Mirra&nbsp;Andreeva's fairytale season continued Sunday when the 16-year-old reached the Wimbledon fourth round, inspired by Grand Slam warrior Rafael Nadal.

Andreeva, who came through qualifying and is playing her first senior grass-court tournament, defeated 22nd-seeded compatriot Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5.

The key part of the match came when she had to fight back from 1-4 down to 4-4 in the second set.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-crowd-boos-victoria-azarenka-after-loss-against-ukrainian-svitolina-in-fourth-round-watch-613746">Crowd boos Victoria Azarenka after loss against Ukrainian Svitolina in fourth round</a>

She then saw seven break points come and go in the ninth game before she gathered herself to reel off the next three games for victory.

She credited her fighting spirit to Nadal, a 22-time major winner and celebrated chaser of lost causes.

"I was really impressed when Rafa came back after an injury, he won the Australian Open in 2022, he won French Open," she explained.

"I can say that mental-wise I just try sometimes to copy him. I try to remember what would he do in these moments, what would he do on the score."

Andreeva&nbsp;arrived at Wimbledon having made a run to the third round at the French Open, also out of qualifying.

She will now rise in the rankings from 102 to the top 65 at least after Wimbledon.

At the end of 2022, she was down at 293 before announcing herself on the WTA Tour with a run to the last 16 in Madrid in April.

When she started that tournament she was still 15.

<h2>Normal teen</h2>

Despite rocketing to fame,&nbsp;Andreeva&nbsp;insists she is just a normal teenager despite the riches her successes have produced.

At the start of 2023, her career earnings stood at just under $27,000.

Now, her bank balance has comfortably burst through the $500,000 barrier.

"I love to watch some series," said&nbsp;Andreeva&nbsp;of her life off the court. "I have to do my school. I have no choice. I have to suffer for two more years, and that's it.

"I'm still 16, and sometimes I can be like a kid. I can complain a lot about some stuff."

She added: "When I have free time, sometimes I prefer to be alone, just with myself. But most of the time I watch Netflix."

As well as winning over fans at the All England Club, Sunday's win came on the birthday of her grandfather, watching on TV at the family home in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia.

"I feel the support from Krasnoyarsk, a lot of people are posting the stories," said&nbsp;Andreeva.

"They are tagging me everywhere. I feel super nice because they remember me. I'm excited about it, that they still cheer for me, even though I've been there last time in the winter."

On Sunday,&nbsp;Andreeva&nbsp;made the most of Potapova's mistake-ridden performance.

When Potapova buried an overhead into the net on match point it was her 45th and final unforced error.

"It was an amazing battle," said&nbsp;Andreeva.

She refuses to compare her run to that of Britain's Emma Raducanu, who captured the 2021 US Open title after coming through the qualifying round.

"She did an amazing job to pass the quallies and to win the Slam at 18.

"But me, I try to not think about it. I think it will disturb me, all these thoughts."

Despite her breakthrough performance,&nbsp;Andreeva&nbsp;maintains loftier ambitions and is targeting the seeded players' dressing room at Wimbledon in 2024.

"I hope to be in the locker room above next year," said the teenager, who will face US 25th seed Madison Keys on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Mirra Andreeva's fairytale season continued Sunday when the 16-year-old reached the Wimbledon fourth round, inspired by Grand Slam warrior Rafael Nadal. Andreeva, who came through qualifying and is playing her first senior grass-court tournament, defeated 22nd-seeded compatriot Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5.

Mirra Andreeva's fairytale season continued Sunday when the 16-year-old reached the Wimbledon fourth round, inspired by Grand Slam warrior Rafael Nadal. Andreeva, who came through qualifying and is playing her first senior grass-court tournament, defeated 22nd-seeded compatriot Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5. The key part of the match came when she had to fight back from 1-4 down to 4-4 in the second set. Also Watch: Crowd boos Victoria Azarenka after loss against Ukrainian Svitolina in fourth round She then saw seven break points come and go in the ninth game before she gathered herself to reel off the next three games for victory. She credited her fighting spirit to Nadal, a 22-time major winner and celebrated chaser of lost causes. "I was really impressed when Rafa came back after an injury, he won the Australian Open in 2022, he won French Open," she explained. "I can say that mental-wise I just try sometimes to copy him. I try to remember what would he do in these moments, what would he do on the score." Andreeva arrived at Wimbledon having made a run to the third round at the French Open, also out of qualifying. She will now rise in the rankings from 102 to the top 65 at least after Wimbledon. At the end of 2022, she was down at 293 before announcing herself on the WTA Tour with a run to the last 16 in Madrid in April. When she started that tournament she was still 15. Normal teen Despite rocketing to fame, Andreeva insists she is just a normal teenager despite the riches her successes have produced. At the start of 2023, her career earnings stood at just under $27,000. Now, her bank balance has comfortably burst through the $500,000 barrier. "I love to watch some series," said Andreeva of her life off the court. "I have to do my school. I have no choice. I have to suffer for two more years, and that's it. "I'm still 16, and sometimes I can be like a kid. I can complain a lot about some stuff." She added: "When I have free time, sometimes I prefer to be alone, just with myself. But most of the time I watch Netflix." As well as winning over fans at the All England Club, Sunday's win came on the birthday of her grandfather, watching on TV at the family home in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. "I feel the support from Krasnoyarsk, a lot of people are posting the stories," said Andreeva. "They are tagging me everywhere. I feel super nice because they remember me. I'm excited about it, that they still cheer for me, even though I've been there last time in the winter." On Sunday, Andreeva made the most of Potapova's mistake-ridden performance. When Potapova buried an overhead into the net on match point it was her 45th and final unforced error. "It was an amazing battle," said Andreeva. She refuses to compare her run to that of Britain's Emma Raducanu, who captured the 2021 US Open title after coming through the qualifying round. "She did an amazing job to pass the quallies and to win the Slam at 18. "But me, I try to not think about it. I think it will disturb me, all these thoughts." Despite her breakthrough performance, Andreeva maintains loftier ambitions and is targeting the seeded players' dressing room at Wimbledon in 2024. "I hope to be in the locker room above next year," said the teenager, who will face US 25th seed Madison Keys on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva's fairytale continues, reaches round of 16 in maiden tournament

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) in a 2 hours 46 minutes long marathon match to reach the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon 2023. With the win, Svitolina set up a tie with championship contender Iga Swiatek in the round of 8. The match, however, will be remembered mostly for the crowd booing Azarenka post her loss.

After the match, Svitolina and Azarenka walked towards the umpire and the Belarusian player held her hand in the Ukrainian player's direction. Svitolina, however, didn't shake Azarenka's hand, a policy she has adopted at the tournaments against Russian and Belarusian players following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Belarus is a key military partner of Russia.

The crowd, however, wasn't kind either and started booing Azarenka. The player wasn't very amused with the reaction. Have a look at the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Why would the Wimbledon crowd boo Victoria Azarenka? It makes no sense. It was Svitolina who has unilaterally decided not to shake hands with certain players. I feel sorry for <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vika7</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/zPWWqkwOiM">pic.twitter.com/zPWWqkwOiM</a>
— दिविर जैन (@divirj04) <a href="https://twitter.com/divirj04/status/1678146679449452544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Azarenka, after the match, said that it wasn't fair of crowd to boo her and that she hasn't done anything wrong.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-red-bulls-max-verstappen-reels-off-sixth-straight-win-at-silverstone-613679">F1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen reels off sixth straight win at Silverstone</a>

"It wasn't fair. It is what it is. What can I do?" said Azarenka.

"I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't control the crowd. I'm not sure that a lot of people were understanding what's happening.

"But if people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or a quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame."

Svitolina, however, wasn't much concerned about Azarenka getting booed or not shaking her hand post winning the match.

"It was like this for me in Paris. It was also unfair," said Svitolina.

"I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, we are not going to shake hands. So I have a clear statement."

The Ukrainian, meanwhile, described the win as the second most happiest moment after her daughter's birth.

"I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second-happiest moment in my life," said Svitolina. "When I was down I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) in a 2 hours 46 minutes long marathon match to reach the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon 2023.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) in a 2 hours 46 minutes long marathon match to reach the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon 2023. With the win, Svitolina set up a tie with championship contender Iga Swiatek in the round of 8. The match, however, will be remembered mostly for the crowd booing Azarenka post her loss. After the match, Svitolina and Azarenka walked towards the umpire and the Belarusian player held her hand in the Ukrainian player's direction. Svitolina, however, didn't shake Azarenka's hand, a policy she has adopted at the tournaments against Russian and Belarusian players following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Belarus is a key military partner of Russia. The crowd, however, wasn't kind either and started booing Azarenka. The player wasn't very amused with the reaction. Have a look at the video here: Why would the Wimbledon crowd boo Victoria Azarenka? It makes no sense. It was Svitolina who has unilaterally decided not to shake hands with certain players. I feel sorry for @vika7 ! pic.twitter.com/zPWWqkwOiM — दिविर जैन (@divirj04) July 9, 2023 × Azarenka, after the match, said that it wasn't fair of crowd to boo her and that she hasn't done anything wrong. Also Read: F1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen reels off sixth straight win at Silverstone "It wasn't fair. It is what it is. What can I do?" said Azarenka. "I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't control the crowd. I'm not sure that a lot of people were understanding what's happening. "But if people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or a quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame." Svitolina, however, wasn't much concerned about Azarenka getting booed or not shaking her hand post winning the match. "It was like this for me in Paris. It was also unfair," said Svitolina. "I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, we are not going to shake hands. So I have a clear statement." The Ukrainian, meanwhile, described the win as the second most happiest moment after her daughter's birth. "I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second-happiest moment in my life," said Svitolina. "When I was down I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Crowd boos Victoria Azarenka after loss against Ukrainian Svitolina in fourth round - Watch

Carlos Alcaraz was forced to dig deep on Saturday to see off the challenge of Nicolas Jarry and reach the last 16 at Wimbledon.

The Spanish top seed, seen as the man most likely to end Novak Djokovic's long reign at the All England Club, was off-colour but still won 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 7-5.

A single break in the first set was enough for Alcaraz to edge ahead but he faltered in the second, slipping 4-1 behind.

The US Open champion clawed his way back, forcing a tie-break, but that went the way of his Chilean opponent, seeded 25th.

Alcaraz regrouped and took the third set 6-3 but the errors crept in again and he found himself in trouble at 3-0 down in the fourth.

The 20-year-old survived two break points in the following game and broke back when Jarry went long with a forehand.

He conjured a searing backhand return to break again in the 11th game and served out for the win.

"I'm really happy with the level that I played to get through this really tough match," said Alcaraz.

He added: "It was really, really close. He has great shots... I would say the key is to believe all the time and stay focused."

Alcaraz was playing his second match in two days after heavy rain earlier in the week caused a scheduling headache for tournament chiefs.

He is attempting to become the third-youngest player in the Open Era to win the Wimbledon title after Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ddca-director-shyam-sharma-provides-latest-update-on-rishabh-pants-recovery-613381">DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery</a>

<h2>Aryna Sabalenka in next round</h2>

World number two Aryna Sabalenka reached the Wimbledon fourth round for the second time on Saturday with a straight-sets win over Russia's Anna Blinkova.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka, who has a chance of taking Iga Swiatek's world number-one ranking at the tournament, won 6-2, 6-3 on the back of 30 winners, including nine aces under the Court One roof.

The Belarusian will take on another Russian, 21st-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova, for a place in the quarter-finals.

Sabalenka reached the semi-finals on her last appearance at Wimbledon in 2021 but was banned last year due to Belarus's support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Carlos Alcaraz was forced to dig deep on Saturday to see off the challenge of Nicolas Jarry and reach the last 16 at Wimbledon. The Spanish top seed, seen as the man most likely to end Novak Djokovic's long reign at the All England Club, was off-colour but still won 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 7-5.

