Serena Williams missed Wimbledon event amid courtesy car controversy
3 min read
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New speculations have emerged after Serena Williams decided to miss a big Wimbledon event this week.
Here is everything you need to know.
Why did Serena Williams snub the Wimbledon event?
Wimbledon hosted a Centenary celebration, commemorating 100 years of the Centre Court location this past Sunday.
Roger Federer, who missed the tournament due to a knee injury, flew to the event and joined fellow champions Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, and Rafael Nadal.
Furthermore, All England Club’s organizers were keeping their fingers crossed over the 23-time grand slam champion attending the ceremony.
Regardless, as per the new controversy, Williams was ‘disappointed’ about the allocation of courtesy cars at the grand slam.
According to The Telegraph in the UK reports, Williams requested the organizers for five courtesy cars, one for herself, her husband, sister, mother, and coach.
Wimbledon normally only allocates one car for each player, however, some players are provided with another car for their coach.
Federer is speculated to be among the rare athletes who are permitted to use five cars when he is competing.
Regardless, according to the outlet Williams’ request was denied.
Furthermore, the tennis icon reportedly asked Wimbledon officials to keep the courtesy cars longer despite their rule of customary return within 24 hours of the tournament.
The way Serena skipped the Centre Court celebration for a Rolling Stones concert. I just can't with her… đ https://t.co/hzC8GyM16L
— Jeniffer L. Estrada (@Jeniestra) July 3, 2022
A source told the Telegraph, ‘She wanted to use the cars for the whole two weeks because thatâs what happens at the other grand slams.’
They added, ‘She was told that was not possible because they had to be used by the other players. She was not happy. Maybe thatâs why she refused to take part in the centenary parade.’
Users react to Serena Williams’s controversial snub
Serena Williams’ obvious absence from the Wimbledon celebration sparked a heated debate on social media.
Few of the tennis fans called out to the athlete that she could have just rented the cars instead of missing the event.
I've always been a big Serena Williams fan, but not today. She lost in the 1st round, then skipped a special Wimbledon celebration reportedly because she was denied use of her 5 courtesy cars for the rest of the tourney. Most players get 1. If true: Serena is Crybaby Of The Week!
— Jim Crandell (@JimCrandell) July 8, 2022
One user said, ‘What a brat. Like she doesnât have the money to get cars for her entourage?’
Another added, ‘Could have bought or at least rented them. She and her husband are both millionaires.’
Serena Williams allegedly missed Wimbledon Centenary Celebrations due to the AELTC npt allowing her to keep the 5 courtesy cars for the whole tournament. 5 cars for herself, her husband, sister, mother and coach. A car each? Who on earth does she think she is? Outragious!!
— brianwilliams (@brianwi51804975) July 8, 2022
A different fan wrote, ‘The way Serena skipped the Centre Court celebration for a Rolling Stones concert. I just can’t with her.’
Although the icon is yet to comment on her alleged dispute with Wimbledon officials, a spokesperson has talked about it with Yahoo Sports.
I have always disliked Serena Williams. She wanted Wimbledon to give her access to 5 cars for 2 weeks even though she was out of the tournament. So cheap. Spend some money
— Mike Jones (@MikeJones07079) July 9, 2022
They claimed, ‘we [Wimbledon] have fulfilled every transport request we received.’
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