Wimbledon defends turf, players continue to slip

Wimbledon defended their turf even as players continued to slip on the famous grasscourts

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Nick Kyrgios was one of the players who slipped on Wednesday at Wimbledon

Even though players, including World No 1 Novak Djokovic, continued to slip on the Wimbledon grass, the All England club defended their turf.

The Centre Court schedule on Tuesday had ended on an agonising note as Serena Williams was forced to retire after only six games into her match.

ALSO READ: Serena Williams makes teary exit from Wimbledon

She lost her footing during a point in the fourth game and reportedly injured her hamstring.

In the previous match on the main show court, Adrian Mannarino also had to withdraw from his match against Roger Federer at the beginning of the fifth set.

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The Frenchman slipped and hurt his knee in the fourth set and could barely stand without wobbling.

“Wimbledon will always leave no stone unturned and we hope there will be no more injuries but in terms of the preparation of the courts they are as good as they always have been,” All England Lawn Tennis Club board member and former player Tim Henman said.

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The All England club also issued a statement, blaming the weather for the slippery-than-usual surface.

“The weather conditions on the opening two days have been the wettest we have experienced in almost a decade, which has required the roof to be closed on Centre Court and Court One for long periods,” the club stated.

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“This is at a time when the grass plant is at its most lush and green, which does result in additional moisture on what is a natural surface.

“With each match that is played, the courts will continue to firm up.”

Back on their feet

Novak Djokovic and bad boy Nick Kyrgios also slipped and fell during their matches on Wednesday. But fortunately they did not pick up any serious injury.

ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios finds his match in mixed doubles for Wimbledon

Djokovic defeated 2018 finalist Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios overcame Halle champion Ugo Humbert 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7 in the first round.

The 26-year-old came through an injury scare at 6-6 in the deciding set, which lasted 67 minutes. Having hit a slice backhand on the first point, Kyrgios moved to the centre of the court before slipping behind the baseline.

ALSO READ: Andy Murray makes winning return to Wimbledon

After a few grimaces, Kyrgios regrouped and broke Humbert to go up 8-7, before rallying from 15/40 when he served for his fifth victory of 2021.

In February, Kyrgios saved two match points against left-handed Humbert in the Australian Open second round en route to a five-set victory.

ALSO READ: Heartbreak for birthday boy Mannarino against Federer

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