All England Lawn Tennis Club CEO Richard Lewis said that Wimbledon's courts are "playing as well as ever and there is nothing unusual in the slipping and sliding that disrupted some matches in the tournament's first week," according to John Stonestreet of REUTERS. Some players have questioned the quality of the surface. Lewis said, "One of the things this year has proved is the value of middle Sunday. That when you have a full schedule of play and very good weather the courts benefit from a rest." He added, "We are very happy with the courts. We are 100 percent confident in them. ... We respect the players' views. Players in the heat of battle will have their views" (REUTERS, 7/10).
EVERT CRITICIZES SCHEDULING: The BBC reported three-time Wimbledon champion Chris Evert questioned the lack of "equal representation" on Wimbledon's show courts on Monday. There were four men's and two women's ties scheduled on Centre Court and Court One with Grand Slam winners Angelique Kerber and Garbiñe Muguruza on Court Two. Evert said, "I think all women would like to see three of each to go along with the equal prize money." Lewis said that the schedule was based on "fans' demand." Lewis: "I wouldn't say it's favoritism. I would say it's taking the marquee matches" (BBC, 7/10).
