Why Wimbledon organizers were absolutely correct to give Serena Williams her wildcard

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Serena Williams will make a dramatic return to Wimbledon this year after receiving a wildcard to play doubles.

And much to the delight of Wimbledon fans, Williams will play at the iconic Grand Slam alongside her sister Venus Williams.

Serena Williams has just returned to the WTA Tour at the age of 44, having successfully linked up with Victoria Mboko in her first match back at Queen’s.

She also committed to doubles at the Berlin Open with Karolina Muchova, but will now make the step up to Grand Slam level beside Venus Williams.

Unsurprisingly, British players have been heavily favored by the Wimbledon wildcard system, but the correct decision has definitely been made to hand one to Williams.

How far will Serena Williams and Venus Williams go at Wimbledon?

They’ve won six Wimbledon doubles titles together…

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Wimbledon organizers right to give Serena Williams her wildcard

With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Williams’ efforts over the years speak for themselves, but it’s worth remembering her stunning doubles success too.

She boasts 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, all with her older sister, with the iconic duo having won every single final that they have played in together.

Six of those titles arrived at Wimbledon, while both players have climbed as high as number one in the WTA doubles rankings.

It remains to be seen what level they can produce together, but one certainty is that they will fill out the Wimbledon stands upon their return.

And that is perhaps the biggest pull for tournament organizers, who know exactly what they are doing with this intriguing wildcard decision.

The fact that all-British pairings account for all six of the other doubles wildcards epitomizes the status of the legendary sisters, even at this stage of their careers.

Which women’s doubles pairings have received Wimbledon wildcards?

Many British players will now be looking to make their mark on the big stage after receiving Wimbledon wildcards for the women’s doubles event.

And while fans will be hoping they can enjoy lengthy runs at the All England Club, the most support will likely be reserved for the Williams sisters.

It is truly sensational for tennis that they are taking on the Grand Slam together, particularly given they have a combined age of 89.

• Katie Boulter/Heather Watson
• Madeleine Brooks/Amelia Rajecki
• Jodie Burrage/Mika Stojsavljevic
• Freya Christie/Eden Silva
• Harriet Dart/Maia Lumsden
• Alicia Dudeney/Mimi Xu
• Serena Williams/Venus Williams

But it is certainly not the only exciting doubles pairing to take on the tournament this summer, with ATP icons Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik teaming up in the men’s event thanks to a wildcard.

Again, all-British duos dominate the entry list with the four other confirmed wildcards, with two spots yet to be announced.