Overview
- Serena Williams accepted a late singles wildcard and is scheduled to face Australia’s Maya Joint on Centre Court on Tuesday in her first Grand Slam singles match since 2022.
- Williams will also play doubles with her sister Venus, adding a high‑profile veteran pairing to the doubles draw.
- British No. 30 seed Emma Raducanu reportedly withdrew on the eve of the tournament after a scan showed a stress fracture in her lower right leg, ending local hopes for a home run.
- Several top seeds enter with fitness or form doubts — Aryna Sabalenka has shown inconsistent grass form, Jannik Sinner has been managing heat‑related issues and Carlos Alcaraz remains absent with a wrist injury — which could open the draw to upsets.
- Organisers announced a 20% increase in prize money this year, but players have criticised the rise as insufficient and Serena has said the demands of anti‑doping reporting nearly deterred her comeback, highlighting off‑court pressures on players.