Wimbledon: Williams's legal threat was '˜heat of moment' slip

Serena Williams speaks with Tournament Referee Andrew Jarrett about her concerns over Centre Court's slippery surface (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire).

The six-time women’s singles champion was unhappy with the suggestion she and her Russian opponent should play on at 5-5 in the first set, after light drizzle on Centre Court. She believed it left her open to suffering a slip on the grass that could lead to injury.

After discussing her concerns with umpire Marija Cicak and tournament referee Andrew Jarrett, Williams and Kuznetsova were allowed to leave the court and the retractable roof was deployed to provide cover.

Williams won every game from that stage onwards, for a 7-5 6-0 victory. When talking initially to Cicak, Williams could be heard to say: “I’m going to fall. Can’t they just close the roof?” Cicak’s response was inaudible but Williams added: “If I get hurt, I’m suing...”

Williams later said: “I was in the moment, I was on the court, and what I say on the court, whether it’s smashing my rackets, or... it’s in the heat of the moment.”