Relegation to outer courts irks some female players

WIMBLEDON, England -- Venus Williams trails Roger Federer in Wimbledon titles 5-4, but she has a commanding lead in a more dubious statistic: appearances away from the two show courts.

In that category, Williams leads Federer 8-0 over the last five years, according to IBM, the tournament's official stat keeper.

On Monday, Williams again was shunted to the so-called "graveyard of champions" Court 2 for her fourth-round match, and Wimbledon's scheduling came under fire from several top female players, who felt their placement on outside show courts disrespected their status.

"Initially I thought, 'OK, is this the right schedule?'" deadpanned 2002-03 champ Serena Williams after her 6-3, 6-3 defeat of fellow American Bethanie Mattek, also on Court 2.

"I was almost playing in the parking lot," complained Jelena Jankovic, who was upset by Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand 6-3, 6-2 on Court 18. ...