Wimbledon Wins: High Court Gives Green Light to £200M Expansion Plans

Campaigners vow to “fight on” as judge rules historic land not protected by public trust

 

 

March 23, 2026 | 4 min read

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LONDON — Wimbledon’s controversial expansion plans have cleared their biggest legal hurdle, with the High Court ruling that the former golf course land is not protected by statutory trust restrictions.

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) now moves one step closer to building 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on the site of the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course—tripling the size of its current grounds.

Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) has vowed to appeal the decision.

In a decision released Thursday, Mr Justice Thompsell delivered a sweeping victory for the AELTC, rejecting every major argument from opponents.

The ruling was unambiguous: the land was private, remained private, and AELTC can develop it.

What Wimbledon Wants to Build

 

Currently, Wimbledon qualifying is held at the Bank of England Sports Ground in Roehampton, three miles away. The new development would bring qualifying to the main site for the first time—aligning Wimbledon with the other three Grand Slams.

The club also promises to open 27 acres of previously private land as public parkland.

AELTC’s Response

 

Deborah Jevans, chairwoman of AELTC, welcomed the ruling as a “significant milestone.”

“The ruling represents a significant milestone for our plans, which will, as well as delivering 27 acres of beautiful new public parkland on previously private land, allow us to maintain Wimbledon’s position as one of the world’s most successful sporting events.”

The club has maintained that the project is essential for Wimbledon’s future, citing the need to keep pace with the other Grand Slams and manage growing infrastructure demands.

The Opposition

 

Campaigners dressed as tennis balls and strawberries protested outside the Royal Courts of Justice during the hearing. Their message: “Berry angry” and “Balls to AELTC.”

Jeremy Hudson of Save Wimbledon Park made clear the fight isn’t over.

“We love tennis but we continue the fight after this news because there is a strong case for protecting this precious open space from development.

“Wimbledon promised they would never build on this land, and Wimbledon can do better because there are existing, alternative plans which show that their scheme can be accommodated on their current site.

“These better plans would still allow AELTC to stage a qualifying tournament on site in keeping with the other Grand Slams. Therefore, we fight on.”

SWP has indicated it will apply to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the decision.

The expansion has divided local authorities. Merton Council approved the scheme; Wandsworth Council opposed it. The Greater London Authority overruled the objections, granting final planning permission in 2024.

What Happens Next

The legal battle may not be over, but Thursday’s ruling removed the single biggest legal obstacle. For Wimbledon, it’s a win. For campaigners, the fight continues.

23-time Grand Slam champion refuses to rule out return, leaves tennis world guessing—and world No.1 Sabalenka says “it will be cool”

Serena Williams is back in the news. Back in the testing pool. And back to doing what she does best: keeping everyone guessing.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion refused to rule out a return to professional tennis during an appearance on the Today Show Wednesday, sending the tennis world into yet another speculation frenzy .

When asked directly about her plans, the 44-year-old delivered a masterclass in evasion:

“I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”

Interviewer Savannah Guthrie pressed: “That’s a maybe to me.”

Williams’ response? “It’s not a maybe.”

Clear as mud. Perfectly Serena.

 

The key detail: Williams’ name appeared on an ITIA document published October 6, 2025 . Players must spend six months in the testing pool before becoming eligible to compete .

That window closed in early April. She’s eligible now.

The “Housewife” Defense

 

During the interview, Williams revealed she recently listed her occupation on a form as “stay-at-home mom and housewife” .

When Guthrie asked directly if she’d re-entered the drug testing pool, Williams deflected with classic humor:

“I don’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this. If I want to put it [rumours] to bed… listen, I want to go to bed.”

The exchange was vintage Serena—playful, evasive, and impossible to pin down .

What the Players Say

 

Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her Indian Wells triumph and engaged to be married, welcomed the prospect of Williams’ return.

“I heard that she’s enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her. If she wants to come back, that’s her decision. It’s going to be fun to see her back on tour. She’s got the personality, and she’s a fun one. It will be cool.”

Elina Svitolina, whom Sabalenka beat in the Australian Open semifinals, called a potential Williams comeback “amazing.”

