BSP-19 Trump visit wouldn’t rattle Serena at Wimbledon

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Trump visit wouldn’t rattle Serena at Wimbledon

LONDON, July 9, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Serena Williams insists she wouldn’t be concerned if US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to see her play in the Wimbledon final.

Trump is set to arrive in the United Kingdom later this week for a four-day visit set to be marred by protests against the controversial American commander-in-chief.

Noted tennis fan Trump, who is to visit London, Windsor and Scotland, is not believed to be scheduled to attend any matches at Wimbledon at present.

But, with Williams through to the quarter-finals as she chases an eighth Wimbledon title, the 36-year-old American was asked how she would react if she made Saturday’s final and the polarising Trump turned up at the All England Club.

“I feel like he has the right to do whatever he wants to do,” Williams said after her fourth round win over Evgeniya Rodina on Monday.

“If he wants to come to a Wimbledon final, he has that right. I hope I’ll be there.

“I still have a lot of matches to win. For me, I can’t even think that far. I’m just thinking one at a time.”

Serena’s fellow American John Isner was more definitive than Williams, admitting he would love to have Trump in the crowd if he advances at Wimbledon.

Isner is through to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time, where the ninth seed faces Canada’s Milos Raonic on Wednesday.

The men’s semi-finals are on Friday and the final is on Sunday.

“Certainly. I’d love to have Trump come watch me. That would be awesome,” Isner said.

“Maybe I’ll tweet at him if I win on Wednesday.

“I know a lot of people won’t like that, but I don’t care.

BSS/AFP/MMA/2340HRS