In the past, Serena Williams might've taken the bait, but not on the eve of the 2014 Wimbledon.
Is Wimbledon made at Serena Williams? Centre-court snub and difficult draw await No. 1 player
USA TODAY Sports reported that Williams was nonchalant about the controversy over Wimbledon officials allowing 2013 finalist Sabine Lisicki to open women's play on Centre Court. Because 2013 champion Marion Bartoli retired, Wimbledon had three options as to whom it would choose to earn the honor of playing on Centre Court.
Wimbledon officials could've picked the 2012 champion, which was Serena. Or they could've selected the current No. 1 player in the world, which is Serena. Or they could've taken the finalist from last season, which is Lisicki.
When asked, Williams said she didn't mind the choice.
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She was in the final last year, so she was two sets closer than I was," Williams said, as reported by USA TODAY Sport. So why not?"
Well, because Lisicki isn't exactly on top of her game as Wimbledon begins. She is just 8-8 this season and 17-16 since defeating Williams last year 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 in the fourth round.
USA TODAY Sports added that Serena has expressed feeling slighted by Wimbledon officials in the past.
In 2011, Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon champion, started play on Court 2. Serena then played on Court 2 during the second round.
"They like to put us on Court 2, me and Venus, for whatever reason," Serena told reported during the 2011 Wimbledon championship. "I haven't figured it out yet. Maybe one day we'll figure it out. I don't know."
Serena added then that top male players such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer "never move across" to outside courts.
As the 2014 tournament begins, Williams said she doesn't care which court she begins her quest for a sixth Wimbledon crown. She faces fellow American Anna Tatishvili.
Do you think Wimbledon snubbed Serena Williams? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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