Carlos Alcaraz was forced to dig deep on Saturday to see off the challenge of Nicolas Jarry and reach the last 16 at Wimbledon. The Spanish top seed, seen as the man most likely to end Novak Djokovic's long reign at the All England Club, was off-colour but still won 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 7-5. A single break in the first set was enough for Alcaraz to edge ahead but he faltered in the second, slipping 4-1 behind. The US Open champion clawed his way back, forcing a tie-break, but that went the way of his Chilean opponent, seeded 25th. Alcaraz regrouped and took the third set 6-3 but the errors crept in again and he found himself in trouble at 3-0 down in the fourth. The 20-year-old survived two break points in the following game and broke back when Jarry went long with a forehand. He conjured a searing backhand return to break again in the 11th game and served out for the win. "I'm really happy with the level that I played to get through this really tough match," said Alcaraz. He added: "It was really, really close. He has great shots... I would say the key is to believe all the time and stay focused." Alcaraz was playing his second match in two days after heavy rain earlier in the week caused a scheduling headache for tournament chiefs. He is attempting to become the third-youngest player in the Open Era to win the Wimbledon title after Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg. ALSO READ | DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery Aryna Sabalenka in next round World number two Aryna Sabalenka reached the Wimbledon fourth round for the second time on Saturday with a straight-sets win over Russia's Anna Blinkova. Australian Open champion Sabalenka, who has a chance of taking Iga Swiatek's world number-one ranking at the tournament, won 6-2, 6-3 on the back of 30 winners, including nine aces under the Court One roof. The Belarusian will take on another Russian, 21st-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova, for a place in the quarter-finals. Sabalenka reached the semi-finals on her last appearance at Wimbledon in 2021 but was banned last year due to Belarus's support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Carlos Alcaraz toughs it out to reach last 16; Aryna Sabalenka into fourth round

If guts and grit win grand slam titles, just hand the Wimbledon trophy to Andy Murray right now.

Of course, it doesn’t work like that though and the Scot must come back on Friday to earn a spot in the third round after an epic battle with Greek powerhouse Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted with the clock approaching 11pm local time on Thursday. 
 
The scoreboard under the lights showed Murray leading the hard-fought contest 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-4.

It had been a fascinating match played out in a heady Centre Court atmosphere with nothing to separate twice champion Murray and his flaxen-haired fifth-seeded opponent. Whisper it quietly, but there have been times over the past 19 years that much of the Wimbledon crowd has not always found it easy to take to the passionate Scot.

Today, Murray is nothing short of a National Treasure, having famously ended Britain's 77-year wait for a home men's singles champion in 2013, and the Centre Court crowd roared their appreciation throughout in the chill of London’s evening.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-liam-broady-stuns-world-number-four-casper-ruud-in-four-set-affair-612838">Wimbledon 2023: Liam Broady stuns world number four Casper Ruud in four-set affair</a>

The younger man by a dozen years, Tsitsipas has never got past the fourth round in five previous visits and despite his more youthful legs – and Murray’s metal hip – it was the Scot who looked more comfortable moving around the slick surface.

There was so very little to choose between the two combatants in the opening set – just two points separated them, Murray winning 37 points and Tsitsipas 39.

But the Greek won when they mattered as it came to an almost-inevitable tiebreak. One of his 21 clean winners in that opening set came to punch through Murray’s defences for a 4-3 lead in the tiebreak. Two points later, he held three set points at 6-3, and converted on his first by out-manoeuvring the Scot to take a one-set lead after just shy of an hour’s play.

Time and time again over the years, though, Murray has shown he is hewn from granite and he slugged toe-to-toe with the younger man.

The clock ticked, the games rolled over and once again the set entered a tiebreak, and this time Murray was not to be denied, levelling the match with a roar and an air punch and Centre Court jumped to its feet.

The heady atmosphere seeping into every cubic inch of the arena hung in the air and when play resumed for a third set, Murray broke the mighty Greek serve for the first time in the match to burst out of the gates into an early lead.

It was one he would not relinquish and at 10:38 pm, he fired a service that Tsitsipas could only return long.

Murray sat in his seat, looked at his team in the stands and waved his hand in a ‘call it’ gesture as the umpire announced play would be suspended until Friday.

The break could hardly have come at a better time for Murray who had just been wrong-footed and yelped in pain as he slid to the ground.

Tsitsipas stalked off court while Murray collected his bag and the crowd roared their appreciation as the night-time clash ended on a cliffhanger.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If guts and grit win grand slam titles, just hand the Wimbledon trophy to Andy Murray right now. Of course, it doesn’t work like that though and the Scot must come back on Friday to earn a spot in the third round after an epic battle with Greek powerhouse Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted with the clock approaching 11pm local time on Thursday.

If guts and grit win grand slam titles, just hand the Wimbledon trophy to Andy Murray right now. Of course, it doesn’t work like that though and the Scot must come back on Friday to earn a spot in the third round after an epic battle with Greek powerhouse Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted with the clock approaching 11pm local time on Thursday. The scoreboard under the lights showed Murray leading the hard-fought contest 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-4. It had been a fascinating match played out in a heady Centre Court atmosphere with nothing to separate twice champion Murray and his flaxen-haired fifth-seeded opponent. Whisper it quietly, but there have been times over the past 19 years that much of the Wimbledon crowd has not always found it easy to take to the passionate Scot. Today, Murray is nothing short of a National Treasure, having famously ended Britain's 77-year wait for a home men's singles champion in 2013, and the Centre Court crowd roared their appreciation throughout in the chill of London’s evening. ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2023: Liam Broady stuns world number four Casper Ruud in four-set affair The younger man by a dozen years, Tsitsipas has never got past the fourth round in five previous visits and despite his more youthful legs – and Murray’s metal hip – it was the Scot who looked more comfortable moving around the slick surface. There was so very little to choose between the two combatants in the opening set – just two points separated them, Murray winning 37 points and Tsitsipas 39. But the Greek won when they mattered as it came to an almost-inevitable tiebreak. One of his 21 clean winners in that opening set came to punch through Murray’s defences for a 4-3 lead in the tiebreak. Two points later, he held three set points at 6-3, and converted on his first by out-manoeuvring the Scot to take a one-set lead after just shy of an hour’s play. Time and time again over the years, though, Murray has shown he is hewn from granite and he slugged toe-to-toe with the younger man. The clock ticked, the games rolled over and once again the set entered a tiebreak, and this time Murray was not to be denied, levelling the match with a roar and an air punch and Centre Court jumped to its feet. The heady atmosphere seeping into every cubic inch of the arena hung in the air and when play resumed for a third set, Murray broke the mighty Greek serve for the first time in the match to burst out of the gates into an early lead. It was one he would not relinquish and at 10:38 pm, he fired a service that Tsitsipas could only return long. Murray sat in his seat, looked at his team in the stands and waved his hand in a ‘call it’ gesture as the umpire announced play would be suspended until Friday. The break could hardly have come at a better time for Murray who had just been wrong-footed and yelped in pain as he slid to the ground. Tsitsipas stalked off court while Murray collected his bag and the crowd roared their appreciation as the night-time clash ended on a cliffhanger. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tennis: Andy Murray leads Stefanos Tsitsipas as Wimbledon curfew halts play

Climate activists interrupted matches at Wimbledon on Wednesday, scattering orange confetti and jigsaw pieces in the latest protests targeting major sporting events.

Two men and a woman, all wearing T-shirts with "Just Stop Oil" printed on them, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.

Two incidents occurred about two hours apart on Court 18, one of the show courts at the All England Club.

Two protesters ran onto the court during the first-round match between 21st seed Grigor Dimitrov and Japanese qualifier Sho Shimabukuro.

One fan shouted "Get off the court" as spectators booed and jeered.

A third protester disrupted the match between Britain's Katie Boulter and Australia's Daria Saville, both of whom helped clear the court after the activist was escorted away.

The demonstrations prompted a warning from UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, after she hosted top sports officials to try to prevent similar disruptions at forthcoming sporting events.

"The protesters at Wimbledon were determined to ruin the day's play for spectators and sports fans across the world," she said.

"This is unacceptable. We will be uncompromisingly tough on the selfish protesters intent on spoiling our world-class sporting occasions this summer."

Just Stop Oil wants the UK government to end all new oil and gas exploration and has promised not to let up in its protests until it does so.

The group said after the first demonstration: "The supporters threw environmentally friendly orange confetti glitter and jigsaw pieces onto the court, before being removed.

"Play was briefly delayed whilst marshals picked up the pieces."

Simon Milner-Edwards, 66, who took part in the action, said in the statement: "I'm here for my grandchildren and everybody else's.&nbsp;

"I'm not prepared to let our politicians wreck everything and leave the next generation to pick up the pieces."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-psg-president-to-kylian-mbappe-sign-a-new-contract-to-stay-612419">Football: PSG president to Kylian Mbappe - Sign a new contract to stay</a>

<h2>Heightened security</h2>

Dimitrov said his initial instinct had been to get involved but he realised "it's not my place to do that".

The Bulgarian added: "Obviously it's not pleasant. In the end of the day there is not much you can do. I think everyone in a way did their part as quick as possible."

Wimbledon chiefs have tightened security following demonstrations elsewhere in the UK.

Three protesters from Just Stop Oil ran onto the ground during the second Ashes cricket Test at Lord's last week, sprinkling the group's trademark orange powder.

There were similar demonstrations during the recent World Snooker Championship and English Premiership rugby final.

The group has also targeted Premier League matches and the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

New legislation gives police greater powers to stop and search protesters for items such as padlocks and superglue, as well as arrest people suspected of attempting to cause a public nuisance.

Tougher checks on spectators have been blamed for causing delays and standstills in the queue on the first day of Wimbledon.

Former world number four Tim Henman, who sits on the board of the All England Club, said it was difficult to guarantee protests would not happen.

"You prepare as best you can," he told the BBC. "Obviously, the challenge when you've got 35,000-plus people coming to your grounds and you've got 18 fields of play, it's not easy.

"So it will be important for everyone to understand the facts and where these people have come from but it's frustrating.&nbsp;

"We've had enough disruptions with the weather. To get a disruption like that as well is disappointing."

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Climate activists interrupted matches at Wimbledon on Wednesday, scattering orange confetti and jigsaw pieces in the latest protests targeting major sporting events.

Climate activists interrupted matches at Wimbledon on Wednesday, scattering orange confetti and jigsaw pieces in the latest protests targeting major sporting events. Two men and a woman, all wearing T-shirts with "Just Stop Oil" printed on them, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage. Two incidents occurred about two hours apart on Court 18, one of the show courts at the All England Club. Two protesters ran onto the court during the first-round match between 21st seed Grigor Dimitrov and Japanese qualifier Sho Shimabukuro. One fan shouted "Get off the court" as spectators booed and jeered. A third protester disrupted the match between Britain's Katie Boulter and Australia's Daria Saville, both of whom helped clear the court after the activist was escorted away. The demonstrations prompted a warning from UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, after she hosted top sports officials to try to prevent similar disruptions at forthcoming sporting events. "The protesters at Wimbledon were determined to ruin the day's play for spectators and sports fans across the world," she said. "This is unacceptable. We will be uncompromisingly tough on the selfish protesters intent on spoiling our world-class sporting occasions this summer." Just Stop Oil wants the UK government to end all new oil and gas exploration and has promised not to let up in its protests until it does so. The group said after the first demonstration: "The supporters threw environmentally friendly orange confetti glitter and jigsaw pieces onto the court, before being removed. "Play was briefly delayed whilst marshals picked up the pieces." Simon Milner-Edwards, 66, who took part in the action, said in the statement: "I'm here for my grandchildren and everybody else's. "I'm not prepared to let our politicians wreck everything and leave the next generation to pick up the pieces." ALSO READ | Football: PSG president to Kylian Mbappe - Sign a new contract to stay Heightened security Dimitrov said his initial instinct had been to get involved but he realised "it's not my place to do that". The Bulgarian added: "Obviously it's not pleasant. In the end of the day there is not much you can do. I think everyone in a way did their part as quick as possible." Wimbledon chiefs have tightened security following demonstrations elsewhere in the UK. Three protesters from Just Stop Oil ran onto the ground during the second Ashes cricket Test at Lord's last week, sprinkling the group's trademark orange powder. There were similar demonstrations during the recent World Snooker Championship and English Premiership rugby final. The group has also targeted Premier League matches and the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone. New legislation gives police greater powers to stop and search protesters for items such as padlocks and superglue, as well as arrest people suspected of attempting to cause a public nuisance. Tougher checks on spectators have been blamed for causing delays and standstills in the queue on the first day of Wimbledon. Former world number four Tim Henman, who sits on the board of the All England Club, said it was difficult to guarantee protests would not happen. "You prepare as best you can," he told the BBC. "Obviously, the challenge when you've got 35,000-plus people coming to your grounds and you've got 18 fields of play, it's not easy. "So it will be important for everyone to understand the facts and where these people have come from but it's frustrating. "We've had enough disruptions with the weather. To get a disruption like that as well is disappointing." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: 'Just Stop Oil' protesters disrupt Championships; scatter orange confetti, jigsaw pieces

British wildcard Liam Broady claimed the biggest win of his career and the biggest shock of Wimbledon 2023 when he stunned Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-0 in front of a delirious Centre Court crowd on Thursday. Broady belied his 142nd ranking against a player who has reached three of the last five Grand Slam finals but had struggled at Wimbledon in his three previous appearances.

