WIMBLEDON: Simona Halep has stated that she is happy to play anywhere at Wimbledon as she dismisses any significance in the scheduling of the women’s matches.
The draw for the fourth day of the tournament has been revealed with two key names not getting a place on either Center Court or Court One. Top seed Ash Barty and current champion Angelique Kerber will instead contest their third round matches on Court 2. Meanwhile, two of the top three men’s seeds will play on the bigger capacity courts. Rafael Nadal plays Nick Kyrgios on Centre and Roger Federer plays Jay Clarke on Court One.
Questioned about the decision, Halep said it was irrelevant where players play their matches. Pointing out the unpredictability of the women’s game where the top-ranked players more frequently move around in the world rankings than the men.
“I think all the courts, the first courts here, are great. Doesn’t matter where you play.” Halep said following her second round win.
“I think many girls were at the top and now they are No. 6, 7. It’s not that bad that we are scheduled on Court 2 or Court 3. Everything, it’s okay here.’
“I really enjoy playing on all the courts. I love to play on Court 1. Court 2 was not that bad. I am happy everywhere.”
In the past Wimbledon have been criticized with allegations of giving preferential treatment to the men’s draw in their scheduling. However, in recent years there has been a significant improvement with both of the top courts featuring three male and three females matches. A move praised by 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams on Tuesday at The All England Club.
“I was here obviously when it was two men and one women’s match on each of the show courts. I think the last time I played here last year, they had started to make the change, maybe even the year before, I’m not sure, I don’t remember.” She said.
“I’m glad to see that they made different changes in continuing to support the women.”
Wimbledon was the last grand slam tournament to offer equal prize money. Doing so in 2007.
Thursday’s order of play
CC
Kei NISHIKORI vs Cameron NORRIE
Katerina SINIAKOVA vs Johanna KONTA
Nick KYRGIOS vs Rafael NADAL
C1
Kristina MLADENOVIC vs Petra KVITOVA
Jay CLARKE vs Roger FEDERER
Serena WILLIAMS vs Kaja JUVAN
C2
Ash BARTY vs Alison VAN UYTVANCK
Daniel EVANS vs Nikoloz BASILASHVILI
Lauren DAVIS vs Angelique KERBER
Matteo BERRETTINI vs Marcos BAGHDATIS
