Former world No. 1 Venus Williams will return to action at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in Eastbourne, one of her representatives told TENNIS.com. The five-time Wimbledon champion has not played since injuring her hip at the Australian Open.
Venus' sister Serena may also return to play at Eastbourne. In an article in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Serena's trainer, Mackie Shilstone, said the plan is for her to play in one tune-up tournament before attempting to defend her 2010 Wimbledon title. Eastbourne is said to be holding a wild card for Serena.
"I think it is a progression over the 21 days (they've been training together)," Shilstone said. "Is she there now? No. Would you expect her to be there now? No. But I can tell you, slowly but surely she is coming around."
Serena has not competed since last year's Wimbledon due a foot injury she suffered just after the tournament, and a pulmonary embolism that she suffered in February.
"That would be enough to put any athlete over the deep end," Shilstone said. "But she is so mentally strong. I haven't run into a male athlete as mentally strong, maybe (light heavyweight boxing's) Bernard Hopkins is the closest. That's one of the reasons why she is such a great champion."