Why is Serena Williams wearing plasters on her face? Wimbledon return for star

Serena Williams made a comeback at Eastbourne before playing at Wimbledon. But why is the star wearing plasters on her face?

Legendary tennis champion Serena Williams is back on the court.

After 12 months absence due to injury, it was thought the 23-time Grand Slam winner might retire.

But the US player appeared at Eastbourne International last week and returns to Wimbledon this week as a wildcard.

While playing, 40-year-old was noticed with plasters on her cheek. Here’s why she was wearing them.

When is Serena Williams playing at Wimbledon? Next match and how to watch

Serena Williams played in the Eastbourne doubles alongside Ons Jabeur from Tunisia last week (June 21).

However, the wildcard pair later had to withdraw from the competition after Jabeur suffered a right knee injury. Williams is back at Wimbledon today, playing France’s Harmony Tan on centre court.

During matches, Williams has been wearing large black plasters or medical tape on her face.

According to The Times, this is due to a longstanding sinus problem the player has. The tape is meant to relieve pressure and pain from the condition.

Serena Williams previously spoke about having the condition in 2007.

She said: “I’m a sinus sufferer. Playing tennis or pretty much doing anything every day is not easy when you have sinuses. You feel a lot of pressure, congestion and pain and training for grand slams...it’s not easy.”

Sinusitis is the swelling of the sinuses, which are empty spaces behind your cheeks connecting to the nose.

When the lining of these spaces swells, it prevents mucus draining in your nose and throat correctly.

The NHS advises mild sinusitis sufferers to clean the nose with a salt water solution, or purchase a decongestant nasal