After four closely-fought, if erratic sets, Ruud, who said he had spent the three weeks since reaching the French Open final relaxing well away from tennis, looked like he had mentally packed his bags again in the fifth as Broady ripped through it, barely dropping a point, to seal a memorable win.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-stan-wawrinka-sets-up-third-round-clash-with-novak-djokovic-following-win-over-tomas-etcheverry-612788">Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka sets up third round clash with Novak Djokovic following win over Tomas Etcheverry</a>

"When I went to bed last night, I was having a think of what I'd say if I won the match, but now I'm here I don't know what to say," Broady said in an on-court interview. "I said to my mum this morning, she doesn't like watching, but I said I've already won 80,000 pounds this week this week so she can chill out a bit."

Apart from one of them being one of the world's top players and the other every inch a Tour journeyman, there was very little between the two for much of the match – not least in their extraordinarily similar appearance.

<h2>SIMILAR BUILD</h2>

Both 6ft 4ins (183cm) and of similar build, they sported identical shirts and shorts and both had tie-up white headbands, with only a small logo on the front of Ruud’s giving the eagle-eyed an identity clue.

It meant concentration was needed to watch them as a glance away from the court left fans having to quickly recalibrate who to cheer - and there was plenty of opportunity on both sides.

Broady was into his stride quickly as the Norwegian struggled to adapt to the grass surface he is very unfamiliar with and though the Briton was first to drop serve, he hit back to take the first set.

It was a similar start to the second set as Ruud broke for 3-1, but this time maintained his advantage.

When he went two sets to one up, it seemed the natural order would be resumed, but Broady thought otherwise. He cut down his errors and produced a run of strong service games to take charge of the fourth, epitomised by serving out to love – finished off by his first ace of the match - to force a decider.

Since losing to Novak Djokovic in Paris, Ruud has been clay pigeon shooting, playing golf and soaking up the sun on a boat, hardly the best preparation for the game’s most prestigious tournament.

As he started to wilt and needed medical attention for blisters on his foot, Broady sensed blood, breaking to love in the opening game of the fifth set and, using his double-fisted backhand to good effect, he came from 40-0 down to break again and served out to love for 4-0.

He broke to love again and served out for his first Tour win over a top-10 player, also becoming the lowest-ranked player Ruud has lost to.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

British wildcard Liam Broady claimed the biggest win of his career and the biggest shock of Wimbledon 2023 when he stunned Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-0 in front of a delirious Centre Court crowd on Thursday.

British wildcard Liam Broady claimed the biggest win of his career and the biggest shock of Wimbledon 2023 when he stunned Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-0 in front of a delirious Centre Court crowd on Thursday. Broady belied his 142nd ranking against a player who has reached three of the last five Grand Slam finals but had struggled at Wimbledon in his three previous appearances. After four closely-fought, if erratic sets, Ruud, who said he had spent the three weeks since reaching the French Open final relaxing well away from tennis, looked like he had mentally packed his bags again in the fifth as Broady ripped through it, barely dropping a point, to seal a memorable win. ALSO READ: Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka sets up third round clash with Novak Djokovic following win over Tomas Etcheverry "When I went to bed last night, I was having a think of what I'd say if I won the match, but now I'm here I don't know what to say," Broady said in an on-court interview. "I said to my mum this morning, she doesn't like watching, but I said I've already won 80,000 pounds this week this week so she can chill out a bit." Apart from one of them being one of the world's top players and the other every inch a Tour journeyman, there was very little between the two for much of the match – not least in their extraordinarily similar appearance. SIMILAR BUILD Both 6ft 4ins (183cm) and of similar build, they sported identical shirts and shorts and both had tie-up white headbands, with only a small logo on the front of Ruud’s giving the eagle-eyed an identity clue. It meant concentration was needed to watch them as a glance away from the court left fans having to quickly recalibrate who to cheer - and there was plenty of opportunity on both sides. Broady was into his stride quickly as the Norwegian struggled to adapt to the grass surface he is very unfamiliar with and though the Briton was first to drop serve, he hit back to take the first set. It was a similar start to the second set as Ruud broke for 3-1, but this time maintained his advantage. When he went two sets to one up, it seemed the natural order would be resumed, but Broady thought otherwise. He cut down his errors and produced a run of strong service games to take charge of the fourth, epitomised by serving out to love – finished off by his first ace of the match - to force a decider. Since losing to Novak Djokovic in Paris, Ruud has been clay pigeon shooting, playing golf and soaking up the sun on a boat, hardly the best preparation for the game’s most prestigious tournament. As he started to wilt and needed medical attention for blisters on his foot, Broady sensed blood, breaking to love in the opening game of the fifth set and, using his double-fisted backhand to good effect, he came from 40-0 down to break again and served out to love for 4-0. He broke to love again and served out for his first Tour win over a top-10 player, also becoming the lowest-ranked player Ruud has lost to. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wimbledon 2023: Liam Broady stuns world number four Casper Ruud in four-set affair

Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years as the 38-year-old Swiss proved the old adage that class is permanent and form temporary by knocking out seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon. His career may be in its twilight but Wawrinka proved a notch above a man 15 years his junior to claim a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2 victory on a sunny Court Three.

It was the first time Wawrinka has reached the third round of a Grand Slam in three years and his reward is a box-office duel with defending champion Novak Djokovic, the man he famously made cry after beating him in the 2015 French Open final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-not-everything-is-about-money-daria-kasatkina-concerned-about-potential-saudi-investment-in-wta-612559">Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA</a>

The 88th-ranked Wawrinka, who has extended his career despite issues with his knees, had lost in the first or second round of his last six Grand Slam tournaments.

"It's a long time that I didn't win too much at Grand Slams," Wawrinka, who once turned the so-called big four into a big five by winning the 2014 Australian Open, the French Open a year later and the 2016 U.S. Open, said on court after an impressive display against the 29th seed. "I've been working hard to get back to a better level and I'm happy with the way I'm coming up."

<h2>Hunting ground</h2>

Wimbledon has never been Wawrinka's happiest hunting ground with only two quarter-finals runs and he has made the third round for the first time since 2015.

Djokovic, bidding for a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and a joint-record eighth in total, leads their career head-to-head 20-6, but they have never met on grass.

"I'll enjoy it if I don't get killed," Wawrinka said of his impending showdown with the Serb who has lost only twice at Wimbledon since 2013 -- one of which was due to an injury withdrawal.

"I'm happy to have the chance to play against him on grass at least one time. It's a big challenge but hopefully I can come to a higher level and be competitive."

"I'll push to the maximum and see what happens."

For Wawrinka to stand any chance of stopping Djokovic's march to a 24th Grand Slam title, he will need all the tools in his considerable toolbox, especially his signature backhand.

That stroke, the subject of endless internet montages, softened up Djokovic in the 2015 Roland Garros showdown and in the 2016 U.S. Open final when he produced three sets of almost unplayable brilliance.

It was also in fine fettle on Thursday, as was his hammer-like forehand, although it was experience that really paid off as he moved Etcheverry around the court.

Only in the second set did Wawrinka briefly wobble, but after breaking serve at 3-3 in the third he seized the match.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years as the 38-year-old Swiss proved the old adage that class is permanent and form temporary by knocking out seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon.

Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years as the 38-year-old Swiss proved the old adage that class is permanent and form temporary by knocking out seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon. His career may be in its twilight but Wawrinka proved a notch above a man 15 years his junior to claim a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2 victory on a sunny Court Three. It was the first time Wawrinka has reached the third round of a Grand Slam in three years and his reward is a box-office duel with defending champion Novak Djokovic, the man he famously made cry after beating him in the 2015 French Open final. ALSO READ: Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA The 88th-ranked Wawrinka, who has extended his career despite issues with his knees, had lost in the first or second round of his last six Grand Slam tournaments. "It's a long time that I didn't win too much at Grand Slams," Wawrinka, who once turned the so-called big four into a big five by winning the 2014 Australian Open, the French Open a year later and the 2016 U.S. Open, said on court after an impressive display against the 29th seed. "I've been working hard to get back to a better level and I'm happy with the way I'm coming up." Hunting ground Wimbledon has never been Wawrinka's happiest hunting ground with only two quarter-finals runs and he has made the third round for the first time since 2015. Djokovic, bidding for a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and a joint-record eighth in total, leads their career head-to-head 20-6, but they have never met on grass. "I'll enjoy it if I don't get killed," Wawrinka said of his impending showdown with the Serb who has lost only twice at Wimbledon since 2013 -- one of which was due to an injury withdrawal. "I'm happy to have the chance to play against him on grass at least one time. It's a big challenge but hopefully I can come to a higher level and be competitive." "I'll push to the maximum and see what happens." For Wawrinka to stand any chance of stopping Djokovic's march to a 24th Grand Slam title, he will need all the tools in his considerable toolbox, especially his signature backhand. That stroke, the subject of endless internet montages, softened up Djokovic in the 2015 Roland Garros showdown and in the 2016 U.S. Open final when he produced three sets of almost unplayable brilliance. It was also in fine fettle on Thursday, as was his hammer-like forehand, although it was experience that really paid off as he moved Etcheverry around the court. Only in the second set did Wawrinka briefly wobble, but after breaking serve at 3-3 in the third he seized the match. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka sets up third round clash with Novak Djokovic following win over Tomas Etcheverry

Roger Federer was in attendance on Day 2 of Wimbledon 2023 as he made his presence felt at the Centre Court, on Tuesday (July 04), during Elena&nbsp;Rybakina's first-round match against Shelby Rogers, where the former emerged on top by 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Federer's presence made heads turn as he received a rousing reception. The Swiss maestro retired from tennis in September 2022 but still commands huge respect and admiration from fans&nbsp;worldwide, and it was evident from the welcome he got at the Centre Court.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was mainly back on Wimbledon’s Centre Court&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;for a special ceremony in his honour. After that, CNN caught up with him for an exclusive interaction where he opened up on attempting to give tennis coaching to his kids and recalled his send-off at the Laver Cup 2022. Talking about him trying to coach his kids, Federer revealed that he is not the coach but the dad and his kids often do not listen to him.&nbsp;

<h2>'It doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad'</h2>

In this regard, Federer stated, “I’m not the coach, I am the dad and the dad’s advice, as we know, only goes so far. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad and sometimes they don’t want to hear what you have to say. I try to be funny, but at the same time, I also try to be straight sometimes and just teach them. I come in more as a technical coach so I try to teach them about all the tennis rackets.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-day-3-live-scores-latest-updates-novak-djokovic-vs-jordan-thompson-iga-swiatek-highlights-612203">Wimbledon 2023, Day 3 Live Scores, Latest Updates: Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek to take court on Day 3</a>

Federer also opened up on his emotional farewell at the Laver Cup, his last competitive tournament before retirement in September 2022. "I didn’t talk to anybody about it, really. It was just more about getting away from it, but eventually [I had to] decide: where am I going to retire? How painful is it going to be? Or how much of a celebration will it be? But it ended up being everything and more for me. I thought it was beautiful and being surrounded by Rafa (Nadal), Novak (Djokovic), (Andy) Murray, (Bjorn) Borg, (John) McEnroe, (Rod) Laver, you name it, (Stefan) Edberg, they were all there, my team, my family. So it was a very, very nice end because I was really, truly dreading that moment of how to go out of the game," the all-time great opined.

