Wimbledon chiefs are seeking clarification over whether seven-time champion Serena Williams can be seeded at this year’s Championships.
Williams triumphed in the last two years she has competed at Wimbledon (2015 and 2016) but did not defend her title last year, as she was pregnant.
She is now back on tour after giving birth in September but has slipped to 449 in the world rankings.
It has been questioned of late whether players who take time off to give birth should be penalised in the rankings in the same way as injured players.
And, while in the men’s draw at Wimbledon nobody outside the top 32 is eligible for a seeding, the rules are less clear on the women’s side – meaning Williams could possibly be given special dispensation.
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) chairman Philip Brook said: “It is totally different to an injury and we have empathy and sympathy for the point being made.
“It is a question that we will certainly address.”