Wimbledon: why Serena Williams played with patches on her face against Harmony Tan

After a year away from the courts, Serena Williams returned to Grand Slam competition on Tuesday at Wimbledon.

A missed meeting since the American, now 1204th in the WTA rankings, was eliminated as soon as she entered the competition on the grass, by the Frenchwoman Harmony Tan in three rounds.

Queen of eccentric outfits, the player with 23 Grand Slam titles appeared on the Center Court in white outfit, as is the custom in the tournament but with two patches, as a few days ago from the semi-finals of the tournament Eastbourne, contested in the women's doubles draw.

To discover

• Wimbledon: men's schedule and results

• Wimbledon: ladies schedule and results

Patches to cure sinus problems?

New coquetry from this fashion icon, advertising for one of her sponsors?

The 40-year-old athlete was questioned on the subject a few days ago but did not wish to answer the journalist's question.

The British press evokes two leads: the first, supported by The Times, leads to medical treatment to cure her recurring sinus problems from which she has suffered since the beginning of her career.

“

,” said the American in 2007. In competition, Serena Williams regularly uses nasal spray and takes hot showers to reduce side effects.

A recent surgery

But this explanation did not convince all Internet users taken aback by these two small bands placed on the right cheek and not around the nasal walls.

At the end of the meeting, Serena Williams also removed one of these two bandages.

The other explanation, more credible, evokes a recent surgical intervention.

These dark patches would allow the athlete to heal better and above all, would protect the face of the former world No. 1 from the effects of the sun on the skin.