Wimbledon set for backlash over Serena Williams as BBC and fans left in the lurch | Tennis | Sport

All first round doubles matches are usually scheduled for Thursday and Friday of the first week. However, organisers are allowing Serena extra time to recover from a knee injury she sustained during her first-round loss to Maya Joint on Tuesday night.

The pair are still in the draw and have been noted as ‘TBC’ on Saturday’s order of play. It leaves TV bosses and supporters unable to make any plans to watch the sisters in action.

Tournament director Jamie Baker suggested on Friday morning that he will give the Williams sister top billing on one of the main show courts, should Serena not withdraw from the tournament. But Centre Court and Court 1 have both been filled with singles matches.

Iga Swiatek opens Centre Court against Alexandra Eala at 1.30pm. That is followed by an all-American tie on Independence Day between Amanda Anisimova and Madison Keys. Grigor Dimitrov and Matteo Berrettini close out proceedings.

Court 1 sees Elise Mertens take on Elena Rybakina and then Alexander Zverev faces Marcos Giron. Frances Tiafoe vs Alexander Bublik is the third scheduled match. Surprisingly, Britain’s last remaining hope Arthur Fery has been pushed out to Court 18.

But there is no sign of the Williams sisters. If they do go ahead and compete in their doubles tie, they are expected to be scheduled as the final match to maximise the reach from a US audiance.

Serena provided an injury update earlier this week, writing on Instagram: “It felt so good to be back. I’m incredibly thankful for the wildcard – and even more grateful my daughters got to see that it’s never too late to chase something you love.

“I tweaked my knee late in the first set, but I’ll be doing everything I can to be ready for doubles.

“Congratulations to Maya on a great match, and thank you to everyone who showed up and showed me so much love. That feeling will never get old.”