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We’ll bring our live Wimbledon coverage to a close for today. It was a fine first day of action and especially for the big home hopes - Emma Raducanu shone on her Centre Court debut before Andy Murray dropped a set but then progressed with relatively little fuss. I say it was a fine first day – there was of course a massive cloudburst and a fairly long rain delay earlier on – but it wouldn’t be Wimbledon without rain, would it? Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow for more.
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Having been 5-2 up and passed up two set points, Watson has just lost the first set to Korpatsch on a tiebreaker. That one will sting a bit ... but can she put that behind her and bounce back in the second set?
Murray speaks to Leigh McKenzie out on Centre Court: “It’s amazing to be back out here again with a full crowd ... amazing atmosphere ... obviously I’m getting on a bit now, I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll get to play here, so I want to make the most of it every time I’m here.
“He likes playing on the grass ... as the match went on I felt a bit more comfortable ... I did well to get through it.”
“There are always nerves, pressure, butterflies and stress before the first match ... I’ve been at the venue a lot in the last couple of weeks. It’s great to get a win under my belt and hopefully I’ll play better from here on.”
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Murray defeats Duckworth! 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4!
And there it is. There were worrying signs when Murray dropped the first set, and his body language was not looking the best ... but here he is with two match points. He thumps what looks to be a good ace down the middle but it’s checked and called out. On the next point Duckworth challenges a line call, there is a pause as it’s checked by Hawkeye, and it’s shown to be good. Murray is through to the second round! He will face John Isner, the world No 24 with the booming serve.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 5-4 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
The answer is yes, someone can find the break, and it is Murray. He forces it to 15-30 on the Duckworth serve – and a double fault gives him two potentially crucial break points. Duckworth saves the first one but then another nervy double fault allows Murray to serve for the match ...
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Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 4-4 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
It’s still nip and tuck. All square at 4-4. Can someone seize the initiative and find the break?
On Court 1, Heather Watson is engaged in a fierce first-set battle with Tamara Korpatsch of Germany. It’s 6-5 to Watson with Korpatsch serving.
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Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-3 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth is climbing into his groundstrokes and putting some more power into them, but also mixing it up nicely here and there ... This is showing all the hallmarks of a textbook Murray five-set epic as things stand.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-3 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
“Duckworth has regrouped here, and he’s coming at Murray again,” observes John McEnroe on commentary for the BBC. Indeed he has. Murray is being forced on to the back foot a little more. But he remains in control overall.
*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-2 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
A hold of serve apiece and we move deeper into the fourth set. Murray has been in the ascendancy for a while now, but this one is far from over.
“As a six-time champion here, Novak Djokovic has experienced most things it is possible to feel at Wimbledon. But when he stepped on to court today he did so with a little trepidation, unsure what to expect from himself after not playing any grass-court warm-up tournaments and unsure what to expect from the crowd.”
Simon Cambers reports:
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*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 0-1 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
The roof successfully closed, Murray v Duckworth is back on. The Australian holds serve to open the fourth set.
Sinner beats Wawrinka: 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2!
The No 10 seed moves into the second round.
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Murray wins the third set! Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Duckworth
Murray wins a cracking point to begin, expertly taking the heat out of a Duckworth smash, and then passing him confidently for 15-0. That sets the tone and Murray, having fallen a set behind, is now a set to the good.
There will now be a pause while the Centre Court roof is closed.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 5-2 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth isn’t happy. He is in fact now suggesting to the umpire that had Murray asked for the roof to be closed, it would have happened, while his request was turned down. Whether there is an element of truth there or not, he is not helping himself by getting irritated about it.
Murray 4-6, 6-3, 5-1 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth crushes a couple of forehands and then forces Murray to come into the net, where he puts away a lovely passing shot that sneaks into the corner. Very impressive from Murray. However, Duckworth takes it to deuce, when Murray digs out a big serve and grabs a game point. Duckworth answers straight back, destroying a big backhand down the line to take it back to deuce. A protracted deuce battle ensues but Murray closes it out - and moves a step closer to winning the third set.
*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 4-1 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth, having fallen a double break down, seems to want the roof closed, because the natural light is fading and he’s struggling to see the ball. The match supervisor comes over for a chat, but Duckworth does not get his wish. They will play on for the moment but the roof will presumably be closed before too long.
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Murray 4-6, 6-3, 3-1 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
A cheeky underarm serve from Murray appears on the second point of the game. He wins the point, but it goes to 30-30, and then deuce. Ultimately Murray holds – and opens up a two-game lead.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 2-1 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
A break for Murray! That will make him feel better after he missed an opportunity earlier in the set. He is in control of this third set ...
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Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner (10) is two sets up on Wawrinka on Court 2.
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Kerber beats Mladenovic: 6-0, 7-5!
