Thiem makes Serena mixed doubles offer

Austria’s Dominic Thiem has extended an olive branch to Serena Williams, after their media room misunderstanding at the French Open, by offering to partner the American in mixed doubles at Wimbledon or the US Open.

Thiem, who was runner-up at Roland Garros, was left fuming after being asked to make way for Williams at a post-match news conference after her third-round defeat in the first week of the tournament.

Williams, who had just lost in straight sets to Sofia Kenin, was given preference over Thiem by tournament organisers so she would not be kept waiting to fulfil her press commitments.

Thiem accused the American of showing “bad personality” and treating him like “a junior”.

“Probably it was not Serena’s mistake,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“I find her achievements unbelievable, sensational. I would like to make amends with her in Wimbledon or the US Open mixed doubles.

“In retrospect, it was funny that such an organisational mistake happened at a Grand Slam tournament. What I do not understand is that it blew up so much.”

World No.4 Thiem, a clay-court specialist, said he wanted to improve his record at Wimbledon, where he has never reached the quarter-finals.

He retired midway through his opening round match against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis last year.

“Wimbledon is special,” the 25-year-old added.

“I want to show myself better than last year. At that time I was slightly injured and had to give up in the first round.

“Now I see good chances to get relatively far.”

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