Serena Williams will struggle to compete at Wimbledon – Former No 1

James Richardson
June 20, 2022

Former World No 1 Karolina Pliskova doesn’t fancy Serena Williams’ chances of challenging for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon after a year away from the game.

Williams dropped a bombshell last week when she announced her intention to play at Wimbledon.

She is warming up for the event by playing doubles with Ons Jabeur at Eastbourne.

Williams and Jabeur take on Marie Bouzková and Sara Sorribes Tormo in the Round of 16.

Regardless of how well the tournament goes for Williams and Jabeur, Pliskova reckons the 23-time Grand Slam winner will be underdone when Wimbledon gets underway next week.

“I don’t know how long it has been since she has played. Has it been a year? It is a long time and she is not the youngest any more so I suppose the body also takes some time to get back into shape,” Pliskova said speaking from Eastbourne, as quoted by Eurosport.

“Playing matches at tournaments is still very much different to just practising and from what I understand, she is not playing (singles) here [in Eastbourne], she is just playing doubles.

“I think it will be difficult, super difficult for her no matter which kind of player she is because this is a thing where you still need some time.

“But of course, she is an amazing player, she achieved so much and still a number of players will be super scared to play her. This is her advantage but let’s see the level. I cannot really say.”

‘Really lucky that she picked me. I’m really nervous’: Ons Jabeur on teaming up with Serena Williams

Williams hasn’t featured on the WTA Tour at all this season having last turned out at Wimbledon in 2021.

Her work off the court has picked up and many thought she might not make a serious return, but she appears intent on playing at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadow at the very least.

Williams retains the ambition of surpassing Margaret Court as the all-time leader of the Grand Slam singles trophy stakes.

She has accepted a wildcard offered to her by the All England Club and could pop up anywhere in the draw, which could give some top players a sleepless night or two.

Serena Williams