The German No 15 seed makes serene progress into the second round.
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Murray 4-6, 6-3, 1-1 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Another strong service game from Murray and we’re all square in the second set.
*Murray 4-6, 6-3, 0-1 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
It’s deuce on Duckworth’s serve. Murray can’t get a big first serve back and he roars with frustration. He had his opponent at 15-40 before that, and it’s a missed opportunity. On the plus side he is creating opportunities for himself.
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Hurkacz, having fallen at the first hurdle today against Davidovich-Fokina, is already looking forward to next year.
Rollercoaster with no happy ending. Thank you @Wimbledon See you next year! pic.twitter.com/fGGEJkKMkk
— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) June 27, 2022
Murray wins the second set! Murray 4-6, 6-3 Duckworth
Murray can serve for the set. Duckworth dumps one in the net for 15-0, then cannot control a return and hits long for 30-0. Murray belts another big wide serve which proves to be unreturnable – 40-0. Duckworth misjudges a drop shot, it falls short of the net, and that’s the second set for Murray!
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On Court 1 in the women’s singles, Angelique Kerber (15) took the first set 6-0 against Kristina Mladenovic, and they’re now locked at 4-4 in the second set.
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Murray 4-6, 5-2 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth can only muster a solitary point as Murray holds again, ending it with a booming wide serve.
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*Murray 4-6, 4-2 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
There it is! Duckworth hits wide and the Scot has the breakthrough in the second set. “He looks like he’s on his last legs,” observes Cotter on commentary, despite that success for Murray, and he has a point. He is moving fairly well during the points but when he’s walking around the court, he looks like he barely has the energy to walk.
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On Court 2 in the men’s singles, Jannik Sinner (10) and Stan Wawrinka have a set each: 7-5, 4-6.
Murray 4-6, 3-2 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Murray edges in front again with another hold of serve. He doesn’t look wholly comfortable, though, and at times is slumping his shoulders and trudging around the court with seemingly little energy.
Alcaraz beats Struff - 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 4-6!
The 19-year-old Spaniard has enough, in the end, to make his way past the tall German and he is into the second round.
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Murray 4-6, 2-1 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Murray holds. But can he find that elusive break of serve?
*Murray 4-6, 1-1 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
The longest rally of the match ends with a win for Murray after a protracted exchange from the baseline, both players applying plenty of slice to the ball. The game goes to deuce. Murray mishits a forehand from the back of the court to hand the advantage to Duckworth ... but he misses a drop shot to take it back to deuce. On the next game point for Duckworth, the Australian hits long after another attritional rally, and then butchers a forehand smash straight into the net. He saves break point with a good smash and then a big wide serve sets up the game, rounding it off with another spectacular rally in which Murray is racing around the court. To no avail.
Murray 4-6, 1-0 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
A hold to love for Murray to begin the second set. Encouragement for his fans, not to mention for himself. His body language is a little sluggish and he could do with lifting himself a little.
Duckworth wins the first set against Murray, 4-6
“This could be a long evening for Andy Murray,” observes Andrew Cotter on commentary. It might also be a short evening if Duckworth continues to play this kind of tennis – he’s taking his shots on and forcing Murray into places he doesn’t want to go. The first set goes to the Australian.
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Murray 4-5 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Excellent stuff from the Sydneysider, who is beginning to strike the ball with more authority. He can serve for the first set.
The weather caused Cameron Norrie as many problems as his opponent, Pablo Andújar, on Court Two here on Monday. But after two delays for rain the only British seed in the men’s singles was also the first British player into the second round, thanks to a straight-sets victory that was only in any real doubt when the second extended into a tie-break.
*Murray 4-4 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth really connects with his serve when he gets it right, and he sends down one or two at 130mph. All square again in the first set.
Murray 4-3 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Murray edges back in front with another hold of serve. We’ve had two breaks of serve in this first set, one for each player. At this stage they are looking fairly well matched.
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“I watched Duckworth a couple of times a few years ago in Australia,” emails Craig McEwan. “He is a real never-say-die type player who leaves everything on the court. He won’t go quietly, so Andy M will have to be on it if he’s to get through this match.”
*Murray 3-3 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth replies by holding his own serve. Murray is moving pretty well at the moment but it’s in his interests to keep the points short and limit the amount of running that he needs to do. Easier said than done, of course.
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Murray 3-2 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Murray races through a service hold and when he sits down for a drink, he makes a show of pumping his fist and showing the crowd that despite that early break of serve by his opponent, he isn’t going to lie down.
*Murray 2-2 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Murray breaks straight back! That’s more like it ... are we in for another titanic struggle here?
