Serena Williams is getting closer and closer to a highly anticipated Wimbledon return.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been awarded a wildcard for the event, which returns to the calendar later this month.
She will play singles and doubles at Wimbledon, competing in the latter alongside her sister Venus Williams.
Williams trained with Maria Sakkari as part of her preparations for singles, having last played in that format at Wimbledon in 2022.
She also received a wildcard back then, but was beaten in her opening match by Harmony Tan, who won 5-7, 6-1, 7-6[7].
The Frenchwoman has now reacted to the return of Williams, which was remarkably confirmed on the same day that Tan clinched a place in qualifying.
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Harmony Tan reacts to Serena Williams playing Wimbledon singles
As quoted by the WTA website, Tan said of their match on Centre Court four years ago: “It was a great experience because I played on the really big court with many people.
“And now when I play on the big court, I’m good.
“Now I’m good when I play Top 10 or Top 20 players.
“It was a crazy week with many press and media, everything.
“But now I know how to deal with this.
“She’s a legend, you know?
“She can come back everywhere.
“I hope I can qualify and maybe play Serena for the first round.
“I have a chance.”
Tan has been making the most of her current situation at Wimbledon, having been the first alternate in the qualifying draw.
She has replaced British qualifying wildcard Jodie Burrage following her withdrawal because of illness.
Tan has just knocked out wildcards Mia Pohankova and Esther Adeshina, and now meets Tyra Grant in third round qualifying.
Serena Williams’ former coach suggests if she can win Wimbledon
With the luxury of a wildcard, 44-year-old Williams does not need to worry about the stress of qualifying for Wimbledon.
Sharing his verdict on the American as the event nears, her former coach Rick Macci wrote on X in his typically unique style: “Can Serena win Wimbledon? No.
“Can she beat top ten players? Yes.
“The X factor is movement and being nimble on the grass.
“The footwork patterns are totally different than playing with kids in your backyard on grass.
“But she has enough game even though not the same because she can still launch a flame and many opponents she can still box in and tame.”
It remains to be seen how Williams will perform at the All England Club, but one certainty is that fans will flock to watch her play at the iconic venue.
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