Post-retirement, the 41-year-old is enjoying watching the proceedings as a fan and stated that he does not miss playing the game as he knew his body couldn't cope anymore. Known for his flawless playing style, Federer ruled the court for several years. He ended his illustrious career with 20 Grand Slam titles -- third-most -- including six Australian Open, eight Wimbledon, five US Open titles and a solitary win at the French Open.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Roger Federer was in attendance on Day 2 of Wimbledon 2023 as he made his presence felt at the Centre Court, on Tuesday (July 04), during Elena Rybakina's first-round match against Shelby Rogers, where the former emerged on top by 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Roger Federer was in attendance on Day 2 of Wimbledon 2023 as he made his presence felt at the Centre Court, on Tuesday (July 04), during Elena Rybakina's first-round match against Shelby Rogers, where the former emerged on top by 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Federer's presence made heads turn as he received a rousing reception. The Swiss maestro retired from tennis in September 2022 but still commands huge respect and admiration from fans worldwide, and it was evident from the welcome he got at the Centre Court. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was mainly back on Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Tuesday for a special ceremony in his honour. After that, CNN caught up with him for an exclusive interaction where he opened up on attempting to give tennis coaching to his kids and recalled his send-off at the Laver Cup 2022. Talking about him trying to coach his kids, Federer revealed that he is not the coach but the dad and his kids often do not listen to him. 'It doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad' In this regard, Federer stated, “I’m not the coach, I am the dad and the dad’s advice, as we know, only goes so far. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad and sometimes they don’t want to hear what you have to say. I try to be funny, but at the same time, I also try to be straight sometimes and just teach them. I come in more as a technical coach so I try to teach them about all the tennis rackets.” Also Read: Wimbledon 2023, Day 3 Live Scores, Latest Updates: Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek to take court on Day 3 Federer also opened up on his emotional farewell at the Laver Cup, his last competitive tournament before retirement in September 2022. "I didn’t talk to anybody about it, really. It was just more about getting away from it, but eventually [I had to] decide: where am I going to retire? How painful is it going to be? Or how much of a celebration will it be? But it ended up being everything and more for me. I thought it was beautiful and being surrounded by Rafa (Nadal), Novak (Djokovic), (Andy) Murray, (Bjorn) Borg, (John) McEnroe, (Rod) Laver, you name it, (Stefan) Edberg, they were all there, my team, my family. So it was a very, very nice end because I was really, truly dreading that moment of how to go out of the game," the all-time great opined. Post-retirement, the 41-year-old is enjoying watching the proceedings as a fan and stated that he does not miss playing the game as he knew his body couldn't cope anymore. Known for his flawless playing style, Federer ruled the court for several years. He ended his illustrious career with 20 Grand Slam titles -- third-most -- including six Australian Open, eight Wimbledon, five US Open titles and a solitary win at the French Open. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad - Roger Federer on coaching his kids

Sofia Kenin beat fellow countrywoman and world no. 7 Coco Gauff in the first round of 2023 Wimbledon Championship on court No. 1 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in an All-American match. Kenin, aged 24, had won a Grand Slam at 21 and was once an upcoming star of of the USA - a place which now belongs to Gauff.

Kenin, ranked no. 128 ahead of the Wimbledon, had to go through three qualifying matches to enter the main draw. Since winning her only major in 2020 (Australian Open), Kenin had to deal with multiple injuries including a battle with COVID-19. The 24-year-old, however, seemed content after the win.

"I know where I was," Kenin said as reported by the Associated Press, "and where I should be."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-pm-anthony-albanese-backs-australia-post-british-pms-support-to-ben-stokes-in-lords-test-row-611618">Ashes 2023: PM Anthony Albanese backs Australia post British PM's support to Ben Stokes in Lord's Test row</a>

Speaking on his mindset during the game, Kenin said she just focused on 'not getting anxious or too excited'. The winner also revealed that she tried to pick on Gauff's 'weaker side - her forehand a little bit more.'

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Stunning Sofia 🌟 
 
Qualifier <a href="https://twitter.com/SofiaKenin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SofiaKenin</a> prevails in a high-quality battle against fellow American Coco Gauff, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgewwv2RSl">pic.twitter.com/vgewwv2RSl</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1675952565362606082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gauff, while speaking on the loss, said, "I didn't really put too much pressure on her. I felt like she could make a ball on the court (and) didn't have to be as good — and I wouldn't do much with it. That's what happened."

Gauff, however, acknowledged that coming from qualifiers, she expected Kenin to play with confidence.

"With three wins under her belt from ‘qualies,' I knew she was going to be playing with confidence," Gauff said.

Responding to the question on whether Kenin could reach the heights she once was at, Gauff said, "I mean, it's always possible for somebody to get back to that level. She's still on the younger end of her career. I think with how she played today, it shouldn't be too long."

Gauff, who made her breakthrough aged 15 at Wimbledon in 2019, is still only 19 and is touted as one of the rising stars in the sport.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Sofia Kenin beat fellow countrywoman and world no. 7 Coco Gauff in the first round of 2023 Wimbledon Championship on court No. 1 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in an All-American match.

Sofia Kenin beat fellow countrywoman and world no. 7 Coco Gauff in the first round of 2023 Wimbledon Championship on court No. 1 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in an All-American match. Kenin, aged 24, had won a Grand Slam at 21 and was once an upcoming star of of the USA - a place which now belongs to Gauff. Kenin, ranked no. 128 ahead of the Wimbledon, had to go through three qualifying matches to enter the main draw. Since winning her only major in 2020 (Australian Open), Kenin had to deal with multiple injuries including a battle with COVID-19. The 24-year-old, however, seemed content after the win. "I know where I was," Kenin said as reported by the Associated Press, "and where I should be." Also Read: Ashes 2023: PM Anthony Albanese backs Australia post British PM's support to Ben Stokes in Lord's Test row Speaking on his mindset during the game, Kenin said she just focused on 'not getting anxious or too excited'. The winner also revealed that she tried to pick on Gauff's 'weaker side - her forehand a little bit more.' Stunning Sofia 🌟 Qualifier @SofiaKenin prevails in a high-quality battle against fellow American Coco Gauff, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 🙌 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/vgewwv2RSl — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2023 × Gauff, while speaking on the loss, said, "I didn't really put too much pressure on her. I felt like she could make a ball on the court (and) didn't have to be as good — and I wouldn't do much with it. That's what happened." Gauff, however, acknowledged that coming from qualifiers, she expected Kenin to play with confidence. "With three wins under her belt from ‘qualies,' I knew she was going to be playing with confidence," Gauff said. Responding to the question on whether Kenin could reach the heights she once was at, Gauff said, "I mean, it's always possible for somebody to get back to that level. She's still on the younger end of her career. I think with how she played today, it shouldn't be too long." Gauff, who made her breakthrough aged 15 at Wimbledon in 2019, is still only 19 and is touted as one of the rising stars in the sport. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Sofia Kenin knows where 'she should be' after shocking world no. 7 Coco Gauff in opening round

Venus Williams probably played her final Wimbledon match which she lost to Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets in the matchup of wild cards. The 43-year-old, however, wasn't fully fit as she stepped on the court with a strapped right knee.

The veteran star started the game beautifully with a break advantage before she fell on the court in the third game and could never recover from the fall. Williams was down a breakpoint in the third game and was moving to her left to block a backhand volley from Svitolina. Venus, however, slipped and fell as she approached the net and screamed in agony. Both Svitolina and umpire Marija Cicak came down to check on her immediately before Venus stood back up, with some assistance though.&nbsp; Have a look at the fall here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Venus Williams went down on the court after slipping near the net. 
 
She returned to play after taking an injury timeout. <a href="https://t.co/KgwpRgO4Yh">pic.twitter.com/KgwpRgO4Yh</a>
— MrBeardedXXL (@MrBeardedXXL) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBeardedXXL/status/1675916222297255949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I'm not sure what I've done. I'm going to have to investigate it tomorrow," Williams told the press after the loss. "It's late today. But it was quite painful."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-sofia-kenin-knows-where-she-should-be-after-shocking-world-no-7-coco-gauff-in-opening-round-611650">Sofia Kenin knows where 'she should be' after shocking world no. 7 Coco Gauff in opening round</a>

"Grass is inherently going to be slippery. You're going to fall at some point. It was just bad luck for me. I started the match perfectly. I was literally killing it, then I got killed by the grass," she added further with laughter in the end. Williams needed a medical timeout and had kept rallies short post the fall in order to continue to play.

Svitolina, meanwhile, was happy to get her fifth win at a Grand Slam this season and said that it's always special to play against Venus.

“It’s always a pleasure to play against Venus,” Svitolina said during her on-court interview after the win. “Played her so many times, I think in almost every Slam. It was a really special moment today to play here.”

The 28-year-old has been in decent form since returning from maternity leave in April.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Venus Williams probably played her final Wimbledon match which she lost to Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets in the matchup of wild cards. The 43-year-old, however, wasn't fully fit as she stepped on the court with a strapped right knee.

Venus Williams probably played her final Wimbledon match which she lost to Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets in the matchup of wild cards. The 43-year-old, however, wasn't fully fit as she stepped on the court with a strapped right knee. The veteran star started the game beautifully with a break advantage before she fell on the court in the third game and could never recover from the fall. Williams was down a breakpoint in the third game and was moving to her left to block a backhand volley from Svitolina. Venus, however, slipped and fell as she approached the net and screamed in agony. Both Svitolina and umpire Marija Cicak came down to check on her immediately before Venus stood back up, with some assistance though. Have a look at the fall here: Venus Williams went down on the court after slipping near the net. She returned to play after taking an injury timeout. pic.twitter.com/KgwpRgO4Yh — MrBeardedXXL (@MrBeardedXXL) July 3, 2023 × "I'm not sure what I've done. I'm going to have to investigate it tomorrow," Williams told the press after the loss. "It's late today. But it was quite painful." Also Read: Sofia Kenin knows where 'she should be' after shocking world no. 7 Coco Gauff in opening round "Grass is inherently going to be slippery. You're going to fall at some point. It was just bad luck for me. I started the match perfectly. I was literally killing it, then I got killed by the grass," she added further with laughter in the end. Williams needed a medical timeout and had kept rallies short post the fall in order to continue to play. Svitolina, meanwhile, was happy to get her fifth win at a Grand Slam this season and said that it's always special to play against Venus. “It’s always a pleasure to play against Venus,” Svitolina said during her on-court interview after the win. “Played her so many times, I think in almost every Slam. It was a really special moment today to play here.” The 28-year-old has been in decent form since returning from maternity leave in April. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Venus Williams bows out in first round after being 'killed by the grass'

Coco Gauff vowed to channel the frustration she felt after losing to Sofia Kenin in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday into improving her game as she continues her quest for a Grand Slam breakthrough. The resurgent Kenin, who won the 2020 Australian Open but had to come through qualifying to face the seventh-seeded Gauff, was the more confident of the pair of Americans, dictating play and pushing the teenager around the court at the All England Club.

"Right now I'm very frustrated and disappointed," Gauff said after losing 6-4 4-6 6-2, her first-ever opening-round defeat at the grasscourt major. "So, yeah, I think it makes me want to work even harder. I feel like I have been working hard, but clearly it's not enough. "I have to go back to the drawing board and see where I need to improve and how to do the right drills to do that."

Opponents have targeted Gauff's vulnerable forehand and she said she knows that shot needs work. "Obviously my forehand," she said. "Being more aggressive on those shots. I think I made too many errors on my forehand and backhand today."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-sofia-kenin-knows-where-she-should-be-after-shocking-world-no-7-coco-gauff-in-opening-round-611650">Wimbledon 2023: Sofia Kenin knows where 'she should be' after shocking world no. 7 Coco Gauff in opening round</a>

She also needs to do a better job of taking the fight to her opponent, she said. "I didn't really put too much pressure on her," she said. "I felt like she could make a ball on the court, didn't have to be as good, and I wouldn't do much with it. That's what happened. "If I played too passive, she has a game where she can hit aggressive shots."