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If you missed anything – and I know I did – Paul MacInnes’s Wimbledon Diary rounds up the key points from today’s action in SW19:
Murray 1-2 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
A delightful lobbed winner begins the game in positive fashion for Duckworth and he pulls off a dominant break of serve. Murray’s shoulders and slumped and his head is down as he wanders off the court for a drink. Not a fantastic start, but it’s still early days. Very early days when you remember all the epic matches Murray has played on these courts.
*Murray 1-1 Duckworth (*denotes next server)
Duckworth tonks down a big ace to open the game but Murray battles to take it to deuce ... Duckworth grabs the advantage, then a clever sliced drop shot has Murray sprinting for the net. He makes it, but hits wide, and we’re all square and with serve in the first set.
Ons Jabeur kicked off in style earlier today. Simon Cambers reports:
Murray 1-0 *Duckworth (*denotes next server)
A comfortable enough hold for the two-times men’s singles champion Murray to begin his 2022 Wimbledon campaign. He’s come a long way since that odd moment at the Australian Open when his fellow professionals assumed he was retiring and made him a farewell video montage ...
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Here we go again. Murray v Duckworth is under way.
Sean Ingle is on the scene at Centre Court.
It’s cold and a bit blustery as Andy Murray steps on court. If history is any guide, the over/under on the first drunken shout of ‘Come on Tim!’ is 2.5 games… pic.twitter.com/FXkzkmxxom
— Sean Ingle (@seaningle) June 27, 2022
Our snap report of Emma Raducanu’s excellent victory against Alison Van Uytvanck. Raducanu will face Caroline Garcia in the second round.
Kontaveit (2) beats Pera: 5-7, 6-1!
The big-hitting No 2 seed is safely into the second round with a straight-sets win against Bernarda Pera, who is ranked 69 in the world.
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Davidovich-Fokina beats Hurkacz – 7-6 (4), 6-4, 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (8)!
Hurkacz, a men’s singles semi-finalist last year, is out after an epic tussle with the very talented Davidovich-Fokina. And the deciding tiebreaker went to 10-8. High drama on Court 3 and definitely one to catch up on in the highlights ...
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There’s the small matter of Andy Murray coming up next on Centre.
Emma Raducanu speaks to the BBC: “It’s an incredibly special feeling to be coming back here at Wimbledon ... I felt the support as soon as I walked out of those doors, and walking around the grounds. I want to say thank you to everyone who’s been here supporting, through the tough times as well ... yeah, it’s all worth it to play here on Centre Court and especially to come through with a win.
“Alison is an extremely tricky opponent because, you know, she’s had some great results on grass in the recent few weeks, and I played her last summer ... the ball stays so low, it’s extremely tricky to neutralise such a good serve ... she hits the ball hard, so it’s tough ... I’m extremely pleased to come through that match, and hopefully looking forward to coming out and playing in front of you guys again.
“I’ve been feeling it [the energy around the venue] ever since I stepped on to the practice courts, the first day. I felt people behind me like “Emma, you got this,” and I’m like, “Yeah, I got this” ... It’s just amazing to walk on these grounds and these courts ... I’m just so happy to stay another day.”
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Raducanu defeats Van Uytvanck – 4-6, 4-6!
There it is! Raducanu, who has visibly grown in confidence throughout this, is taking on some more and more expansive shots ... she races to 40-0, sends a forehand fractionally wide for 40-15 on the first match point, but then draws her opponent into the net and has a simple task to pat a volley into the open court to finish it ... and the celebrations can begin. Raducanu beams in the direction of her team in the stands. Happiness, and a touch of relief that her campaign is under way with a win.
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Van Uytvanck 4-6, 4-5 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
The home favourite breaks, and will now be able to serve for the match! There is a moment of hesitation as Hawkeye has a look at a line call – the ball is long from Van Uytvanck, and Raducanu is a game away from a highly impressive opening victory.
Struff and Alcaraz are going deep: 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (3), and now 2-1 Struff with the Spaniard serving in the fourth game of the final set.
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*Van Uytvanck 4-6, 4-4 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Thank you John and hello again, everyone. Both players are fully into this match now, into their rhythm, and the exchanges from the back of the court are powerful and precise. This latest game goes to 30-30 but Raducanu finds a couple of strong serves and she is back level in the second set.
Van Uytvanck 4-6 4-3 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Van Uytvanck remains resistant, and with a forehand, goes back ahead in the second set. And with that, I hand back to Luke McLaughlin for the evening session who will be your guide as Radacanu Ridge becomes Murray Mound.
Van Uytvanck* 4-6 3-3 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
This is a more assured service game from Raducanu, her forehand working against her opponent’s forehand. All level in the second set. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz has levelled against Jan-Lennard Struff to go into a fifth set, an early-round classic being played on Court No 1, it seems.
