Stop grumbling, start playing, says Federer

World number one Roger Federer told the Williams sisters to stop moaning over the Wimbledon schedule.

World number one Roger Federer told the Williams sisters to stop moaning over the Wimbledon schedule.

Both four-time champion Venus and Serena, a double winner, played their fourth round matches on Court Two, the so-called ‘Graveyard of the Seeds’ while men’s champion Federer and second seed Rafael Nadal played on Centre Court and Court One respectively.

“Pete (Sampras) played on Court 2 after winning seven times. Who deserves what here?” said Federer. “It’s the club who decides in the end. We’re happy to be playing here. They can put us at Aorangi or Roehampton if they want to, but we have to accept the fact.” Federer said he would have no problems if he was scheduled to play on Court Two. “I wouldn’t be disappointed if they put me there. More just like, ‘Why can I not play on Centre Court or Court 1 because they’re such nice courts?’”

No worries

The American sisters both emerged unscathed from their trip to the court. Serena, who eased past compatriot Bethanie Mattek 6-3, 6-3, said the snub had been particularly hard on her sister, the defending champion. “I do think it is weird, especially for the defending female champion who has won the tournament four times,” she said, before adding sarcastically: “I have only won twice — but hey, that is not so bad.”