The All England Club awarded Serena Williams the final singles wildcard for Wimbledon on Sunday. Williams, 44, has not competed in singles at the tournament since a first-round loss in 2022. She has also accepted a doubles wildcard alongside Venus Williams.
“Serena Williams handed Wimbledon singles wildcard in grand slam comeback”
Read at France 24 →“Serena Williams making stunning singles comeback with Wimbledon wild card”
Read at New York Post →The wildcard decision recognizes Williams's legacy and challenges assumptions about age and gender in elite sport.
“Institutional recognition of cultural influence and equity”
The award favors past achievements and name recognition over current merit and ranking standards.
“Preservation of competitive rigor and performance-based entry”
A private tournament exercised its right to set its own entry rules and Williams exercised her freedom to accept.
“Voluntary association and property rights of organizers”
All three prior views overlook the tournament's actual criteria, recent doubles activity, and effects on qualifying players.
“Absence of examination into merit standards and competitive distortion”
Ratings by MBFC