Van Uytvanck 4-6 3-2 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Back comes Raducanu, and back comes a break-back, and to love. Back on serve we go. And there’s some spots of rain coming, too. “Little drops of rain, whisper of the pain, tears of love’s lost in the days gone by,” as Glasto stalwart Robert Plant had it many years ago.
Van Uytvanck* 4-6 3-1 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Van Uytvanck will not be going quietly, not at all, though Raducanu does seem to be able to push her into mistakes. A glimmer at 0-30 becomes 30-30 soon enough but then comes a volley at the net, and a break point. Then, after a great rally, the Belgian is the victor, and takes the initiative. Raducanu had a chance to blam a winner but went for safety and paid for it when Van Uytvanck crashed the ball back down the line.
Van Uytvanck 4-6 2-1 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
And like the 39 bus to Southfields, two come at once, and Van Uytvanck serves to love.
Van Uytvanck* 4-6 1-1 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
That was easier, a love hold for Emma Raducanu.
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Van Uytvanck 4-6 1-0 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Van Uytvanck looks wobbly after conceding that first set. It’s 0-30 after a double fault, then 0-40 before Raducanu wallops the ball too long from the baseline. The Belgian fights back to deuce, showing she’s by no means quit. What looks a miscue lands what seems a lucky break point before both players seem to lose their cool over a rally, Radacanu eventually netting from the back of the court. Van Uytvanck double faults for deuce again, then nets a backhand for another break point, only to serve and volley her way out. Some Raducanu self-admonishment as she makes a backhand error, and then some relief when her lob saves her deuce once more. These two don’t do simple games. Another break point, her sixth, but again, she can’t take it. Then, a winner is begging as she speeds to the ball, and yet she nets. Van Uytvanck then hits too long but, eventually, and at last, after seven deuces, she holds.
Raducanu takes the first set 6-4
The BBC commentator team, of Sam Smith and Tracey Austin, are discussing South London traffic. To drive from Bromley to Roehampton isn’t easy, apparently, and actually truly. Not easy by public transport, either, which is South London for you. Meanwhile, Van Uytvanck’s crashing forehand lands her a 0-30 lead, only for Raducanu to hit back with a squawk of celebration. Then a let called on 15-30, despite a challenge from the Belgian. But 15-40 comes soon enough, though a good serve halves the breaking chance, and then a top-spun backhand tempts her opponent into an error. Deuce, then set point is granted by a skewed backhand outside the lines. Set point is begging but Raducanu gets too low and nets. A waste, though a similar efforts takes the rally into her control, and another set point is her. With a clubbing backhand, she takes it this time.
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Van Uytvanck 4-5 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Big roars for Raducanu’s chase down the court to crash home for 0-30, then she tempts Van Uytvanck into netting to land her own three break points. Then, Van Uytvanck, with a forehand, clanks the ball out. A second break, and Raducanu serves for the set.
Van Uytvanck* 4-4 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Oh, now it’s Raducanu’s turn to wobble, and a crouching baseline hit from the back of the court doesn’t clear the net. Then, she misreads the spin on drop shot from her opponent and there’s three break points on offer. The first is taken rather too easily.
Van Uytvanck 3-4 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
A whipped winner gets the jewellery rattling on Centre Court. Emma seems to have her eye in, and with a crashed backhand, she has two break points. And the pressure tells when the Belgian chokes up and double faults.
Van Uytvanck* 3-3 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Raducanu’s serve is holding up well at the moment, and 3-3 soon comes. One of those tennis bros you hear at the slam events starts up with that “let’s go, Emma, let’s go” chant.
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Van Uytvanck 3-2 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Van Uytvanck has a crashing serve when she connects and aces past Raducanu to level at 15-15, and eventually it sees her to winning the game. This is a bruising encounter for Dame Emma.
Van Uytvanck* 2-2 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Hello, hello, I’m back again for the next hour as Radacanu serves to level in the first set, and does so with quite the roar.
Van Uytvanck 2-1 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
The Belgian edges ahead again. The players take a drink. And I will hand you over to the estimable John Brewin for the next hour ...
*Van Uytvanck 1-1 Raducanu (*denotes next server)
This game turns into quite a battle. The Belgian forces it to 30-30. She hits wide, and Raducanu has game point ... but then a high-risk angled forehand just kisses the line from Van Uytvanck and it’s deuce. Then break point for Van Uytvanck – saved by Raducanu – and a second break point is negotiated with a brilliant sliced drop shot. Raducanu probably looks the more nervous of the two players and you sense that Van Uytvanck is trying to capitalise on that. Raducanu has another game point but carelessly hits a forehand wide, and then hits long for a third break point for her opponent ... Back to deuce again ... Raducanu, eventually, manages to hold in a game that lasted over 10 minutes as Van Uytvanck is forced into the net but cannot get a drop shot back.
