Tennis: Venus calls for curtsy

Former champion Venus Williams says Wimbledon's decision to stop players curtsying to the royal box will dent the event's tradition.

"I don't know why they did that," the American, who was champion in 2000 and 2001, said yesterday. "I'm disappointed. The best part about Wimbledon is the history and tradition. That's so nice, the curtsy."

Wimbledon said last month that players would be excused from making the gesture to members of the royal family and visiting dignitaries, apart from the Queen and Prince Charles. Men will no longer be requested to bow.