Serena Williams’ former coach explains why he was surprised after she asked for a singles wildcard at Wimbledon

How far will Serena Williams go in Wimbledon singles?

The 44-year-old has received a wildcard…

Williams has not played a WTA Tour-level singles match since the 2022 US Open, where she initially retired from the sport.

Ahead of her return, her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said he was surprised after she was handed a wildcard for the event.

Patrick Mouratoglou reacts to Serena Williams’ singles wildcard

In a post on Instagram, Mouratoglou said: “Tennis players are addicts, and their drug is called adrenaline. What Serena is looking for is some adrenaline back because she probably misses it.

“For me it was a surprise that Serena asked for the wildcard singles in Wimbledon. She played only two matches and two doubles matches. Of course she practices but practice is one thing and playing a match is a totally different thing.

“She’s really courageous to show herself in such a vulnerable situation because she has no idea how she can play. She didn’t play one single match for four years. She didn’t even practice for years.

“She’s coming back at 44 years old having no idea about what she can accomplish on a tennis court playing singles.

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“I think that’s the best way for her to see where she stands in terms of level, in terms of movement, in terms of ability to perform at the highest level.

“She’s in a Grand Slam. Everybody’s looking at her. The pressure that she’s going to feel is going to be crazy.

“Serena is afraid like everybody’s afraid but when she’s afraid the difference is, she goes.

“She has no certainty about her game now but she has a certainty that she’s going to get the adrenaline shot.”

Serena Williams headlines Centre Court on Tuesday

The order of play for Tuesday’s action at Wimbledon was released on Sunday.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will get things underway on Centre Court as she faces American star Taylor Townsend.

Then, a blockbuster first-round match will follow Swiatek: Jack Draper versus Taylor Fritz.

Williams’ first match will be last on Centre Court on Tuesday, with the 23-time major champion set to face 20-year-old Maya Joint.

Court 1 on Tuesday will see Alexander Zverev take on Alexander Blockx, Lois Boisson against Elena Rybakina and Stan Wawrinka versus Matteo Berrettini.