PARIS — Serena Williams’ return to Grand Slam tennis from maternity leave just got tougher.
French Open organizers announced Monday they will not give Williams a seeding.
“This year again, tournament officials will establish the list and ranking of the women’s seeds based on the WTA ranking,” the French Tennis Federation said. “Consequently, (the seeds) will reflect this week’s world ranking.”
Williams, a three-time French Open champion, is expected to play in her first major since giving birth in September.
While Williams can enter under the WTA’s “special” ranking rule, it’s up to Grand Slam organizers to give her a seed.
While she was No. 1 when leaving the tour to give birth, Williams is currently ranked No. 453. Without a seeding she risks facing highly ranked players in the early rounds.
The French Open draw will be made Thursday with the tournament starting Sunday.
“It’s normal to give birth. It’s normal to have protected ranking. … It’s more than tennis,” top-ranked Simona Halep said. “So the people will decide what seed she will get. But in my opinion it’s good to protect the ranking when someone is giving birth.”
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