiatek commented on that picture stating her happiness. The Polish player is not concerned about the competition and seems excited to play Williams on the centre court. Swiatek had earlier revealed that the tournament for her is about learning how to play on grass more than winning the event.