Kristina Mladenovic blasts Wimbledon for condition of slippy courts

Kristina Mladenovic, the 12th seed, said she felt “blessed” not to be injured as she launched a furious tirade against the state of the Wimbledon grass.

Mladenovic said both she and her opponent Alison Riske had wanted to bring their match to an end after just two games “in case something bad happens”.

Speaking after her 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat, in which she had slipped over, the Frenchwoman said there was “no more grass” on Court 18.

“It is quite unique with your opponent, after two games, you both agree on stopping playing in a slam,” she said.

“The baseline where we are running, it is very slippery. There is no grass. I don’t know how to describe it. It is not even clay. It is not flat. I am honestly just very happy and blessed that I didn’t injure myself that much.”

She said there “was a huge hole” on one side of the court, adding: “I guess the climate does not help, the fact that it is too nice, too hot, too sunny, makes everything very dry.”

Roger Federer said it was "not a good sign", adding that the players' views should be listened to when they are both complaining about the court.

“Is it more this time around? Possibly, because it has been extremely hot today and yesterday… that’s what we are hearing,” said Federer after his straight-sets victory over Dusan Lajovic.

“It is not a good sign, and you should always take the players’ opinions serious, especially when they both say it.”

A Wimbledon spokesman said the court was judged “playable as per normal”.

“The court preparation has been to exactly the same meticulous standard as in previous years,” the spokesman said.

“Grass is a natural surface and it is usual for the baselines to start to be showing signs of wear and tear four days into the Championships.”