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Hurkacz has levelled it up against Davidovich-Fokina, winning the fourth set 6-2, and making it 2-2 and into a deciding set.
Van Uytvanck 1-0 *Raducanu (*denotes next server)
Raducanu earns herself a couple of break points with some typically aggressive hitting from the baseline. However, Van Uytvanck saves them both, and when Raducanu finds the net with a forehand on a first-serve return, the Belgian edges in front. That was so nearly a nerve-settling break to open for Raducanu, but positive signs anyway.
Here we go. Emma Raducanu’s debut on Centre Court is under way.
Sunshine and blue skies in SW19.
On Court 1, Alcaraz took the second set against Struff, 5-7, and now leads 2-1 in the third.
Blue skies 😊#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/SpHaE0qo8N
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2022
Alison Van Uytvanck and Emma Raducanu stroll out on to Centre Court. Raducanu smiles and waves as she gets a big cheer from the fans. She’ll be nervous - wouldn’t you be?
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Emma Raducanu is up next on Centre Court, for the first time:
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The back courts have dried out following the earlier deluge, and the matches are recommencing. On Court 3 Hubert Hurkacz has grabbed a set back against Davidovich Fokina: the score now stands at 7-6 (4), 6-4, 5-7.
Norrie beats Andujar – 6-0, 7-6, 6-3!
Following that pesky rain break, Norrie dispatches a lovely winner down the line to break Andujar’s serve and seal progress to the second round in straight sets. A very accomplished performance from the British men’s No 1.
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Djokovic speaks to the BBC: “It’s always a pleasure to come back to Centre Court at Wimbledon. Credit to Kwon for playing some really high-quality tennis. He deserves applause, definitely ... I didn’t have any lead-up, or preparation tournaments or matches ... you’re going to feel a bit less comfortable than usual ... it was really difficult to go ‘through’ him so I had to find a way, tactically, to get in control of the point. I had to put a lot of variety in the game ... At this level, one or two points decide the game ... I want to thank you [the fans] for coming out and supporting both players today.
“I owe a lot to this sport ... I’m as dedicated as anybody out there ... the love, and flame for this sport still burns in me ... I try to deliver the best tennis on these most significant courts.”
Djokovic beats Kwon – 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4!
That was a fine effort by the world No 81, Kwon. He put Djokovic in some uncomfortable places at times but the Serb exerted his authority in the end. The reception from the crowd is warm for both players.
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Over on No 1 Court, Struff and Alcaraz and locked in a battle for the 10th game of the second set. Alcaraz wound up one obscenely good down-the-line forehand a few moments ago, and ominously for his opponent looks to be seeing it better and better.
That said, Alcaraz has converted 0/6 break points in the match, and Struff eventually holds for 5-5.
Kwon holds for 5-4 in the fourth. Djokovic will serve for the match ...
Now a break up, Djokovic is serving at 4-3 against Kwon, aiming to move to within a game of victory and progress to the second round.
Alcaraz will ultimately have too much though, won’t he? I reckon your bet will be alive into the second round, at least.
@LukeMcLaughlin I stuck a $10 double on Jabeur and Alcaraz for the titles. Feeling a lot betterer about one of those as opposed to the other right now...
— Robert Walnut (@bobbywalnut) June 27, 2022
Wimbledon is turning to big data to help improve fans’ tennis knowledge, after discovering even ticket holders at the Championships were not aware of most of the players in the game.
Struff and Alcaraz are locked at 3-3 in the second set after Struff took the first 6-4.
That was a LOT of rain falling on SW19 a while ago ... thankfully there are now blue skies across south west London so things are looking up for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Sharing is caring ☔️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/03MLg16CY3
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2022
At deuce on the Djokovic serve, the Serb produces a sensational lob in response to a very good volley by Kwon which probably would have won the point against a lesser player. Djokovic holds one hand aloft and quickly closes out the game to make it 1-1 in the fourth set.
Alcaraz edges ahead in the second set against Struff, it’s 2-1 and with serve on No 1 Court.
Djokovic wins the third set against Kwon! The score now stands at 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. The South Korean has given an extremely good account of himself here but it looks as if Djokovic is going to get it done.
The BBC now shows a shot of Emma Raducanu limbering up for her imminent appearance on Centre Court. She is next up, and will face Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium, who is ranked No 46 in the world. Andy Murray will be in action later, too against James Duckworth of Australia, the world No 74. Murray himself is ranked 52.
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Djokovic now forces two break points against Kwon and he seizes the first of them, opening up the court with a big, deep forehand. Djokovic suddenly finds another gear, as he so often does, winning four points in a row in that game, and he will now serve for the third set at 5-3.
