Wimbledon Championships Brings About Significant Rule Change After Last Year’s Mishap Featuring Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic

The Wimbledon Championship is famous for its traditions. There are certain things that will never change in the grass-based Grand Slam. However, some factors demand attention and amendments. Such as the rule around practice in the main arena. Last year, the untouched center court of Wimbledon took down the 23 times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Williams, unaware of the amount of grip the center court supported, slipped during the very first round of the tournament. She walked out of the event and stayed out of the circuit because of the hamstring damage the match caused. Therefore, keeping in mind what happened last year, the Wimbledon Championship has made some changes.

Wimbledon’s decision about the center court

With a lot of complaints being lodged by players about the slippery surface at center court and court 1, the organizers of Wimbledon have finally passed the statement of letting players learn the court condition prior to the match through the practice session. Until now, only club members set foot on the center court outside of the Championships.

Also by allowing the players to practice in the grass courts ahead of the tournament will make the grass less moist and more worn. Thus reducing the chances of injury caused by slipping.

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Further, last year, many entities spoke about the potential threat the courts imposed, such as the former World No.1 Andy Murray. Murray found the courts “extremely” slippery. And eventual champion Novak Djokovic, said, “I don’t remember falling this many times on the court.” Also, Roger Federer suffered a lot because of the slippery courts, as he was already dealing with knee issues.

However, The All England Club defended the conditions at that time. And wrote, “The preparation of the grass courts has been to exactly the same meticulous standard as in previous years.”

What are the big names of this year’s Wimbledon Championship?

Firstly, Serena Williams, who has been out of action since last year’s Wimbledon, will return to action. She will compete for her 8th title there and will also chase her 100th match victory on the greens of Wimbledon.

Further, the other player who emerged from the rumors of retirement to participate in the tournament is Rafael Nadal. He will play for the title Novak Djokovic secured last year. Whereas Djokovic, who missed almost the entire hard court season and failed to defend his French Open title, will look forward to his fourth consecutive title in London.

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Apart from these players, some fresh faces will also be under the audience’s attention. Such as Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Coco Gauff, and the world No.1 Iga Swiatek.