Kenin, who has been ranked as high as world number four in March 2020 but is now 128th, called 2023 a "comeback year" for her and said she benefited from low expectations on Monday. "When I was higher ranked and everything, people looked at me like I should win," Kenin said. "I knew she'd be a bit more nervous because more pressure's on her than me. I just tried to use everything I could this match to my advantage."

Kenin will face China's Wang Xinyu in the second round.

Coco Gauff vowed to channel the frustration she felt after losing to Sofia Kenin in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday into improving her game as she continues her quest for a Grand Slam breakthrough.

Coco Gauff vowed to channel the frustration she felt after losing to Sofia Kenin in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday into improving her game as she continues her quest for a Grand Slam breakthrough. The resurgent Kenin, who won the 2020 Australian Open but had to come through qualifying to face the seventh-seeded Gauff, was the more confident of the pair of Americans, dictating play and pushing the teenager around the court at the All England Club. "Right now I'm very frustrated and disappointed," Gauff said after losing 6-4 4-6 6-2, her first-ever opening-round defeat at the grasscourt major. "So, yeah, I think it makes me want to work even harder. I feel like I have been working hard, but clearly it's not enough. "I have to go back to the drawing board and see where I need to improve and how to do the right drills to do that." Opponents have targeted Gauff's vulnerable forehand and she said she knows that shot needs work. "Obviously my forehand," she said. "Being more aggressive on those shots. I think I made too many errors on my forehand and backhand today." Also Read: Wimbledon 2023: Sofia Kenin knows where 'she should be' after shocking world no. 7 Coco Gauff in opening round She also needs to do a better job of taking the fight to her opponent, she said. "I didn't really put too much pressure on her," she said. "I felt like she could make a ball on the court, didn't have to be as good, and I wouldn't do much with it. That's what happened. "If I played too passive, she has a game where she can hit aggressive shots." Kenin, who has been ranked as high as world number four in March 2020 but is now 128th, called 2023 a "comeback year" for her and said she benefited from low expectations on Monday. "When I was higher ranked and everything, people looked at me like I should win," Kenin said. "I knew she'd be a bit more nervous because more pressure's on her than me. I just tried to use everything I could this match to my advantage." Kenin will face China's Wang Xinyu in the second round.

Have to go back to the drawing board: Coco Gauff eager to 'improve' after Wimbledon first-round exit

On Monday (July 03), defending champion Novak Djokovic squared off with Argentina's Pedro Cachin in the first round of Wimbledon 2023. Locking horns with the Argentine in the Centre Court, Djokovic eased past the opposition in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 7-6&nbsp;(7-4) to proceed to the second round. During the clash, Djokovic was at his usual best as he&nbsp;commenced his campaign in style.

While Djokovic dominated proceedings, he was at his cheerful best all throughout the contest. As&nbsp;the match was suspended for a brief period due to a damp court, caused by&nbsp;a rain interruption, the Serbian jokingly requested fans to help dry the damp court. Here is the video shared on Wimbledon's official Twitter handle -

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"Blow... we need everybody to help!" 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a>'s efforts to get Centre Court dry... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/xQHEJk1nGa">pic.twitter.com/xQHEJk1nGa</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1675869219408281600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-wimbledon-2023-andrey-rublev-defeats-australias-max-purcell-to-proceed-to-second-round-611464">Tennis: Wimbledon 2023 | Andrey Rublev defeats Australia's Max Purcell to proceed to second round</a>

It is to be noted that the halt was caused soon after Djokovic wrapped up the first set (6-3). As a result, the roof was closed&nbsp;in a jiffy&nbsp;with rain falling in southwest London at the championship and covers coming on.&nbsp;

Djokovic first rubbed the court with his white towel and jokingly asked&nbsp;the crowd to help in drying the court. He said, "Blow, we need your help." To this, a spectator shouted,&nbsp;"Get on with it".

Play resumed soon and saw Djokovic emerge on top. He was pushed considerably in the third set -- getting to the tiebreaker -- but the 36-year-old ensured he didn't drop a set. He is&nbsp;bidding for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown and his&nbsp;24th Grand Slam singles title in the ongoing championship at the All England Club.

With no Rafael Nadal, Djokovic is expected to go the distance but will be challenged by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev, etc.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

On Monday (July 03), defending champion Novak Djokovic squared off with Argentina's Pedro Cachin in the first round of Wimbledon 2023. Locking horns with the Argentine in the Centre Court, Djokovic eased past the opposition in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to proceed to the second round.

On Monday (July 03), defending champion Novak Djokovic squared off with Argentina's Pedro Cachin in the first round of Wimbledon 2023. Locking horns with the Argentine in the Centre Court, Djokovic eased past the opposition in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to proceed to the second round. During the clash, Djokovic was at his usual best as he commenced his campaign in style. While Djokovic dominated proceedings, he was at his cheerful best all throughout the contest. As the match was suspended for a brief period due to a damp court, caused by a rain interruption, the Serbian jokingly requested fans to help dry the damp court. Here is the video shared on Wimbledon's official Twitter handle - "Blow... we need everybody to help!" 😂@DjokerNole's efforts to get Centre Court dry... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/xQHEJk1nGa — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2023 × Also Read: Tennis: Wimbledon 2023 | Andrey Rublev defeats Australia's Max Purcell to proceed to second round It is to be noted that the halt was caused soon after Djokovic wrapped up the first set (6-3). As a result, the roof was closed in a jiffy with rain falling in southwest London at the championship and covers coming on. Djokovic first rubbed the court with his white towel and jokingly asked the crowd to help in drying the court. He said, "Blow, we need your help." To this, a spectator shouted, "Get on with it". Play resumed soon and saw Djokovic emerge on top. He was pushed considerably in the third set -- getting to the tiebreaker -- but the 36-year-old ensured he didn't drop a set. He is bidding for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown and his 24th Grand Slam singles title in the ongoing championship at the All England Club. With no Rafael Nadal, Djokovic is expected to go the distance but will be challenged by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev, etc. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Blow, we need your help': Novak Djokovic jokingly requests fans to dry damp Wimbledon court - Watch

World number one Iga&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;cruised into the Wimbledon second round with a 6-1 6-3 mauling of China's Zhu Lin on Monday in a fine start to her quest for a first Grand Slam title on grass. The 22-year-old Pole, who won the French Open title for the third time last month to make it four Grand Slam crowns, has yet to get past the fourth round of the London major.

Swiatek&nbsp;looked good in her movement on the surface and showed no signs of any effects of the illness that had ruled her out of her Bad Homburg semi-final on Friday. "I felt really confident. I felt like I did a very good job," said&nbsp;Swiatek, a former junior champion at Wimbledon. "I feel really good after Roland Garros (French Open). After Roland Garros I took some time to appreciate what happened.

"Last year it was my second Grand Slam (at the French Open) and it felt overwhelming. This time I could focus on celebrating and actually at getting back to work with more peace in my head."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blow-we-need-your-help-novak-djokovic-jokingly-requests-fans-to-dry-damp-wimbledon-court-watch-611509">'Blow, we need your help': Novak Djokovic jokingly requests fans to dry damp Wimbledon court - Watch</a>

Zhu, ranked 34th in the world, earned a break point in the first game but&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;won 11 points in a row to sprint into a 3-0 lead. Another break put&nbsp;Swiatek, a renowned slider on clay and hard courts who has often struggled with her movement on grass, firmly in the driving seat.

Zhu saved two set points at 5-0 but&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;sealed the first set a game later with a powerful crosscourt forehand winner. The pair traded breaks early in the second before&nbsp;Swiatek, who pulled out of her Bad Homburg semi-final on Friday due to illness, earned a second one and was 4-3 up when play was interrupted due to rain.

It resumed after the roof on Court One was shut but&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;needed only seven minutes to win the two games.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

World number one Iga Swiatek cruised into the Wimbledon second round with a 6-1 6-3 mauling of China's Zhu Lin on Monday in a fine start to her quest for a first Grand Slam title on grass.

World number one Iga Swiatek cruised into the Wimbledon second round with a 6-1 6-3 mauling of China's Zhu Lin on Monday in a fine start to her quest for a first Grand Slam title on grass. The 22-year-old Pole, who won the French Open title for the third time last month to make it four Grand Slam crowns, has yet to get past the fourth round of the London major. Swiatek looked good in her movement on the surface and showed no signs of any effects of the illness that had ruled her out of her Bad Homburg semi-final on Friday. "I felt really confident. I felt like I did a very good job," said Swiatek, a former junior champion at Wimbledon. "I feel really good after Roland Garros (French Open). After Roland Garros I took some time to appreciate what happened. "Last year it was my second Grand Slam (at the French Open) and it felt overwhelming. This time I could focus on celebrating and actually at getting back to work with more peace in my head." Also Read: 'Blow, we need your help': Novak Djokovic jokingly requests fans to dry damp Wimbledon court - Watch Zhu, ranked 34th in the world, earned a break point in the first game but Swiatek won 11 points in a row to sprint into a 3-0 lead. Another break put Swiatek, a renowned slider on clay and hard courts who has often struggled with her movement on grass, firmly in the driving seat. Zhu saved two set points at 5-0 but Swiatek sealed the first set a game later with a powerful crosscourt forehand winner. The pair traded breaks early in the second before Swiatek, who pulled out of her Bad Homburg semi-final on Friday due to illness, earned a second one and was 4-3 up when play was interrupted due to rain. It resumed after the roof on Court One was shut but Swiatek needed only seven minutes to win the two games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Top seed Iga Swiatek thrashes China's Zhu Lin to launch Wimbledon title quest

American fourth seed Jessica Pegula moved into the second round of Wimbledon with a hard-fought 6-2 6-7(8) 6-3 win over compatriot Lauren Davis on Monday.

Davis struggled to find her range from the start and was broken in the first game. That set the tone for the next few games as she racked up the unforced errors and Pegula raced into a 4-0 lead in less than 15 minutes.

Davis finally found her forehand power to get on the scoreboard but Pegula's pinpoint backhand meant she never got close to breaking back. The Australian Open quarter-finalist wrapped up the first set comfortably.

It was a different story in the second set when Davis made sure she held serve in the opening game with a couple of drop shots, forcing Pegula to go long and held again to lead 2-1.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-wimbledon-2023-andrey-rublev-defeats-australias-max-purcell-to-proceed-to-second-round-611464">Tennis: Wimbledon 2023 | Andrey Rublev defeats Australia's Max Purcell to proceed to second round</a>

Both players struggled with a gusty wind at times, but Davis began spraying the ball across the court with power and precision. A close second set lasting over an hour went to a tiebreak, with Davis winning to level the match.

Neither player looked entirely comfortable on the Court Two lawn, each making more than 30 unforced errors in total. But Pegula got the crucial break in the decider to lead 5-3 when Davis hit a backhand into the net.

The world number four closed out the match with a high backhand volley to advance to the second round where she will face either Spain's Cristina Bucsa or Russian Kamilla Rakhimova.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

American fourth seed Jessica Pegula moved into the second round of Wimbledon with a hard-fought 6-2 6-7(8) 6-3 win over compatriot Lauren Davis on Monday. Davis struggled to find her range from the start and was broken in the first game.

American fourth seed Jessica Pegula moved into the second round of Wimbledon with a hard-fought 6-2 6-7(8) 6-3 win over compatriot Lauren Davis on Monday. Davis struggled to find her range from the start and was broken in the first game. That set the tone for the next few games as she racked up the unforced errors and Pegula raced into a 4-0 lead in less than 15 minutes. Davis finally found her forehand power to get on the scoreboard but Pegula's pinpoint backhand meant she never got close to breaking back. The Australian Open quarter-finalist wrapped up the first set comfortably. It was a different story in the second set when Davis made sure she held serve in the opening game with a couple of drop shots, forcing Pegula to go long and held again to lead 2-1. ALSO READ: Tennis: Wimbledon 2023 | Andrey Rublev defeats Australia's Max Purcell to proceed to second round Both players struggled with a gusty wind at times, but Davis began spraying the ball across the court with power and precision. A close second set lasting over an hour went to a tiebreak, with Davis winning to level the match. Neither player looked entirely comfortable on the Court Two lawn, each making more than 30 unforced errors in total. But Pegula got the crucial break in the decider to lead 5-3 when Davis hit a backhand into the net. The world number four closed out the match with a high backhand volley to advance to the second round where she will face either Spain's Cristina Bucsa or Russian Kamilla Rakhimova. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wimbledon 2023: Jessica Pegula wins battle of Americans, beats Lauren Davis to advance to second round

Andrey Rublev became the first Russian through to the second round at Wimbledon as the seventh seed breezed past Australian Max Purcell 6-3 7-5 6-4 on Monday. Rublev is one of 17 Russian and Belarusian players in the men's and women's singles draws after they were banned in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Wimbledon was the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments to ban Russian and Belarusian players last year -- a decision that resulted in ranking points being taken away from the event by both the ATP and WTA Tours. As part of their return, players from two nations are playing as neutrals and must sign a "waiver" pledging not to support Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime.

