MONTREAL, Canada - Serena Williams will be back in Montreal after receiving a wildcard to the 2018 Coupe Rogers presented by National Bank, Tennis Canada announced today. This will be her first time playing in Montreal since her 2014 run to the semifinals.
“We are, of course, very pleased to be able to announce the participation of Serena Williams as we have awarded her a wild card,” said Eugène Lapierre, Tournament Director of Rogers Cup presented by National Bank. “After announcing our player list a few weeks ago, we were only missing Serena to complete our dream tournament.
“Serena has impressed everyone with the speed at which she was able to return to a high level of play. She has always been a fighter and she is proving it once again. I know that the fans will be happy to see her in action in Montreal. We are looking forward to welcoming her back.”
Serena, who made her comeback from maternity leave in Indian Wells this past March, made an inspiring run to the Wimbledon final, where she was a win away from capturing a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title. She jumped from No.181 to World No.28 as a result.
This will be Williams’ third time in Montreal. In her first appearance, in 2000, she lost in the final to Martina Hingis. The American has won three Rogers Cup presented by National Bank titles to date, having been crowned champion in Toronto in 2001, 2011 and 2013.
The WTA wildcard that she has received is reserved for players who have previously been ranked No.1 in the world, who were ranked in the Top 20 in 2017 or who have won a Grand Slam title, a WTA Finals title or a Premier Mandatory tournament during their career. The same type of wild card was also awarded to Victoria Azarenka earlier this summer.
Two other main draw wild cards will be given to Canadian players, which will be announced at a later date.