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Struff takes the first set against Alcaraz! A lovely bit of serve-volleying action from the German helps to close out the first set, 6-4. He’s ranked 155 in the world, the 32-year-old, and he now has a foothold against the No 5 seed.
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They had a rain delay up at Headingley, too, but it didn’t stop England sealing an impressive 3-0 series win against New Zealand:
Struff, eventually, closes out the game and makes it 5-3 to Alcaraz must serve to stay in the first set on No 1 Court.
The rangy figure of Struff is aiming to make it 5-3 in the first set against Alcaraz but the Spaniard is fighting hard. He grabs a break point with an outrageous angled effort placed delicately over the net. Struff answers back with an 126mph serve and then hits a good wide one next up which Alcaraz cannot get back. It’s a big tussle for this eighth game of the first set.
On Centre Kwon continues to stay with his more illustrious opponent – it’s 2-2 in the third.
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The unfortunate people who don’t have tickets for either Centre Court or No 1 court will be doing their best to shelter from the rain at the moment. Classic English summertime scenes.
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Alcaraz manages to avoid falling a double break down in the first set, holding for 3-2.
Djokovic and Kwon are level at 1-1 in the third set, and level at 1-1 in sets, too.
On No 1 Court there is a deafening sound of the rain hammering down on the retractable roof. Carlos Alcaraz (5) has fallen 3-1 behind against Jan-Lennard Struff, of Germany. Struff has taken it to deuce on the Spaniard’s serve too ...
They’ve stopped for rain at the moment, of course, but Hubert Hurkacz of Poland is in trouble against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, two sets down. The score is 7-6, 6-4, 5-5. Hurkacz reached the semi-finals last year after that demolition of Roger Federer, and it would be quite a shock should he go out.
And Kwon takes the second set! No rain breaks on Centre Court, of course, with the roof closed. Djokovic hits long and Kwon pumps his fist and looks up at his team. They celebrate almost as if he’s won the match. Taking a set from Djokovic here is some achievement.
At 5-3 in the second, Kwon is serving for the second set against Djokovic.
Meanwhile, rain stops play after Norrie passes up three match points against Andujar. At 6-0, 7-6(3), 5-3 and deuce, the Johannesburg-born player is going to have to wait to close this out. The rain is forecast to hang around for an hour or so.
Norries forces it to deuce on Andujar’s serve and then digs out a superb forehand on to his opponent’s toes and he has match point ... it’s a chance to return second serve, too, but he mishits a big booming forehand from the back of the court and it bounces out.
“Thousands of tennis fans will cheer on Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray at Wimbledon today as the tournament returns to full capacity for the first time in three years.
“The grounds will be packed with up to 42,000 people each day after crowds were slashed by 50% last year due to the Covid pandemic.”
Djokovic belts a forehand just wide and Kwon holds for 5-2 in the second set. Djokovic seemed to be taking a stranglehold in the first set but this is impressive stuff from Kwon to put his opponent under such pressure.
Norrie moves a step closer, to 5-3 in the third set, and is a game away from a straight-sets victory against the world No 100.
Simon Cambers spoke to Matteo Berrettini, the beaten finalist in the men’s singles last year:
“Sometimes it takes a while before the scale of an achievement such as reaching the final of Wimbledon for the first time sinks in. For Matteo Berrettini it came within a few hours. Having attended the Euro 2020 final and seen Italy defeat England on penalties, Berrettini joined the team on the pitch for the celebrations. They told him they had been glued to the television earlier in the day, willing him on against his opponent, Novak Djokovic.”
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Against Djokovic on Centre Court, Kwon has indeed regathered himself impressively and he is now 4-1 up in the second set! Djokovic forces him to deuce in the latest game but the world No 81 serves it out and has victory in this set firmly in his sights.
One of the great things about Wimbledon, in my opinion, is that if you’re willing to queue you’ve always got a great chance of getting in. And early in the fortnight there is so much happening on the back courts, it makes for a fantastic day out. In the absence of previous Covid restrictions the famous Wimbledon queue is back:
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Jabeur (3) defeats Bjorklund 6-1, 6-3!
The impressive Tunisian wasn’t hanging around there. So much so I didn’t notice that match had finished – a straightforward victory and into the second round for the No 3 seed.
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Norrie has just broken Andujar’s serve and gone 3-1 in the third set against Andujar – that match is going to be over pretty quickly at this rate. Djokovic and Kwon are now 1-1 in the second set.
On Centre Court there is a break in play as it appears one of the spectators is unwell. Medics are in attendance. Djokovic paces around by his seat and takes a drink.
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In the women’s singles on Court 7, Anhelina Kalinina (seeded 29) is 4-3 up in the third set against Anna Bondar. She lost the first 4-6 and won the second 6-2.
Norrie wins that second-set tiebreak 7-3, and moves two sets to the good: 6-0, 7-6 (3). All looking good for him.