Players are not allowed to receive state funding or have sponsorship from Russian or Belarusian companies. Rublev, who wrote "No War" on a camera lens at a tournament shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, was given a warm welcome by the crowd on a breezy Court Three.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-rickie-fowler-wins-in-detroit-to-end-four-year-long-drought-611400">Golf: Rickie Fowler wins in Detroit to end four-year long drought</a>

He looked comfortable on the grass as he proved a class above 64th-ranked Purcell to reach the second round. "Very happy to be back here after two years," Rublev said on court. "I'm happy to win my first match. To play in London it's a special feeling. To play at 11am and have a full stadium it's doubly special."

Rublev, who reached the fourth round in 2021, did trail 5-2 in the second set before clicking back into his aggressive baseline game and he never looked back.

Andrey Rublev became the first Russian through to the second round at Wimbledon as the seventh seed breezed past Australian Max Purcell 6-3 7-5 6-4 on Monday. Rublev is one of 17 Russian and Belarusian players in the men's and women's singles draws after they were banned in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Andrey Rublev became the first Russian through to the second round at Wimbledon as the seventh seed breezed past Australian Max Purcell 6-3 7-5 6-4 on Monday. Rublev is one of 17 Russian and Belarusian players in the men's and women's singles draws after they were banned in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Wimbledon was the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments to ban Russian and Belarusian players last year -- a decision that resulted in ranking points being taken away from the event by both the ATP and WTA Tours. As part of their return, players from two nations are playing as neutrals and must sign a "waiver" pledging not to support Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime. Players are not allowed to receive state funding or have sponsorship from Russian or Belarusian companies. Rublev, who wrote "No War" on a camera lens at a tournament shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, was given a warm welcome by the crowd on a breezy Court Three. Also Read: Golf: Rickie Fowler wins in Detroit to end four-year long drought He looked comfortable on the grass as he proved a class above 64th-ranked Purcell to reach the second round. "Very happy to be back here after two years," Rublev said on court. "I'm happy to win my first match. To play in London it's a special feeling. To play at 11am and have a full stadium it's doubly special." Rublev, who reached the fourth round in 2021, did trail 5-2 in the second set before clicking back into his aggressive baseline game and he never looked back.

Tennis: Wimbledon 2023 | Andrey Rublev defeats Australia's Max Purcell to proceed to second round

The third Grand Slam event of 2023 Wimbledon will kickstart on Monday in London. Some of the biggest stars of the tennis world will compete at the SW19. Novak Djokovic will bid for a fifth consecutive title and eighth at the Centre Court to match Roger Federer's record.

The third Grand Slam event of 2023 Wimbledon will kickstart on Monday in London. Some of the biggest stars of the tennis world will compete at the SW19. Novak Djokovic will bid for a fifth consecutive title and eighth at the Centre Court to match Roger Federer's record. Moreover, Carlos Alcaraz, World Number 1, will have to navigate himself through the final. As Rafael Nadal is out, the only thing between Djokovic and his records is the top-seeded player Alcaraz. The two players have locked horns at the French Open semi-finals in June, where Djokovic emerged victorious. However, Alcaraz defeated Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid semi-final in 2022 in Spain. Reigning champion, Elena Rybakina, will open play on Tuesday against America's Shelby Rogers. Rybakina won her first Slam trophy at the All England Club last year. World Number 1, Iga Swiatek, will debut at Wimbledon on Monday against Zhu Lin. Banned by the All England Club last year soon after Russia attacked Ukraine with the help of Belarus in February 2022, players from Russia and Belarus will be back for Wimbledon in 2023. However, as the war continues, the tournament has reversed its course. Venus Williams, the five-time Wimbledon singles champion, will play against Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Elina Svotolina in the opening round. Both of them are wild-card entries. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2023: History, Monday matches, effect of Russia-Ukraine conflict on tournament- All you need to know Ankita Raina is the only Indian tennis player to participate in Wimbledon 2023 singles competition. Rohan Bopanna will team with Australia's Mattew Ebden in men's doubles. India's tennis ace, Sania Mirza, might participate in the Ladies Legends Invitation Doubles event with Great Britain's Johanna Konta. The live telecast of all Wimbledon 2023 tennis matches will be available in India. Wimbledon 2023, the only Grand Slam of the year played on grass courts, will end on July 16. Wimbledon 2023 Live Streaming Details When will Wimbledon 2023 start? The Wimbledon 2023 will begin on Monday, July 3, and end on Sunday, July 16. Where will Wimbledon 2023 take place? The venue for Wimbledon 2023 is the All England Club, SW19, London. What time will Wimbledon 2023 start? The Wimbledon 2023 will start at 3:30 PM IST. Where can I watch Wimbledon 2023 in India? Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD and Star Sports Select HD TV channels will telecast the Wimbledon tennis matches live in India. How to watch Wimbledon 2023 live in India for free? Disney+ Hotstar will broadcast all the matches of Wimbledon 2023 live on their app and website. However, one needs a subscription to watch the event. If you don't have a subscription, you can choose a mobile recharge plan that gives free access to Disney+ Hotstar. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wimbledon 2023 Live Streaming: How & Where to watch Wimbledon 2023 tennis matches LIVE on TV & mobile

Novak Djokovic is not resting on his laurels after claiming the all-time men's record with his 23rd Grand Slam title last month and the Serbian said on Saturday that he is already eyeing number 24 at Wimbledon where he is the defending champion.

Djokovic went past Rafa Nadal's tally of 22 Slams when he won the French Open last month and, though his old Spanish rival will not be challenging for titles this year due to injury, Djokovic has no plans to put his feet up and relax.

The 36-year-old has won the last four Wimbledon crowns and is one shy of tying Roger Federer's men's record of eight titles at the All England Club. He also now sits just one Grand Slam behind Margaret Court who won a record 24.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-feliciano-lopez-hails-miracle-boy-carlos-alcaraz-touts-him-to-fill-compatriot-nadals-shoes-610843">Wimbledon 2023: Feliciano Lopez hails 'miracle boy' Carlos Alcaraz, touts him to fill compatriot Nadal's shoes</a>

"I don't feel more relaxed, to be honest. I still feel hungry for success, for more Grand Slams, more achievements in tennis," Djokovic told reporters. "As long as there's that drive, I know that I'm able to compete at the highest level. If that goes down, then I guess I'll have to face probably different circumstances and have a different approach.

"So far there's still the drive. A few days after Roland Garros, I was already thinking about preparation for grass and what needs to be done. The tennis season is such that it doesn't really give you much time to really reflect or enjoy."

Djokovic said that although he was proud of his historic achievement, life as a professional player demands that kind of mentality and intensity as he looks to win as many majors as he can before his body can take no more.

"If you really want to have a chance and have a go at more slam titles, you need to maintain that concentration and devotion," he said. "I want to try to use every Grand Slam opportunity I have at this stage where I'm feeling good in my body, feeling motivated and playing very good tennis, to try to get more."

<h2>'Alcaraz, for his age, is impressive'</h2>

Djokovic comes into Wimbledon as the second seed this year with 20-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz now world number one after his first title on grass at Queen's. However, that does not faze the Serbian.

"I think for someone his age, it's impressive, everything he (Alcaraz) is doing. With his team, of course, he's got Juan Carlos Ferrero, former world number one, in his corner who can guide him and mentor him," Djokovic said. "For me, I don't need to have Carlos or anybody else really to find that extra drive and motivation when I enter Slams because I know that I have to win seven matches to win a title.

"So, whoever I get to face across the net, it doesn't make a difference for me. I need to do what I need to do."

Djokovic will begin his Wimbledon title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin on Monday.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Novak Djokovic is not resting on his laurels after claiming the all-time men's record with his 23rd Grand Slam title last month and the Serbian said on Saturday that he is already eyeing number 24 at Wimbledon where he is the defending champion.

Novak Djokovic is not resting on his laurels after claiming the all-time men's record with his 23rd Grand Slam title last month and the Serbian said on Saturday that he is already eyeing number 24 at Wimbledon where he is the defending champion. Djokovic went past Rafa Nadal's tally of 22 Slams when he won the French Open last month and, though his old Spanish rival will not be challenging for titles this year due to injury, Djokovic has no plans to put his feet up and relax. The 36-year-old has won the last four Wimbledon crowns and is one shy of tying Roger Federer's men's record of eight titles at the All England Club. He also now sits just one Grand Slam behind Margaret Court who won a record 24. ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2023: Feliciano Lopez hails 'miracle boy' Carlos Alcaraz, touts him to fill compatriot Nadal's shoes "I don't feel more relaxed, to be honest. I still feel hungry for success, for more Grand Slams, more achievements in tennis," Djokovic told reporters. "As long as there's that drive, I know that I'm able to compete at the highest level. If that goes down, then I guess I'll have to face probably different circumstances and have a different approach. "So far there's still the drive. A few days after Roland Garros, I was already thinking about preparation for grass and what needs to be done. The tennis season is such that it doesn't really give you much time to really reflect or enjoy." Djokovic said that although he was proud of his historic achievement, life as a professional player demands that kind of mentality and intensity as he looks to win as many majors as he can before his body can take no more. "If you really want to have a chance and have a go at more slam titles, you need to maintain that concentration and devotion," he said. "I want to try to use every Grand Slam opportunity I have at this stage where I'm feeling good in my body, feeling motivated and playing very good tennis, to try to get more." 'Alcaraz, for his age, is impressive' Djokovic comes into Wimbledon as the second seed this year with 20-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz now world number one after his first title on grass at Queen's. However, that does not faze the Serbian. "I think for someone his age, it's impressive, everything he (Alcaraz) is doing. With his team, of course, he's got Juan Carlos Ferrero, former world number one, in his corner who can guide him and mentor him," Djokovic said. "For me, I don't need to have Carlos or anybody else really to find that extra drive and motivation when I enter Slams because I know that I have to win seven matches to win a title. "So, whoever I get to face across the net, it doesn't make a difference for me. I need to do what I need to do." Djokovic will begin his Wimbledon title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tennis: 'Whoever I get to face, it doesn't make a difference...': Novak Djokovic on defending Wimbledon crown

Daniil Medvedev has no doubt that Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player in history and the world number three believes the Serbian's ability to conjure up victories even on his bad days sets him apart from the rest.

Djokovic claimed a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open last month to leapfrog Rafa Nadal and go three ahead of another great rival in Roger Federer, with the 36-year-old eyeing an eighth crown at Wimbledon which begins on Monday.

Victory in London will leave Djokovic level with Margaret Court on 24 major titles atop the all-time list.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-whoever-i-get-to-face-it-doesnt-make-a-difference-novak-djokovic-on-defending-wimbledon-crown-610954">Tennis: 'Whoever I get to face, it doesn't make a difference...': Novak Djokovic on defending Wimbledon crown</a>

"I don't know how does he do it," Medvedev told reporters. "I think if I saw it right, Novak is almost 50%. I think I saw he played 70 majors and 35 (34) he was in the final. I don't know how it is possible. He doesn't have bad days?

"Actually, he does, like everybody. Even on these bad days, he manages to beat the opponent. It's actually tough because it's one against one. Both of them want to win.

"I don't know how he's doing it. That's why he's for me the greatest in the history of tennis. But this is basically, of course, debatable."

<h2>'I want continue playing against him...'</h2>

Having also won the Australian Open at the start of the year, Djokovic is looking to keep alive his hopes of a calendar year Grand Slam - winning all four majors in a single year.

