It has been an eventful week for the Americans so far in the tennis world. First, it was Frances Tiafoe breaking into the top 10 of the rankings. Next, it was Venus Williams who secured a win over a top 50 player in 4 long years. Her joy has been doubled over the past two days. She has been awarded a wildcard for the Wimbledon Championships this year and it would have definitely thrilled the five-time champion. Just yesterday, she defeated Camila Giorgi of Italy in a very tightly contested match in the Birmingham Classic.
And to receive news like this the very next day would only send her into a state of more happiness and intense joy. Just a few weeks ago, Williams kept fans in suspense about whether she would retire from the sport or not, but now the fans too would be relieved at their favorite player still marching on.
What it means for Venus Williams
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This wildcard would mean so much for Venus Williams, who did not play three of the last four grand slam events because of injury concerns. After the hiatus, she has now recuperated and is raring to go even though her age is 43. The former world no.1 and 5 time Wimbledon Champion would want to make a statement at her favorite tournament.
Venus Williams’ favorite surface is grass, without a doubt as she is a skillful volleyer with a great serve. Incidentally, she holds the record for the fastest female serve ever. So as they say, form is temporary, class is permanent, Venus Williams is an ominous opponent any day on grass. She can’t be counted out so easily. It requires some real strategy to outwit her. However, in the Birmingham Classic currently, Venus Williams faces a dangerous Jelena Ostapenko tomorrow. If she manages to win the duel, that will give her a massive surge in confidence and catapult her morale to even greater heights.
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Other notable wildcard mentions
Other notable wildcard entries include Britain’s Heather Watson, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Liam Broady, Katie Swan, Ryan Peniston, Jodie Burrage, Jan Choinski, Arthur Fery and George Loffhagen. All Russian or Belarussian players have been denied wildcards after they were banned last year.
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In the ladies’ doubles, the last wildcard winners were Serena Williams and Venus Williams in the year 2000 and 2002. In the gentlemen’s singles, the last Wildcard winner was the current coach of Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanisevic, in the year 2001.
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