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.

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.”

“She Would Kill It”: Serena’s Comeback Is Official – So Where Will the Queen Return?

After 4 years, 1 cryptic TikTok, and a lot of “nos” that weren’t really nos, Serena Williams is eligible. The speculation starts now.

 

 

 

February 22, 2026 | 6 min read

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The denial is dead. Long live the comeback.

Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion and arguably the greatest women’s tennis player ever, is now officially eligible to compete on the WTA Tour for the first time in nearly four years.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has listed Williams, 44, on its roster of reinstated players with an eligibility date of February 22, 2026.

The question is no longer if she’ll play. It’s where.

From “No” to “Maybe” to “Now”

 

Williams’ path back has been a masterclass in keeping everyone guessing.

The pattern is clear: Williams wants to control the narrative. She’ll announce on her terms. But the paperwork doesn’t lie.

Where Could She Play?

The answer: anywhere she wants. Williams will have zero issue securing wild cards. Tournaments will be lining up to offer her appearance fees that dwarf the prize money.

Singles or Doubles?

 

The 2022 Eastbourne playbook offers a clue.

That year, after a year out with injury, Williams eased back by playing only doubles at Eastbourne before returning to singles at Wimbledon a week later. Her partner? Ons Jabeur.

This time, the speculation is far more romantic.

Venus Williams, 45, has already returned to the tour. The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together. Three Olympic golds. A combined age of 99 chasing a 15th major?

That’s not just a comeback. That’s a story.

Alycia Parks, world No. 77, practiced with Williams recently and delivered a verdict that will terrify the tour:

“She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour.”

Parks added that Williams hits regularly at her Florida home. The rust might be real, but the power? Still there.

Williams has spoken openly about taking GLP-1 medication, crediting it with reducing joint stress and making her feel healthier than during her career. She appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for telehealth company Ro (her husband Alexis Ohanian is an investor) advertising the drugs’ effectiveness.

WADA’s 2026 prohibited list does not include GLP-1s, though they remain in a “monitoring program.”

Players returning after childbirth? Court, Goolagong Cawley, Clijsters all won titles.

Players returning in their mid-40s? Martina Navratilova came back at 45 in 2002, won a match at Eastbourne, and later claimed three mixed doubles majors—including the US Open at 49.

Williams, at 44, has time to write her own chapter.

Her Last Match

September 2022. US Open third round. Ajla Tomljanovic.

Williams walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium for what everyone assumed was the last time. She’d beaten Danka Kovinic and No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit. She’d waved. She’d cried. She’d “evolved away.”

Except she never used the R-word. Retirement was for others. Serena was just… evolving.

Now evolution is circling back.

No official announcement. No press conference. Just a TikTok serve, an ITIA listing, and a tennis world holding its breath.

Indian Wells starts March 4. Miami follows. The French, Wimbledon, the US Open—they’re all waiting.

The question isn’t whether Serena Williams will play again.

It’s whether anyone can stop her.