Medvedev famously beat Djokovic in the 2021 U.S. Open final to deny the world number two the feat at the final hurdle.

"To be able to beat him when he was going for a Grand Slam, maybe he was a little bit tighter than usual, but I played an amazing match," Medvedev said. "This gives me even more pride that I was able to do it, given what he continued to do after this.

"I'm just happy I was able to do it. I don't want to stop. I want to try to continue to play against him again in finals, or against anyone else. That's what I didn't manage to do since some time."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Daniil Medvedev has no doubt that Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player in history and the world number three believes the Serbian's ability to conjure up victories even on his bad days sets him apart from the rest.

Daniil Medvedev has no doubt that Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player in history and the world number three believes the Serbian's ability to conjure up victories even on his bad days sets him apart from the rest. Djokovic claimed a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open last month to leapfrog Rafa Nadal and go three ahead of another great rival in Roger Federer, with the 36-year-old eyeing an eighth crown at Wimbledon which begins on Monday. Victory in London will leave Djokovic level with Margaret Court on 24 major titles atop the all-time list. ALSO READ: Tennis: 'Whoever I get to face, it doesn't make a difference...': Novak Djokovic on defending Wimbledon crown "I don't know how does he do it," Medvedev told reporters. "I think if I saw it right, Novak is almost 50%. I think I saw he played 70 majors and 35 (34) he was in the final. I don't know how it is possible. He doesn't have bad days? "Actually, he does, like everybody. Even on these bad days, he manages to beat the opponent. It's actually tough because it's one against one. Both of them want to win. "I don't know how he's doing it. That's why he's for me the greatest in the history of tennis. But this is basically, of course, debatable." 'I want continue playing against him...' Having also won the Australian Open at the start of the year, Djokovic is looking to keep alive his hopes of a calendar year Grand Slam - winning all four majors in a single year. Medvedev famously beat Djokovic in the 2021 U.S. Open final to deny the world number two the feat at the final hurdle. "To be able to beat him when he was going for a Grand Slam, maybe he was a little bit tighter than usual, but I played an amazing match," Medvedev said. "This gives me even more pride that I was able to do it, given what he continued to do after this. "I'm just happy I was able to do it. I don't want to stop. I want to try to continue to play against him again in finals, or against anyone else. That's what I didn't manage to do since some time." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wimbledon: 'For me he is the greatest in history of Tennis': Daniil Medvedev hails Slams leader Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz's astonishing rise to the top of men's tennis is a sporting miracle, according to one player perfectly placed to run the rule over the Spanish phenomenon ahead of Wimbledon. Veteran Feliciano Lopez watched the rise to greatness of fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal at close quarters.

Nadal, the currently-injured 22-time Grand Slam champion, is in the final throws of his illustrious career, but with impeccable timing, Spain has produced a player who has already shown himself capable of filling the void.

The 20-year-old Alcaraz won the Queen's Club grass-court title in scintillating fashion last week in what was only his third event on the surface -- moving the reigning U.S. Open champion back to the top of the ATP rankings. He will be seeded number one at Wimbledon and while Lopez still regards reigning champion Novak Djokovic as the favourite, he believes with Alcaraz anything is possible.

"I call him a miracle," three-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist Lopez told Reuters at his farewell event in Mallorca this week. "Spain is not a big powerful tennis country compared to others and it's crazy to see one great like Rafa about to end his career and then this kid from Murcia arrived.

"Winning a Grand Slam aged 19, being world number one. It's astonishing."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-players-face-mental-torture-at-wimbledon-says-sports-psychologist-610741">Tennis - Players face 'mental torture' at Wimbledon, says sports psychologist</a>

Even Nadal took a while to adjust his clay court game to grass before winning the title in 2008 and 2010.

If anything, Alcaraz's style is more suited to the lawns. He has a natural sliced backhand when required, volleys confidently, can launch huge serves and as for his forehand, it will leave burn marks on the hallowed Wimbledon lawns.

Alcaraz said the biggest challenge was learning to move on grass, but he erased those worries at Queen's, winning 10 successive sets and saying he already felt like he had been playing on the surface for 10 years.

He reached the fourth round on his debut last year, losing to Jannick Sinner, but it would be a major surprise if he did not go well past that stage this year.

<h2>'Carlos will win the Wimbledon'</h2>

"I think he has the skills to be a great grass court player. He has great hands and moves really good and the movement on the grass is key. Not many players move the way he moves," Lopez added. "Before Queen's he had played only six matches on grass but he's so gifted and the gifted players can adjust quickly than the rest of the human beings."

Lopez believes Alcaraz's fearless approach will serve him well at Wimbledon.

"Of course, he will have nerves, as we saw in the French against Djokovic. But he has the ability, like the truly great players, to survive and find a way. It's not only his tennis and his physical strength, but he's brave enough to challenge the best players in the game at such a young age."

While Lopez is not entirely surprised by Alcaraz's fast transition to grass, others are.

"I never thought that Carlos Alcaraz was going to be able to get used to grass so fast," seven-time Grand Slam champions Mats Wilander told Eurosport. "For him to get this equation right seems incredible to me.

"To me, Alcaraz has already shown that he can win Wimbledon."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Carlos Alcaraz's astonishing rise to the top of men's tennis is a sporting miracle, according to one player perfectly placed to run the rule over the Spanish phenomenon ahead of Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz's astonishing rise to the top of men's tennis is a sporting miracle, according to one player perfectly placed to run the rule over the Spanish phenomenon ahead of Wimbledon. Veteran Feliciano Lopez watched the rise to greatness of fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal at close quarters. Nadal, the currently-injured 22-time Grand Slam champion, is in the final throws of his illustrious career, but with impeccable timing, Spain has produced a player who has already shown himself capable of filling the void. The 20-year-old Alcaraz won the Queen's Club grass-court title in scintillating fashion last week in what was only his third event on the surface -- moving the reigning U.S. Open champion back to the top of the ATP rankings. He will be seeded number one at Wimbledon and while Lopez still regards reigning champion Novak Djokovic as the favourite, he believes with Alcaraz anything is possible. "I call him a miracle," three-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist Lopez told Reuters at his farewell event in Mallorca this week. "Spain is not a big powerful tennis country compared to others and it's crazy to see one great like Rafa about to end his career and then this kid from Murcia arrived. "Winning a Grand Slam aged 19, being world number one. It's astonishing." ALSO READ: Tennis - Players face 'mental torture' at Wimbledon, says sports psychologist Even Nadal took a while to adjust his clay court game to grass before winning the title in 2008 and 2010. If anything, Alcaraz's style is more suited to the lawns. He has a natural sliced backhand when required, volleys confidently, can launch huge serves and as for his forehand, it will leave burn marks on the hallowed Wimbledon lawns. Alcaraz said the biggest challenge was learning to move on grass, but he erased those worries at Queen's, winning 10 successive sets and saying he already felt like he had been playing on the surface for 10 years. He reached the fourth round on his debut last year, losing to Jannick Sinner, but it would be a major surprise if he did not go well past that stage this year. 'Carlos will win the Wimbledon' "I think he has the skills to be a great grass court player. He has great hands and moves really good and the movement on the grass is key. Not many players move the way he moves," Lopez added. "Before Queen's he had played only six matches on grass but he's so gifted and the gifted players can adjust quickly than the rest of the human beings." Lopez believes Alcaraz's fearless approach will serve him well at Wimbledon. "Of course, he will have nerves, as we saw in the French against Djokovic. But he has the ability, like the truly great players, to survive and find a way. It's not only his tennis and his physical strength, but he's brave enough to challenge the best players in the game at such a young age." While Lopez is not entirely surprised by Alcaraz's fast transition to grass, others are. "I never thought that Carlos Alcaraz was going to be able to get used to grass so fast," seven-time Grand Slam champions Mats Wilander told Eurosport. "For him to get this equation right seems incredible to me. "To me, Alcaraz has already shown that he can win Wimbledon." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wimbledon 2023: Feliciano Lopez hails 'miracle boy' Carlos Alcaraz, touts him to fill compatriot Nadal's shoes

Tennis club hackers know only too well the paralysing nerves that can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory but they are in good company with even the elite players at Wimbledon suffering 'mental torture', according to a leading sports psychologist.

The All-England Club's lawns will be the focus of the tennis world over the next fortnight as the world's leading players battle opponents and often their own psychological demons.

History is littered with famous 'tennis chokes' -- matches where a player looked in complete control only to be overcome by tension with the finishing line in sight.

The late Jana Novotna famously shed tears after her game unravelled in the 1993 Wimbledon final against Steffi Graf when she was poised to win the title, only to be struck by nerves.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-iga-swiatek-in-scare-after-food-poisoning-forced-to-withdraw-from-her-bad-homburg-semi-final-610655">Wimbledon 2023: Iga Swiatek in scare after food poisoning; forced to withdraw from her Bad Homburg semi-final</a>

Even the great Serena Williams was not immune, losing to Czech Karolina Pliskova after leading 5-1 in the third set of their 2019 Australian Open quarter-final.

Who could forget the 2004 French Open final when Argentines Gaston Gaudio and Guillermo Coria took it in turns to become overwhelmed by self-doubt and tension over five nervy sets, both spurning winning positions until Gaudio finally triumphed.

This year's Wimbledon will doubtless throw up more examples and no one should be surprised, according to Katie Mobed, who has helped several British athletes with their mental approach.

She says tennis is the most emotionally challenging sport.

<h2>Unique challenges</h2>

"There are a number of unique challenges elite tennis players have to face. The game is gladiatorial in nature with nowhere for players to hide and no team mate or manager to help deflect the pressure," said Mobed. "It demands unpredictable endurance and power over an unspecified time frame, and the unique scoring system effectively turns every game into a penalty shootout."

Mobed, speaking as part of Vodafone's Connection Fuels Champions campaign, says the amount of time to think between points and games can undermine even the confidence of the likes of defending champions Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina.

"They are facing what you could describe as mental torture. Tennis players probably are only playing tennis for about 10 minutes of every hour they're on court," she said. "And the rest of the time is time between games, between sets, changing ends, where they're alone with their thoughts."

Britain's former world number one Andy Murray knows only too well the emotional baggage tennis players can carry, losing four Grand Slam finals before finally getting over the line at the 2012 U.S. Open.

His first Wimbledon title a year later -- ending a 77-year wait for a British male champion -- was nauseatingly tense on a suffocating Centre Court.

Considering how much expectation he has shouldered at Wimbledon down the years, the 36-year-old has coped admirably, according to Mobed.

"He is a fantastic example of someone that has worked so hard to uncover his mental strength," she said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tennis club hackers know only too well the paralysing nerves that can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory but they are in good company with even the elite players at Wimbledon suffering 'mental torture', according to a leading sports psychologist.

Tennis club hackers know only too well the paralysing nerves that can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory but they are in good company with even the elite players at Wimbledon suffering 'mental torture', according to a leading sports psychologist. The All-England Club's lawns will be the focus of the tennis world over the next fortnight as the world's leading players battle opponents and often their own psychological demons. History is littered with famous 'tennis chokes' -- matches where a player looked in complete control only to be overcome by tension with the finishing line in sight. The late Jana Novotna famously shed tears after her game unravelled in the 1993 Wimbledon final against Steffi Graf when she was poised to win the title, only to be struck by nerves. ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2023: Iga Swiatek in scare after food poisoning; forced to withdraw from her Bad Homburg semi-final Even the great Serena Williams was not immune, losing to Czech Karolina Pliskova after leading 5-1 in the third set of their 2019 Australian Open quarter-final. Who could forget the 2004 French Open final when Argentines Gaston Gaudio and Guillermo Coria took it in turns to become overwhelmed by self-doubt and tension over five nervy sets, both spurning winning positions until Gaudio finally triumphed. This year's Wimbledon will doubtless throw up more examples and no one should be surprised, according to Katie Mobed, who has helped several British athletes with their mental approach. She says tennis is the most emotionally challenging sport. Unique challenges "There are a number of unique challenges elite tennis players have to face. The game is gladiatorial in nature with nowhere for players to hide and no team mate or manager to help deflect the pressure," said Mobed. "It demands unpredictable endurance and power over an unspecified time frame, and the unique scoring system effectively turns every game into a penalty shootout." Mobed, speaking as part of Vodafone's Connection Fuels Champions campaign, says the amount of time to think between points and games can undermine even the confidence of the likes of defending champions Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina. "They are facing what you could describe as mental torture. Tennis players probably are only playing tennis for about 10 minutes of every hour they're on court," she said. "And the rest of the time is time between games, between sets, changing ends, where they're alone with their thoughts." Britain's former world number one Andy Murray knows only too well the emotional baggage tennis players can carry, losing four Grand Slam finals before finally getting over the line at the 2012 U.S. Open. His first Wimbledon title a year later -- ending a 77-year wait for a British male champion -- was nauseatingly tense on a suffocating Centre Court. Considering how much expectation he has shouldered at Wimbledon down the years, the 36-year-old has coped admirably, according to Mobed. "He is a fantastic example of someone that has worked so hard to uncover his mental strength," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tennis - Players face 'mental torture' at Wimbledon, says sports psychologist

World number one Iga Swiatek suffered a Wimbledon scare on Friday when she was forced to withdraw from her Bad Homburg semi-final with suspected food poisoning.

