The Wimbledon Tennis Championships begin today, Monday, with reigning champion Novak Djokovic, women’s world No. 1, Iga Swiatek, and Dan Evans all in action.
Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam championship at the French Open last month, leaping ahead of Rafa Nadal and moving three points ahead of another great competitor, Roger Federer, with the 36-year-old aiming for an eighth victory at Wimbledon.
With a win at the All England Club, Djokovic will equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 major victories.
The Serb begins his quest for victory at Wimbledon without Federer or Nadal for the first time in 25 years on Centre Court against Argentina’s Pedro Cachin, with his preparation aided by a training session with British veteran Andy Murray.
“It was great to have a hit with him on a championship court,” Djokovic told Sky Sports. “We haven’t done that in a while, it was like the gold old days. He’s someone that is really inspirational to so many players around the world.
“In terms of my objectives and goals, they’re always very high and still at this stage of my career I am able to perform well. That’s what actually matters the most right now. I’m going to try play well here and maybe get another shot at the same result as last year. And as long as there’s the drive, I’ll be here.”
2022 men’s finalist Nick Kyrgios shocked his supporters after he withdrew from this year’s Wimbledon due to a wrist injury.
The Australian, 28, lost to Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final last year and has only competed in one tournament this year due to a knee ailment that necessitated surgery.
“I’m really sad to say that I have to withdraw from Wimbledon this year,” he posted on Instagram.
“I tried my hardest to be ready after my surgery and to be able to step on the Wimbledon courts again.”
Women’s world No. 1 Swiatek is hoping to surpass her record on grass courts at Wimbledon this year. She has been struggling on grass courts despite her success on hardcourts and clay.
Venus Williams is one of the veterans who is also coming to the tournament with huge experience. However, age is no longer by her side, as she is getting closer to her 43rd birthday.