• Wimbledon, Day Four

Serena criticism batted back by Wimbledon

ESPN staff
June 24, 2011
Serena Williams has her eye firmly on the Wimbledon title after beating injury and illness © Getty Images
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The All England Club has defended its scheduling in response to criticism from Serena Williams. The defending champion came off court on Thursday at a loss to explain why she and sister Venus are shunted away from the show courts.

Serena has battled back from injury and illness in time to defend her crown. She has made a solid if unspectacular start, dropping sets in her first and second-round matches.

She dug in to beat Simona Halep and walked off Court 2 and responded to questions about the venue with a verbal volley - demanding equal billing with the men.

Asked if it was insulting that the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were not asked to play on the outside courts, she responded: "Yeah, they're never moved across.

"Venus and I have won more Wimbledon titles than a lot of players, even just in doubles. I don't make a big issue but I think sometimes I should.

"But they are not going to change what they do. They seem to like to put us on Court 2 for whatever reason. Maybe one day we'll figure it out."

The All England Club responded by insisting there was no agenda against the Williams sisters.

"Scheduling is a complex business," a spokesman said. "The referees' team has to ensure a balance and fair order of play from many interests, including the spectators.

"What a great chance it was for the 4,000 spectators on Court 2 to see our ladies' champion."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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