On Centre Court, Djokovic wins a fifth consecutive game to clinch the first set 6-3, and any early concerns appear to be melting away. But can Kwon regroup and put the world No 3 under pressure again?
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Djokovic breaks and it’s 5-3 ... he enjoys one big slice of luck in this game with a shot that flicks off the net and flops down on Kwon’s side. Aside from that, it’s classic attritional tennis from the Serb, and he wears his opponent down in the final rally until Kwon dumps a groundstroke into the net. Business as usual.
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Norrie, meanwhile, is into a second-set tiebreak with Andujar and is well in control of it at 4-1.
Thank you John and good afternoon everyone ... Djokovic has just held serve to love to make it 4-3 in the first set against Kwon and, as Tim Henman said on commentary, appears to be warming up quite nicely now.
With Djoko wobbling, and Cameron Norrie still struggling to get this second set from the clutches of Andujar, I shall pass you into the capable hands of Mr Luke McLaughlin, a man with a forehand to die for.
Kwon holds serve, and he is flying, really putting it to Djokovic, who looks sluggish and then gets diddled by a drop shot on the first point of his service game. He eventually manages to hold his serve but this is no first-round gimme, not for a player whose 2022 has been so disrupted.
Hello! Kwon is 2-1 up on Djokovic, and a break up, too, whipping a forehand winner to break the Serb’s serve. Lovely play, to go all Dan Maskell.
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Cam Norrie continues to find the second set tougher than the first against Pablo Andújar, though he can break the serve of the Spaniard and win the second set at 5-4 up.
Tsurenko beats Burrage 6-2 6-3
Burrage goes 0-30 down before an ace has her punching the air. But then a baseline crasher hands Tsurenko two match points. The first is saved by the Burrage backhand, down at the toes. Then, sadly, the forehand lets her down once more. The Kyiv native goes through, while Burrage won a few admirers over the grass court season but couldn’t repeat it at the big tournament.
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Bad news for Burrage, broken in the second set, and now 4-3 down to Tsurenko, though the Ukrainian suddenly appears to get the yips on her serve, the ball toss seeming to be her problem. Two break points are offered up but two mistakes smother them. She must now serve to save the match, and perhaps only a fresh outbreak of tennis elbow for Tsurenko can save her.
Djokovic is out on the Centre Court, as he starts his ride towards a seventh All-England, and he’s knocking up with Soonwoo Kwon of Korea. A lukewarm reception for Djokovic, but nothing too hostile. It’s Wimbledon we are talking about here and eventually there’s a very loud applause as the umpire signals play can begin.
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Burrage held her serve again, and then found herself on the back foot in trying to return the Tsurenko serve. 2-2. Jabeur meanwhile is 5-1 up on Bjorklund soon enough taking the first set with a game of heavy serving, while Cam Norrie, having blitzed Andujar in the first set, is going with serve with the veteran Spaniard. It’s 2-1 in the second set.
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Burrage takes the first game of the second set, holding her serve. She wasn’t too much distracted by her emergency medical duties. Tsurenko also has her eye in, and levels the set to love. 1-1, one set up for the Ukrainian.
Play resumes on Court 18 after that rather touching incident. On with the tennis, with the ball boy now being looked after by the professionals. Over on Court 1, Ons Jabeur has an early break on Bjorklund.
Oh dear, there’s a ball boy incident in the Burrage-Tsurenko game. He’s being attended to by Burrage, and looks a bit green around the gills. There’s another delay as the doctor comes across. Burrage’s now offering him some Percy Pigs, which suggests a problem with blood sugar, poor lad, who is in tears. If tennis doesn’t come off for Jodie, then a career in medical care could beckon. She has a lovely bedside manner.
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Jodie Burrage is back on against Tsurenko, the pair knock up before the Ukrainian serves for the first set. She starts with a double fault, before two forehand errors from the Englishwoman. Then a bullying serve sets up set point, and another forehand error hands the set over. 6-2.
Play resumes
Are we back on? We just might be. Cameron Norrie is due back on Court 2, and the crowd is in their seats waiting for him. On Court 1, Ons Jabeur takes on Mirjam Björklund, and the two players are actually on court, at this point outnumbering those in the stands.
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Doubles were a huge deal at this year’s Australian Open, because of the winning men’s pair of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinaki. Perhaps it’s time the Brits felt the same; we’re not bad at the doubles.
A devastating winner of the French Open, Swiatek is the player to beat this fortnight.
Swiatek’s movement is sublime, her power obvious. The US Davis Cup captain, Patrick McEnroe, has even compared the venom on her groundstrokes favourably with those of Serena Williams. “I haven’t seen any woman player hit with that much spin and pace,” he said recently. “Serena does it all, but Serena doesn’t play with anywhere near the sort of topspin and acceleration of the racket that this woman plays with.”
