Sports

French Open organizers won't give Serena Williams a seeding

21 of May 2018

FILE - In this Wednesday, March 21, 2018 file photo, Serena Williams returns to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the Miami Open tennis tournament, in Key Biscayne, Fla. everal of Serena Williams' biggest rivals believe that the 23-time Grand Slam champion deserves more than just a guaranteed spot in the French Open draw. Williams, who is expected to play her first major since returning from maternity leave, should also receive a top seed that befits the No. 1 ranking she held when she left the tour, the players say. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File),FILE - In this Wednesday, March 21, 2018 file photo, Serena Williams returns to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the Miami Open tennis tournament, in Key Biscayne, Fla. everal of Serena Williams' biggest rivals believe that the 23-time Grand Slam champion deserves more than just a guaranteed spot in the French Open draw. Williams, who is expected to play her first major since returning from maternity leave, should also receive a top seed that befits the No. 1 ranking she held when she left the tour, the players say. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

PARIS (AP) — French Open organizers will not give Serena Williams a seeding.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Monday, the French Tennis Federation says, “This year again, tournament officials will establish the list and ranking of the women’s seeds based on the WTA ranking. Consequently, (the seeds) will reflect this week’s world ranking.”

Williams, a three-time French Open champion, is expected to play in her first major since returning from maternity leave.

While Williams can enter Roland Garros under the WTA’s protected or “special” ranking rule, it’s up to Grand Slam organizers to give her one of the 32 seeds.

While she was No. 1 when she left the tour to give birth to her daughter, Williams is currently ranked No. 453.

The WTA is considering a rule change to add protected seeding for highly ranked players returning from maternity leave but the earliest that could take effect is next year.

Without a seed, Williams will risk facing seeds in the opening rounds.

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Dampf reported from Rome.

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More AP tennis coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/apf-Tennis