After Serena Williams‘ pregnancy, there has been ongoing talk about the fact that players that gave birth have to be protected in the rankings and the seedings.

This is a tricky discussion because from a “fairness” point of view it’s definitely right to protect them, but then you also need to have a look at their fitness and what the other players have achieved in the meantime.

According to the actual world no.1 Simona Halep, Serena should have been seeded no.1 in Indian Wells, and the same concept was reiterated by James Balke, the tournament director of Miami.

Of course, we agree with these arguments, but we also need to mention the fact that at the end of the day Serena lost in the 3rd round in Indian Wells and the 1st in Miami.

What about Wimbledon?

The Slams do not need to follow the official rankings in doing their seedings, and that is “particularly true” for Wimbledon whose surface is unique if compared with the hard or the clay courts.

According to the BBC, Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Club, commented that “The seeding order follows the WTA ranking list, except where in the opinion of the committee, a change is necessary to produce a balanced draw.” This fuelled speculations that Serena could be top-seeded at the upcoming Championships.

Now ranked no.449, Serena will defend her 2016 title in the upcoming Wimbledon (she didn’t play last year because of her pregnancy), but then, would that be fair to deny the top seed to the actual defending champion and world no.3 Garbine Muguruza?