Originally Posted by: shrapilova 
Venus to play Eastbourne; Serena as well? Ticker - Sunday, June 5, 2011 Tennis.com Former world No. 1 Venus Williams will return to action at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in Eastbourne, one of her representatives told TENNIS.com. The five-time Wimbledon champion has not played since injuring her hip at the Australian Open. Venus' sister Serena may also return to play at Eastbourne. In an article in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Serena's trainer, Mackie Shilstone, said the plan is for her to play in one tune-up tournament before attempting to defend her 2010 Wimbledon title. Eastbourne is said to be holding a wild card for Serena. "I think it is a progression over the 21 days (they've been training together)," Shilstone said. "Is she there now? No. Would you expect her to be there now? No. But I can tell you, slowly but surely she is coming around." Serena has not competed since last year's Wimbledon due a foot injury she suffered just after the tournament, and a pulmonary embolism that she suffered in February. "That would be enough to put any athlete over the deep end," Shilstone said. "But she is so mentally strong. I haven't run into a male athlete as mentally strong, maybe (light heavyweight boxing's) Bernard Hopkins is the closest. That's one of the reasons why she is such a great champion." __________________________________________________________________________ About Maria: What kind of illness should she have ? I think she is very disappointed about her loss at RG and also afraid that she will never win this tournament. But it makes no sense to enter Wimbledon without a grass - tournament experience before Wimby. Think she had clear private life plans after a RG win and now she has to reflecte how to go on.
Times-Picayune has served as an outlet for "official leaks" from the Williams camp. Dunno why--possibly old family ties. Of course, all that tells us is that is the line the Williamses want us to believe at this moment. Williams BS has gotten so deep I believe NOTHING until I see it.
One thing you KNOW: they are outta form, if not fitness. IF they turn up anywhere, I say the same thing as always to ANY player--WHACK THEM EARLY when they're most vulnerable. 
Either of them can be sent out in the first or second round if a contender--even a qualifier--can get her head on straight. Hey, that Caroline Garcia could have chewed Serena up.
Masha assures us that she and Sasha figure they have a long time together & are focused on their careers. I'll accept that until I see otherwise. No worries whether she can win RG. In fact, she's gotta be doubly pissed at Schiavone's play in the final. No question whatsoever Maria would've whacked her.
She should be able to isolate the very precise reasons she fumbled the ball against Madame Li. The wind and dust conditioned the entire match. That is a huge issue, but not the entire story. Exactly how and why Li adapted better is the most important question for Maria to resolve. It's possible she needed to modify her serve but she should NOT listen to the pundits on that. They want her to lose so they always hope to undermine her major weapon.
I'm pretty sure Thomas has an answer. I've got the impression he is a game scientist--none of this psychobabble bull.
"That's the way the world works... right now." --Maria Sharapova at 17
