After Serena Williams is Injured, Wimbledon Defends Court Conditions

Slippery grass caused tournament-ending injuries in back-to-back matches as many stars wiped out during the first two days of the tournament.

WIMBLEDON, England — Matches continued on Centre Court at Wimbledon as rain fell outside on the first two days of the tournament that showcases top stars in an arena considered a cathedral of the sport before thousands of fans. And while the rain wasn’t falling inside Centre Court, the players were. At their best, fast, low-bouncing grass courts encourage engaging, all-court tennis that rewards risk and punishes passivity. At their worst, the courts’ slick surface allows flat-soled tennis shoes to skid and players to crumple to the ground, often in pain.