Further news....no play until 1pm.
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Latest scores, with the weather looking to lift at SW19
- Court 2: Norrie 6-0 0-1 Andujar
- Court 3: Davidovich Fokina 3-3 Hurkacz
- Court 4: Paul 6-1 Verdasco
- Court 6: Etcheverry 3-4 Humbert
- Court 7: Kalinina 4-4 Bondar
- Court 8: Marterer 4-3 Bedene
- Court 9: Paire 6-4 Halys
- Court 10: In-Albon 2-6 Riske
- Court 11: Monteiro 2-6 1-0 Munar
- Court 12: Ruud 3-2 Ramos-Vinolas
- Court 14: Mannarino 3-1 Purcell
- Court 15: Basilashvili 5-6 Rosol
- Court 16: Siniakova 0-6 Chwalinska
- Court 17: Tiafoe 3-3 Vavassori
- Court 18: Burrage 2-5 Tsurenko
The news is that there will be no play until 12.30 at the earliest.
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— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2022
It's great to be back 🙌#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/xZnV3yEBuG
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2022
Emma Raducanu, chatting just before to the BBC, said, “Hopefully I can go out there and have a good swing” which doesn’t sound like she is setting her sights too high. They are showing footage of her playing some form of handball game with her coaches. Plenty of smiles, which is a good sign.
Murray-mania will descend later this afternoon. And Big Nick knows how difficult he can be to play against.
“I think he’s one of the most dangerous players on grass still,” Kyrgios, who lost against Murray in Stuttgart this month, said on Sunday. “I definitely think the way he can handle speed, return, compete, slice, volley, as long as his body is feeling well, I don’t want to see him on the grass at all. I’m playing unbelievable tennis at the moment. That first set was as good a level as anyone can produce on the grass.”
Rain stopped play...
And sadly, that’s the case across all the outside courts where the tennis is being played this morning. It’s heavy, and the covers are on across the campus.
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Burrage is now 2-5 down, her serve is costing her dearly against Tsurenko, and then she fails to dig out a drop shot to hand over a second break to the Ukrainian. Laura Robson and Anne Keothavong look on. Both of those former plucky Brits know what Burrage is going through. And they also know the feeling of rain stopping play. The players are sent on a long walk back to the dressing room.
Cameron Norrie is crushing it, he’s 5-0 up in the first set against Andujar, and soon enough has a set point. That’s saved by an overhead by Andujar, but who double faults to hand over another, makes a bizarre, failed Hawkeye challenge on his second serve, then clunks a forehand into the ether to hand over the first set. 6-0 to Norrie, nice and easy.
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Jodie Burrage’s bright start has rather faded, as she is now 3-1 down to Tsurenko in the first set.
Norrie is under way, too. He held his serve for the first game against Andujar, and gets chance for an early break, and one he gobbles up. A highly promising start at 2-0 up in the first.
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Also in action, Jodie Burrage, of Kingston-upon-Thames, who has taken the first game of the match off Kyiv’s Lesia Tsurenko on Court 18.
First up at a still only cloudy and actually rather empty Wimbledon, is Cameron Norrie, the Brit No 1, ninth seed overall, who is taking on Pablo Andújar, the Spanish veteran.
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Tumaini Carayol is our main man on the scene at the All-England, and here’s his big picture piece.
The last time that none of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray occupied either of the top two ranking spots, its current inhabitants were seven and six years old respectively.
It would have been reasonable to assume that such a scenario would suggest a significant change at the top of the sport but Djokovic and Nadal are the main protagonists at Wimbledon for another year. Despite where they sit in the rankings, they are somehow also the top two seeds in the absence of a banned Daniil Medvedev, the world No 1, and an injured Alexander Zverev.
Preamble
It is here. Let fly the strawberries and cream, Pimm’s and Cliff Richard singalongs. All eyes on SW19, and it’s an opening day full of stars to kick off the fortnight. And by the looks of it, rain, even if “mostly cloudy” is the forecast on the official website. Oh well. So thank the lord for the closed roof on Centre Court and Court No 1, and discussions of the temperature and ball-flight therein. Novak Djokovic, defending champion and back on the chase of Rafa Nadal in the hunt for slams, gets us underway on Centre, followed by some plucky Brit psychodrama in Emma Raducanu and Sir Andrew Murray for the mid-late afternoon crowd. Look out also for Ons Jabeur on No 1, and later on Carlos Alcaraz, perhaps the next big thing, but someone playing down his chances on grass. Plenty more besides, and we’re here all two weeks with updates, news and quotes throughout.
Ready to make her Centre Court bow...#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/JPFdY6k4uL
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2022
