THE era of Wimbledon domination by the Williams sisters is over, according to Martina Navratilova.
The American siblings had won nine of the last 11 titles at the All England Club but both were knocked out in the fourth round this year.
Serena, who turns 30 in September, was playing her first Grand Slam since Wimbledon last year while 31-year-old Venus had been out since the Australian Open in January because of injuries.
And although Navratilova reckons Serena can still contend, she believes five-time winner Venus is no longer the same force, with a new generation of young players coming through.
“It’s been a strange year because we’ve had older players coming through,” said the winner of nine Wimbledon singles titles.
“At the French Open, Maria Sharapova was the youngest semi-finalist. Here she’s the oldest. Maybe this is the changing of the guard. Maybe this is the new blood coming.
“I think we’re seeing the new players taking charge. Most of all, they’re playing to win. They’re not scared out there.
“I wouldn’t write off Serena quite yet. Venus is two years older and it gets harder after 30. Serena will still be back.”
The American siblings had won nine of the last 11 titles at the All England Club but both were knocked out in the fourth round this year.
Serena, who turns 30 in September, was playing her first Grand Slam since Wimbledon last year while 31-year-old Venus had been out since the Australian Open in January because of injuries.
And although Navratilova reckons Serena can still contend, she believes five-time winner Venus is no longer the same force, with a new generation of young players coming through.
“At the French Open, Maria Sharapova was the youngest semi-finalist. Here she’s the oldest. Maybe this is the changing of the guard. Maybe this is the new blood coming.
“I think we’re seeing the new players taking charge. Most of all, they’re playing to win. They’re not scared out there.
“I wouldn’t write off Serena quite yet. Venus is two years older and it gets harder after 30. Serena will still be back.”
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