Serena Williams missed Wimbledon event amid courtesy car controversy

Maddii Jul 9, 2022, 6:53 AM EDT

New speculation has surfaced after Serena Williams decided to miss out on a big Wimbledon event this week.

Here is everything you need to know.

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Why did Serena Williams turn down the Wimbledon event?

Wimbledon hosted a Centenary celebration, marking 100 years of the Center Court location last Sunday.

Roger Federer, who missed the tournament due to a knee injury, flew into the event and was joined by champions Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and Rafael Nadal.

In addition, the organizers of the All England Club kept their fingers crossed that the 23-time Grand Slam champion was attending the ceremony.

Regardless, according to the new controversy, Williams was “disappointed” by the courtesy car allocation at the Grand Slam.

According to reports from The Telegraph in the UK, Williams asked the organizers for five courtesy cars, one for herself, her husband, sister, mother and trainer.

Wimbledon normally only allocates one car for each player, however some players are provided with another car for their coach.

Federer is speculated to be among the rare athletes allowed to use five cars when competing.

Regardless, according to the outlet, Williams’ request was denied.

Additionally, the tennis icon reportedly asked Wimbledon officials to keep courtesy cars longer despite their usual rule of returning within 24 hours after the tournament.

The way Serena skipped the center court celebration to attend a Rolling Stones concert. I just can’t with her… 😂 https://t.co/hzC8GyM16L
— Jeniffer L. Estrada (@Jeniestra) July 3, 2022

A source told the Telegraph: “She wanted to use the cars for the full two weeks because that’s what happens at the other Grand Slams.”

They added: “They told him that was not possible because they had to be used by the other players.” She was not happy. Maybe that’s why she refused to participate in the centenary parade.

Users react to the controversial snub of Serena Williams

The conspicuous absence of Serena Williams from the Wimbledon celebration sparked a heated debate on social media.

The Times says the reason Serena Williams didn’t go to Sunday’s Wimbledon champions celebration (26 were there, Federer, Borg, etc.) was that she was denied the right to keep 5 courtesy cars to despite losing in the first round. A great champion who is regarded as a diva on tour.
— Kelvin Mackenzie (@kelvmackenzie) July 7, 2022

Few of the tennis fans told the athlete that she could have rented the cars instead of missing out on the event.

I have always been a huge fan of Serena Williams, but not today. She lost in the first round and then skipped a special Wimbledon celebration because she was reportedly denied the use of her 5 courtesy cars for the rest of the tournament. Most players get 1. If true: Serena is the crybaby of the week!
—Jim Crandell (@JimCrandell) July 8, 2022

One user said: ‘What a brat. As if he didn’t have money to buy cars for his entourage?

Another added: ‘I could have bought or at least rented them. She and her husband are millionaires.

Serena Williams reportedly missed the Wimbledon centenary celebrations due to the AELTC TNP allowing her to keep all 5 courtesy cars for the entire tournament. 5 cars for her, her husband, sister, mother and coach. One car each? Who the hell does she think she is? Outrageous!!
— brianwilliams (@brianwi51804975) July 8, 2022

Another fan wrote: ‘The way Serena skipped celebrating center court for a Rolling Stones concert. I just can’t with her.

Although the icon has yet to comment on his alleged dispute with Wimbledon officials, a spokesperson spoke to Yahoo Sports about it.

I’ve always disliked Serena Williams. She wanted Wimbledon to give her access to 5 cars for 2 weeks even though she was out of the tournament. So cheap. spend some money
—Mike Jones (@MikeJones07079) July 9, 2022

They stated, ‘we [Wimbledon] we have complied with all transportation requests we receive.’