sport news Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini practice on Centre Court for the ... trends now
View
comments
Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini made history this lunchtime by being allowed a 45-minute practice on the Centre Court, the first time this has ever happened on a Thursday before the tournament.
The idea is to slightly break in the surface and try to minimise the slipping and sliding often seen in the early rounds.
The decision comes after incidents in recent years which have seen players struggle to keep their footing on the slick virgin surface.
Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini made history in 45-minute practice on the Centre Court
It was the first time player have been allowed to practice on the court before Wimbledon
The grass courts at SW19 are luscious and green over the opening days of play before eventually being worn down and can therefore prove more challenging during the early rounds.
Players appeared to struggle on the surface particularly last year with star Serena Williams falling victim to Centre Court.
The seven-time champion was forced to retire after she lost her footing twice during her match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the first round on the main show court last year.
Serena Williams fell victim to the slippery surface on Centre Court in the first round last year
The seven-time champion was forced to retire after she lost her footing twice on Centre Court
Williams was the second player in as many matches to retire injured following a tumble on the court.
Adrian Mannarino had
