SERENA Williams will defend her Wimbledon title after announcing she will make her return to tennis after 12 months out at Eastbourne, one of the preparation events for SW19. The former world number one last appeared competitively at Wimbledon last year, where she beat Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2.
“I am so excited to be healthy enough to compete again,” said the four-time Wimbledon champion. “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!”
Shortly after the Wimbledon final last July, Williams cut her foot on broken glass at a restaurant, an injury which needed two operations, then this year she underwent emergency treatment on life-threatening blood clots inside her lungs. Her ranking has slipped to 25th in the world.
Williams, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, will feature alongside her sister Venus at both Eastbourne and London after both missed the French Open in Paris. Venus has not played on the WTA tour since January.
The draw for the south coast tournament, which begins on June 11, contains 13 of the world’s top 20 players including Roland Garros champion Li Na.
Eastbourne tournament director Gavin Fletcher said of the wildcard award: “Eastbourne has always had a huge soft spot for Serena, and people here will be absolutely thrilled that she’s back playing world class tennis, and that she’s chosen the grasscourts of Devonshire Park as the venue for her return. Serena can be guaranteed a huge welcome when she arrives.”
Wimbledon begins on June 20.