Wimbledon 2018: world No.449 Serena Williams could be top seed

Seven-time champion dropped down the
rankings after having a baby last year

One-Minute Read

The seven-time Wimbledon champion has dropped to No.449 in the
Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings
having taken time away from the sport to have a baby. 

The Times reports that there had been confusion
at yesterday’s press conference when All England Club officials
were asked if Williams could be considered for one of the 32
seedings. 

All England Club chairman Philip Brook and chief executive
Richard Lewis had initially replied that “they believed Williams
had to be ranked within the world top 32 a week before the
championships”. But after a Times journalist said there was no
mention of this point in the tournament guidelines, a statement was
issued to clarify the rules.

An All England Club spokeswoman said: “The seeding order
follows the WTA ranking list except where, in the opinion of the
committee, a change is necessary to produce a balanced
draw.

“Therefore it is reasonable to state that the committee
would have the discretion to seed a player for the championships,
regardless of their WTA ranking. This discussion would take place
at the seeding meeting on 26 June.”

The Guardian tennis writer Kevin Mitchell
believes Williams should be seeded at Wimbledon “for the good of
the game”. Mitchell writes: “Having clarified that they can offer
the seven-time Wimbledon champion a seeding, the All England Club
must do the right thing or risk being seen to punish someone for
having a baby.”

2018 prize fund increases

This year’s Championships take place from 2-15 July and it was
announced that there will be an increase in prize money for the 2018
tournament.

The 2018 total prize money fund has increased by 7.6% to
£34m. Last year the total prize fund was £31.6m. The ladies’ and
gentlemen’s singles champions will receive £2.25m – an increase
from £2.2m in 2017.