Venus Williams praised Wimbledon chiefs after the tournament's much-maligned schedule-makers finally gave female stars top billing on Wednesday. For the first time in 25 years, there were more women's matches than men's on Wimbledon's six show courts in a single day of play. There were 11 women's ties scheduled compared to 10 for men as Venus and her sister Serena Williams, along with world number two Caroline Wozniacki and former US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova, were given the spotlight. On Centre Court and Court One -- Wimbledon's two biggest stadiums -- two women's singles matches, including Venus and seven-time winner Serena, entertained the sell-out crowd in each prestigious arena, alongside only one men's match in each.

After years of being criticised for prioritising male stars like Roger Federer and Andy Murray, Wimbledon bosses have bowed to pressure and Venus, a five-time champion at the grass-court Grand Slam, was quick to salute the move. "I was really overjoyed when I saw the schedule for today. We have a lot of equal play on the main courts in the other three Grand Slams," Venus said after her second round win over Alexandra Dulgheru on Court One. "It was just fantastic to see Wimbledon also follow suit. It's wonderful to hopefully have that continue, to have equal for the men and the women."