Serena Williams Granted Seeding At Wimbledon

Former world No.1 Serena Williams has been given a seeding for next week’s Wimbledon Championships following a meeting held by The All-England Club on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old has been placed 25th in the draw, one spot behind Maria Sharapova. In recent weeks there has been a debate about whether Williams should be seeded or not. Since returning to the WTA Tour in February, Williams has only played in three tournaments. Resulting in her current ranking of 183rd in the world. At her last tournament, the French Open, she reached the fourth round before withdrawing due to injury.

Traditionally the women’s seeds in the Wimbledon draw are based solely on rankings. However, there is a provision in the rulebook that says a change could be made if ‘where, in the opinion of the committee, a change is necessary to produce a balanced draw.’ Allowing Williams to secure her place.

Earlier this week, Caroline Wozniacki spoke out in favour of awarding the American a seeding at SW19. Telling reporters at The Eastbourne International that Williams was ‘the greatest player to ever play in the sport.’ John McEnroe and Simona Halep have also previously urged changes to be made to rules to take into account maternity leave.

“I don’t think there would be a player that would complain, especially the top ones, if she was one of the top eight.” McEnroe told The Guardian earlier this week.

As a consequence of the decision, world No.32 Dominika Cibulkova will miss out on a seeding. On Tuesday the former world No.4 and Australian Open finalist told reporters that it would ‘not be fair’ if she missed out.

“I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.” Said Cibulkova.
“I think it’s just not fair. I have tried and I should be seeded. If they put her in front of me then I will lose my spot that I am supposed to have.
“I was a former number four, and it’s also like why should I not be seeded if I have the right to be?”

Heading this year’s women’s tournament world be world No.1 Simona Halep. The Romanian has reached the semifinals of the tournament once before back in 2014. Wozniacki follows in second place and defending champion Garbine Muguruza is seeded third. US Open champion Sloane Stephens and Elina Svitolina completes the top five.

Federer top dog, but no luck for Murray

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Eight-time champion Roger Federer will head the men’s draw. The Swiss No.1 has already won the singles trophy on more occasions than any other player in the history of the grand slam. After missing the entire clay court swing, he returned to the tour at the start of June. Winning the Mercedes Cup before finishing runner-up to Borna Coric at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

French Open champion Rafael Nadal will be seeded second. Seeking his first title at SW19 since 2010, the Spaniard has opted to not play in any grass court tournaments leading up to Wimbledon.

“I had a very intense campaign on clay and my body needed rest because drastic changes are not good,” Nadal said.
“I had to spend time adapting physically and in my tennis to the surface. I will certainly arrive at Wimbledon with less preparation, but I’m going with confidence high because I played very well through the whole clay-court season.”

Queen’s champion Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and Juan Martin del Potro complete the top five.

Further down the list, Novak Djokovic is in 12th position. The Serbian, who is a three-time Wimbledon champion, kicked-off his grass campaign last week. Finishing runner-up to Cilic at the Fever-Tree Championships.

Andy Murray will not be seeded. The British No.2 is currently pondering whether or not to play at the tournament as he continues his comeback from hip surgery. Although his coach, Jamie Delgado, has told The BBC that he really wants to play at the event.

The men’s Wimbledon rankings are calculated different to the women’s. They use the following formula :-

– Take the ATP Ranking points at 25 June 2018
– Add 100% of the points earned for all grass court tournaments in the immediate past 12 months period prior to 25 June 2018.
– Add 75% of the points earned for the best grass court tournament in the 12 months prior to that

Full list of seeds