Desperately short of matches, Serena Williams says she’s considering a rare appearance at one of the Wimbledon tune-up events.
The 37-year-old US star has hardly played this year owing to injuries and has an available week after crashing out in the third round of the French Open on Saturday against compatriot Sofia Kenin.
Williams has been slightly struggling with form since returning from maternity leave last year, and is still hunting a record-tying 24th grand slam title – losing the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open finals.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion rarely plays tournaments ahead of the London grass-court climax but, with only seven matches since the Australian Open quarter-finals, needs some real tests.
“I’m definitely feeling short on matches, and just getting in the swing of things. I don’t really like playing out points when I practise,” Williams said on Saturday, admitting she is still “pretty far away” from the form she wants.
“So I have some time on my hands, so maybe I’ll jump in and get a wildcard on one of these grass-court events and see what happens.”
Williams added she didn’t regret coming to Paris, having played just one match on clay last month in Rome.
“I am glad I came. I love the city, and I love the tournament. I really wanted to be here. So I’m glad I came, at the end of the day. It’s just been a really gruelling season for me,” Williams said.