Wimbledon wildcards: Serena Williams and Venus Williams set to reunite in doubles, Chwalinska and Wawrinka rewarded as Evans snubbed

The first batch of wildcards for Wimbledon have been released with some intriguing picks. What is really taking the headlines is the return of Serena Williams to SW19. Alongside sister Venus Williams, the duo is set to compete in the women's doubles in a highly anticipated reunion on court.

Neither of them has been included on the singles list, although there is one spot still left for the taking. It is likely that Serena specifically will focus on the doubles as she slowly makes a return on court, waiting for the right time to go solo again. Having already played at Queen's, she will take to the court in the Berlin Ladies Open as the preparation ramps up for Wimbledon.

The pair have won a combined total of 12 Wimbledon singles titles while together never losing in a Grand Slam doubles final, making up one of the most lethal doubles combinations in history. Out of the 14 won, six of these were at Wimbledon. While a seventh seems very unlikely, they are set to make a huge impression when stepping out onto court for the very first time together since the 2022 US Open, the tournament Serena retired at.

Aside from that, the women's doubles are dominated by Brits. Katie Boulter and Heather Watson are the most notable team on the list. It is no surprise that Wimbledon have prioritised British players with it set to get the most traction from the British crowd while providing them a coveted chance to compete in a Grand Slam.

For the men, there are still two spots available. Nick Kyrgios makes a return to South London alongside the also flamboyant Alexander Bublik in what is set to be a thoroughly entertaining partnership.

Despite reaching the final of Roland Garros, Maja Chwalinska was still not in the main draw of Wimbledon due to her ranking being too low at the time. This will not be a problem for other tournaments with her now ranked inside the top 30.

Her efforts were awarded with a wildcard to make her first appearance at Wimbledon since 2022. The Pole again buckles the British trend with six Brits added to the field. Harriet Dart and 17-year-old Mika Stojsavljevic are the notable names on this list. One place is still up for grabs.

Over in the men's side, Stan Wawrinka is afforded one more shot at Wimbledon. The only Grand Slam he never tasted victory at with a couple of quarter-finals his best results, the Swiss will play his final tournament at Wimbledon and on grass with this being his final year on tour.

Following a tragic end to last year, Grigor Dimitrov is also handed a wildcard. He was two sets ahead against the eventual champion Jannik Sinner before a pectoral injury suffered on court had huge consequences. He was forced to depart the tournament and missed a significant amount of tennis, unable to get back to his prior heights since.

The most significant name not to appear on this list is Dan Evans. The Brit is set to retire following the tournament, and will play in the doubles alongside Henry Searle. A last hurrah in the singles has taken a dent with him not yet on the list. Two spots are still available, and he may be under consideration.