SERENA Williams is back in Grand Slam singles at Wimbledon 2026, hoping to add to her seven titles at SW19.
Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the warming up with a small dark plaster on her cheek.
Serena Williams is still playing with plasters on her face Credit: Getty
She has confirmed that she has tips to help with her sinus problems Credit: Getty
Why does Serena Williams wear tape on her face during matches?
wears black plasters or medical tape on her face when she plays tennis.
For a long time, fans had no idea what the mysterious tape was for, but the answer lies in a condition the all-time great has battled for years.
She suffers from sinus problems and the tape is meant to ease pressure in the region.
It is an issue the American icon confirmed herself back in 2007.
What did Serena Williams say?
In 2007, spoke to reporters as she launched a campaign for sinus medications and shared advice on managing the condition.
She said: “My secret’s out. I’m a sinus sufferer. Playing tennis or pretty much doing anything every day is not easy when you have sinuses.
“You feel a lot of pressure, congestion and pain, and training for Grand Slams such as the ones coming up like and the French Open – it’s not easy.
“It’s not easy to play when you have all this pressure.
“The last thing I want to do is go out on a court and play Venus and be tired. That’s not fun at all, especially against her, she’s so tough.”
Why is Serena Williams playing at Wimbledon 2026?
stunned the sporting world by returning after stepping away from tennis following the 2022 US Open, when she said she was “evolving” rather than “retiring”.
The 44-year-old has been handed a wildcard for both the singles and the doubles.
In the singles, she faces in the first round, and needs just two more Wimbledon singles wins to reach a century of match victories at the Championships.
She warmed up with at Queen’s, and then played with the following week.
At SW19 she is also reuniting with sister , the pair’s first tournament together since the 2022 US Open.
The sisters are a formidable team, having won 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles together, six of them at Wimbledon.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
