Wimbledon respond to Andy Murray criticism after Serena Williams withdraws with injury

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    Wimbledon has responded after two-times champion Andy Murray led criticism over the state of the grass surface. The Championship faced back-to-back retirements on day two following injuries suffered by Adrian Mannarino and Serena Williams.

    Both players slipped on the same end of centre court and their injuries were enough to force their pair to retire from the tournament. 

    Mannarino, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday, had fought incredibly well against 20-times Grand Slam winner Roger Federer before falling. 

    The Frenchman had led two sets to one against the Federer but was pegged back before his injury prevented him from continuing. 

    Williams, 39, left centre court in tears after having her first-round tie against Aliaksandra Sasnovich ended prematurely. 

    JUST IN: Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios all question Wimbledon

    “Each grass court is checked by the Grand Slam Supervisors, Referee’s Office and Grounds team ahead of play commencing, and on both days of the Fortnight they have been happy with the conditions and cleared the courts for play. 

    “The weather conditions on the opening two days have been the wettest we have experienced in almost a decade, which has required the roof to be closed on Centre Court and No.1 Court for long periods. 

    “This is at a time when the grass plant is at its most lush and green, which does result in additional moisture on what is a natural surface. 

    “With each match that is played, the courts will continue to firm up. 

    “The grounds team and Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) take hardness readings every morning in order to ensure that the courts have the right level of moisture and are playing consistently. 

    “Our long-serving ground staff team have experienced nearly every combination of weather conditions possible. 

    “They keep abreast of and utilise the latest grass court technologies, prepare for every weather eventuality and react to the current conditions on a daily basis. 

    “We will continue to monitor these readings and adjust our care plan for the grass appropriately.”



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