Tennis insiders criticize Williams for Wimbledon wildcard at 44 years old
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 6:54 PM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Serena Williams' return to singles action at Wimbledon has prompted significant debate. Tennis insider Craig Shapiro has openly criticized the decision to award Williams a wildcard, suggesting it trivializes the sport. He questioned the merit of allowing a player who has been out of competition for four years to enter a Grand Slam without recent play. Williams, who is also paired with her sister Venus for doubles, recently participated in two grass-court tournaments, marking her first competitive matches in four years. The tennis community remains divided on her return, with concerns about the implications for women's tennis.
- •Serena Williams officially returns to Wimbledon singles competition.
- •Craig Shapiro labels Williams' wildcard entry a publicity stunt.
- •Williams last played in a professional match four years ago.
- •She competes alongside Venus Williams in the doubles event.
- •Williams has prepared through recent grass-court tournaments.
- 6:54 PMYahoo Sports — “Feels Like A Stunt” – Serena Williams Slammed By Tennis Insider For Accepting Wimbledon Wild Card At 44
"Serena Williams’ singles return at Wimbledon has become official. And while the tennis community rallies behind the returning legend, few from the sport’s inner circle have criticized Wimbledon for handing her a wildcard, with one prominent insider calling Williams’ move a “stunt.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- ATP•Jun 22, 2026, 8:20 PMSerena Williams Readies For Wimbledon Return: ‘No One’s Going To Want To Face Her’
ATP•Jun 22, 2026, 3:10 PMEvans not 'motivated more' by Wimbledon wildcard omission
ATP•Jun 22, 2026, 2:09 PMEx-Wimbledon champion Vondrousova given four-year ban- ATP•Jun 22, 2026, 1:11 PMA comeback at Wimbledon is crazy ... then again, it's Serena Williams
- ATP•Jun 22, 2026, 1:00 PMRece Davis to join ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage as studio host
- ATP•Jun 22, 2026, 11:38 AMWhy Record Heat May Ace Wimbledon This Year
