Serena skips practice ahead of return

EASTBOURNE, England (AP):

Serena Williams skipped her scheduled practice session at Eastbourne at late notice yesterday as the 23-time Grand Slam champion prepares to make her return to competition after a year away.

Williams trained at a nearby club over the weekend and was expected to have an on-site session at Devonshire Park, ahead of playing doubles with Ons Jabeur. Their first match is set for today against Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova.

The 40-year-old Williams, who hasn’t competed anywhere since she was injured in the first round of Wimbledon last year, was awarded a wild card for singles at the All England Club.

Jabeur said it was “unbelievable” to have been asked by Williams to be part of her journey back to competition at the Wimbledon warmup.

“I’m a good secret keeper – yes, I’ve known (since) before the French Open,” said the No. 3-ranked Jabeur, who arrived at Eastbourne after winning the title in Berlin on Sunday.

“Many players were jealous because I’m playing with her. Honestly, Serena is Serena. She is a legend, and always will be.”

“Now I’m joking with other doubles players,” she said. “I was like, ‘If you have minus-20 grand slams, don’t even ask me to play doubles with you any more.’”

Jabeur has pulled out of the singles at Eastbourne following her run to the title in Germany and will play only the doubles. Still, she’ll likely be kept busy this week, given who she is partnering with.