LONDON: Serena Williams will take Wimbledon by storm whether she retains her title or not, Andy Roddick predicted on Thursday as he welcomed his fellow American back from a year of injury and illness.
Former world number one Williams, the powerhouse of women’s tennis for the past decade with 13 grand slam singles titles, has taken a wildcard for next week’s Eastbourne championships.
A foot injury and health problems had previously sidelined her since she won last year’s Wimbledon title.
Roddick said the 29-year-old’s return was not only good for American tennis but vital for the women’s game.
”Well, it’s great that she’s back,” Roddick told reporters after beating Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-4 in the third round of the Queen’s Club tournament on Thursday.
”I mean, I think, no disrespect to any of the women that are playing right now, but I think women’s tennis needs that dominating figure.
”She hasn’t played for a year but I think she still is that personality and, you know, she’s certainly going to probably be the top storyline going into Wimbledon.”
Serena has four Wimbledon singles titles to her name, one less than sister Venus who is also returning at the Eastbourne warm-up event after being ruled out since the Australian Open with an abdominal injury. (Reuters)
