No French Open seeding for the returning Serena Williams

Shahida Jacobs
May 22, 2018

French Open organisers have opted not to give Serena Williams a seeding following her return from maternity leave.

The American is on the entry list for the clay-court Grand Slam and it will be her first major since giving birth to her daughter Alexis in September.

Having spent more than a year out of action and after early exits at the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open, Williams has seen her world ranking slump to 453.

There had been calls for her to be seeded at Roland Garros as she was world No 1 before she went on maternity leave, but organisers have opted against it.

“This year again, tournament officials will establish the list and ranking of the women’s seeds based on the WTA ranking,” the French Tennis Federation told The Associated Press.

“Consequently, (the seeds) will reflect this week’s world ranking.”

Williams is able to compete at the French Open under the WTA’s Special Rankings Rule, which allows players who are returning from an enforced absence to use their previous rankings to enter up to eight tournaments within a year of their returns.

However, they are looking at rules when it comes to seedings.

“Historically, WTA players have not been supportive of the use of special rankings for seeding purposes,” the tour said in a statement to the Associated Press.

“We remain committed to evolving with the needs of our players and are very supportive of those players returning from maternity leave to the tour.”

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