Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

LONDON, June 23 : For a few days, the recipient of the final Wimbledon women's singles wildcard was unknown, but in reality it was always destined for American great Serena Williams.

Once the 44-year-old let it be known she wanted to return to the Centre Court she once owned, it was a no-brainer for the All England Club committee who decide which players who do not qualify automatically receive a special invite.

At a stroke, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has become the undisputed headline act at a tournament at which she has won seven singles titles and six doubles crowns with sister Venus.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka's quest for a first title on the hallowed turf, Iga Swiatek's defence of the crown, even the British obsession with Emma Raducanu will all take a back seat once Williams strolls through the gates.

AURA OF THE AMERICAN

It is four years since Williams lost in the Wimbledon first round to Harmony Tan and weeks later made an emotional exit at the U.S. Open, saying she was evolving away from tennis.

The game has moved on since and new forces have established themselves, but no player boasts the aura of the American whose story, and that of Venus, who she will team up with in doubles, has transcended sport.

Before re-appearing at Queen's Club this month, in the doubles alongside Victoria Mboko, Williams cited a desire to have her young daughters Olympia and Adira watch her play.

She also rightly said she had nothing to prove. But no one should be in any doubt that Williams will return to Wimbledon believing she can still mix it with the best.

WIMBLEDON DRAW ON FRIDAY

When the draw is made on Friday no one will want to see Williams in their vicinity.

Legitimate questions will be asked about whether a singles return is