“She’s such a great champion and achieved so much, did so much for our sport and been an inspiration for women around the world.”

The Venus Factor

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller believes the possibility of playing doubles with sister Venus may be the real motivator.

“Williams was playfully evasive in her appearance on the Today show, but you can take the lack of a denial to mean the idea of a comeback has crystallised in her mind.”

Venus is 45 and still competing. The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together. One last dance at the US Open? Wimbledon?

Fuller adds: “Williams would not even be the oldest member of her family on the tour if she does return.”

Annabel Croft, former British No.1 speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, admitted even she doesn’t know what to make of it.

“I don’t know what to make of it. I mean it is just extraordinary. When you think what a wonderful career she’s had and she now has two children and a wonderful, fulfilled life off the court.”

Croft suspects doubles, not singles, would be the focus:

“I think we all think that it’s something to do with Venus Williams perhaps playing her last match at the US Open. Maybe she’s asked sister Serena whether she’d like to join her on court.”

Her conclusion: “I doubt very much whether she would want to play singles, but anything is possible with Serena Williams.”

Serena Williams is 44 years old. She’s a mother of two. She’s a venture capitalist, a fashion icon, and arguably the greatest tennis player ever.

She’s also back in the drug testing pool, eligible to compete, and refusing to say no.

The tennis world can speculate all it wants. Until Serena decides to speak—really speak—everyone’s just guessing.

And as Croft said: anything is possible with extraordinary Serena.

Djokovic Drops Truth Bomb on Serena’s Silence—And Predicts Wimbledon Return

Serbian legend fuels speculation, says 23-time Grand Slam champion is definitely coming back—just don’t expect her to announce it

 

 

 

Published: March 5, 2026 | 4 min read

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INDIAN WELLS — Novak Djokovic knows a thing or two about comebacks. And he knows a thing or two about Serena Williams.

So when the Serbian legend speaks on her potential return, the tennis world listens.

“I think she’s going to come back,” Djokovic said during a press conference at Indian Wells, where he’s preparing for the first Masters 1000 of the season.

“I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her, but I guess the feeling is that she’s going to come back. Where and how, singles, doubles, we don’t know.”

Then came the killer line:

“If I were in her position, I would hide it.”

Williams, 44, hasn’t competed since the 2022 US Open—or as she famously called it, her “evolution” away from tennis. But she’s never used the R-word. Retirement was always for others.

Since February 22, she’s been officially eligible to compete, having completed the ITIA’s six-month anti-doping requirements. The paperwork is done. The testing is cleared. The ball is in her court.

Yet silence.

Djokovic understands completely. Why announce anything when the speculation does the work for you?

“We’re all excited, and it’s certainly something to look forward to. So we’ll see.”

Where Will She Play?

 

Djokovic has a theory—and it involves grass, strawberries, and a certain sister.

“I would choose that tournament (Wimbledon) for her return, but I don’t know. I think she might play doubles with Venus.”

The logic is sound:

“It would be nice to see, just from my point of view and the fans’ point of view. She is one of the greatest sportswomen of all time, it would be great to have her back.”

Venus Speaks

 

Serena’s sister, Venus Williams, addressed the comeback speculation last summer in Washington. Her words now carry even more weight.

“I’m her biggest fan. I never wanted her to retire. I knew she would, and it took me a while to accept it.”

Venus admitted she doesn’t push for answers:

“I don’t ask those questions. I don’t ask her that. We always play tennis, because that’s what we are, we’re always hitting the ball. It’s a great cardio workout.”

But the longing is real:

“I always say to my team, the only thing that would make it better would be if she was here, like we always did, so of course I miss her.”

Then the kicker:

“But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let you know.”

The Evidence Mounts

 

The pattern is clear. Williams controls the narrative. She announces on her terms.

Djokovic has been through comebacks. He’s dealt with speculation, injury, pressure, and the weight of history. If anyone recognizes the signs, it’s him.

He sees a fellow legend at a crossroads—and he’s betting on a return.

“She’s one of the greatest sportswomen of all time. It would be great to have her back.”

And if she’s quiet about it? Smart move.

“I’d hide it too.”