"I'm so sorry but I have to pull out of my match today. I had a restless night because of some fever and possible food poisoning," the Polish star wrote on Instagram.

"I'm not able to perform today and I need to take care of myself. I hope I'll be fine soon. Your support in Bad Homburg was amazing, thank you."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc23-chris-gayle-predicts-virat-kohlis-future-following-home-world-cup-picks-semi-finalists-610486">CWC'23: Chris Gayle predicts Virat Kohli's future following home World Cup, picks semi-finalists</a>

US Open and French Open champion Swiatek was due to face Italy's Lucia Bronzetti in the semi-finals of the German grass-court event.

The 22-year-old will now focus on recovering in time to play at Wimbledon which gets underway on Monday.

Swiatek is due to face China's Zhu Lin in the first round at the All England Club where she has yet to get past the last 16.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

World number one Iga Swiatek suffered a Wimbledon scare on Friday when she was forced to withdraw from her Bad Homburg semi-final with suspected food poisoning. "I'm so sorry but I have to pull out of my match today.

World number one Iga Swiatek suffered a Wimbledon scare on Friday when she was forced to withdraw from her Bad Homburg semi-final with suspected food poisoning. "I'm so sorry but I have to pull out of my match today. I had a restless night because of some fever and possible food poisoning," the Polish star wrote on Instagram. "I'm not able to perform today and I need to take care of myself. I hope I'll be fine soon. Your support in Bad Homburg was amazing, thank you." ALSO READ | CWC'23: Chris Gayle predicts Virat Kohli's future following home World Cup, picks semi-finalists US Open and French Open champion Swiatek was due to face Italy's Lucia Bronzetti in the semi-finals of the German grass-court event. The 22-year-old will now focus on recovering in time to play at Wimbledon which gets underway on Monday. Swiatek is due to face China's Zhu Lin in the first round at the All England Club where she has yet to get past the last 16. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Iga Swiatek in scare after food poisoning; forced to withdraw from her Bad Homburg semi-final

Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina will face American Shelby Rogers in the opening round at Wimbledon while men's second seed Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin.

Friday's draw at the All England Club pitched women's top seed Iga Swiatek against China's 33rd-ranked Zhu Lin, a potentially tricky first hurdle for the Pole. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who could not play last year because of Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusian players following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will open her campaign against Hungarian Panna Udvardy.

American veteran Venus Williams against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in one of the standout matches of the opening round while home favourite Andy Murray, bidding for an unlikely third title at the age of 36, plays British wildcard Ryan Peniston.

Murray could face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two although first Tsitsipas must get passed former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem who has tumbled down the rankings. American teenager Coco Gauff, who many are tipping for a long run, has a tough opener against fellow former French Open runner-up and compatriot Sofia Kenin.

Djokovic, who has won the last four men's titles at Wimbledon and is bidding to match Roger Federer's eight, is not seeded one this year having been replaced at the top of the rankings by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz, who warmed up by winning the title at Queen's Club last week, faces a tricky opener against experienced Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. Last year's runner-up Nick Kyrgios, who has hardly played this year and whose participation is in doubt because of injury, plays dangerous Belgian wildcard David Goffin in a standout first round clash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-polands-kamil-majchrzak-banned-for-13-months-after-failing-drug-test-610529">Also Read:&nbsp;Tennis: Poland's Kamil Majchrzak banned for 13 months after failing drug test</a>

Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, a potential semi-final opponent for Alcaraz, returns to Wimbledon with a first round against British wildcard Arthur Fery. The projected women's quarter-finals based on seedings would see Swiatek meet seventh seed Coco Gauff while third seed Rybakina could face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur.

Swiatek is positioned to face American fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. The men's quarter-finals, if the seeds progress, would see Alcaraz up against Denmark's sixth seed Holger Rune with Medvedev up against Tsitsipas while in the bottom half Djokovic could face seventh-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev with fourth seed Casper Ruud potentially facing Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, will face Cachin on Monday while Rybakina plays the traditional Tuesday Centre Court opener for women's defending champions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina will face American Shelby Rogers in the opening round at Wimbledon while men's second seed Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin.

Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina will face American Shelby Rogers in the opening round at Wimbledon while men's second seed Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin. Friday's draw at the All England Club pitched women's top seed Iga Swiatek against China's 33rd-ranked Zhu Lin, a potentially tricky first hurdle for the Pole. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who could not play last year because of Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusian players following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will open her campaign against Hungarian Panna Udvardy. American veteran Venus Williams against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in one of the standout matches of the opening round while home favourite Andy Murray, bidding for an unlikely third title at the age of 36, plays British wildcard Ryan Peniston. Murray could face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two although first Tsitsipas must get passed former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem who has tumbled down the rankings. American teenager Coco Gauff, who many are tipping for a long run, has a tough opener against fellow former French Open runner-up and compatriot Sofia Kenin. Djokovic, who has won the last four men's titles at Wimbledon and is bidding to match Roger Federer's eight, is not seeded one this year having been replaced at the top of the rankings by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who warmed up by winning the title at Queen's Club last week, faces a tricky opener against experienced Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. Last year's runner-up Nick Kyrgios, who has hardly played this year and whose participation is in doubt because of injury, plays dangerous Belgian wildcard David Goffin in a standout first round clash. Also Read: Tennis: Poland's Kamil Majchrzak banned for 13 months after failing drug test Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, a potential semi-final opponent for Alcaraz, returns to Wimbledon with a first round against British wildcard Arthur Fery. The projected women's quarter-finals based on seedings would see Swiatek meet seventh seed Coco Gauff while third seed Rybakina could face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur. Swiatek is positioned to face American fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. The men's quarter-finals, if the seeds progress, would see Alcaraz up against Denmark's sixth seed Holger Rune with Medvedev up against Tsitsipas while in the bottom half Djokovic could face seventh-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev with fourth seed Casper Ruud potentially facing Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, will face Cachin on Monday while Rybakina plays the traditional Tuesday Centre Court opener for women's defending champions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: Novak Djokovic to face Pedro Cachin in Wimbledon 2023 opener, Rybakina up against Rogers

Claycourt specialist Iga Swiatek has never been beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon but the world number one says the transition to slick grass surfaces is becoming a little easier each year. The Pole warmed up for this year's grasscourt Grand Slam by reaching her first quarter-final on the surface at the Bad Homburg Open. She brushed aside Switzerland's Jil Teichmann 6-3 6-1 in the last 16 of the WTA 250 event on Wednesday for her 37th win of the season but only an eighth career victory on grass.

"It's getting easier every year to convert my claycourt style to more grasscourt style," said Swiatek, who won her third French Open title this month. The 22-year-old, whose coach Tomasz Wiktorowski previously worked with former world number two Agnieszka Radwanska, said her grass game would improve with experience.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-i-wouldnt-personally-encourage-it-veteran-john-mcenroe-slams-saudi-merge-609905">Tennis: 'I wouldn't personally encourage it', veteran John McEnroe slams Saudi merge</a>

"I have a coach who knows how to coach players who are good on grass courts like Aga Radwanska, so I'm pretty positive about my future on grass." Swiatek faces Anna Blinkova later on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals of the German event. "I think it's my first grasscourt quarter-final, so pretty excited," she added. "For now I'm just focusing on the process and learning as much as possible."

Wimbledon runs from July 3-16.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Claycourt specialist Iga Swiatek has never been beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon but the world number one says the transition to slick grass surfaces is becoming a little easier each year.

Claycourt specialist Iga Swiatek has never been beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon but the world number one says the transition to slick grass surfaces is becoming a little easier each year. The Pole warmed up for this year's grasscourt Grand Slam by reaching her first quarter-final on the surface at the Bad Homburg Open. She brushed aside Switzerland's Jil Teichmann 6-3 6-1 in the last 16 of the WTA 250 event on Wednesday for her 37th win of the season but only an eighth career victory on grass. "It's getting easier every year to convert my claycourt style to more grasscourt style," said Swiatek, who won her third French Open title this month. The 22-year-old, whose coach Tomasz Wiktorowski previously worked with former world number two Agnieszka Radwanska, said her grass game would improve with experience. Also Read: Tennis: 'I wouldn't personally encourage it', veteran John McEnroe slams Saudi merge "I have a coach who knows how to coach players who are good on grass courts like Aga Radwanska, so I'm pretty positive about my future on grass." Swiatek faces Anna Blinkova later on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals of the German event. "I think it's my first grasscourt quarter-final, so pretty excited," she added. "For now I'm just focusing on the process and learning as much as possible." Wimbledon runs from July 3-16. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: Transition from clay to grass easier every year, says Iga Swiatek ahead of Wimbledon 2023

Less than a week remains for the start of the Wimbledon Championships as top seeds in the gentlemen’s division gather to clinch glory at the All England Lawn Tennis &amp; Croquet Club (AELTCC) from Monday, June 3. Top seed&nbsp;Carlos Alcaraz, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas will be some of the names who could lift the coveted Wimbledon title in little over two weeks, but Novak Djokovic will stand as the clear favourite to clinch the Wimbledon 2023 title. The Serbian has a stellar record at the Championships and will look to stamp his authority at the All England Club next week.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mind-blowing <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> stats 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/xfTbV0TiSJ">pic.twitter.com/xfTbV0TiSJ</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1673742446897905689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Djokovic’s impressive numbers at Wimbledon</h2>

The seven-time champion could make history if he win a record 24th Grand Slam title that will see him go level with Margaret Court for most singles titles at&nbsp;24. Djokovic has an impeccable record at the All England Club and has not lost a completed match since 2016. The former world number one is currently on a run of 28 consecutive wins at Wimbledon, having last lost in 2017 at the Championships.

The 36-year-old, now in the twilight of his career, has won 86 matches at Wimbledon, more than his year’s top 20 combined (85 wins). Novak has an astonishing record at the Centre Court of Wimbledon and has not lost at the coveted stadium since his historic defeat to Andy Murray in the final of 2013.

The 23-time major winner could become just the third player in the open era to win the grass court Championships for five consecutive seasons and could join Roger Federer (2003 to 2008) and Bjorn Borg (1976 to 1980) in the elite list.

<h2>Djokovic enters Wimbledon with momentum</h2>

Novak will enter the Wimbledon Championships with momentum on his side having conquered both the Australia Open and the French Open in 2023. In 2023, the Serb has not achieved much success compared to other years but has bought his ‘A-Game’ into play whenever he has needed. Novak won the Australian Open and the French Open with ease despite facing the challenge of the finest players on the court in the form of Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud in big games. His win at the French Open also saw him become the first triple Grand Slam champion, having won all the Grand Slams on at least three occasions.

Currently, Novak is the defending champion at the three Grand Slams which include the Australia Open, French Open, and the US Open. Additionally, his long-term compatriots Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are not part of the Wimbledon this year as the former has announced his retirement while the latter is struggling with injuries and did not even participate at Roland Garros in May.

So far in 2023, Novak has won a win-loss record of 27-4 and will look to build on to his impressive numbers at Wimbledon. Interestingly, Novak has not lost a Grand Slam match since he was beaten by Rafael Nadal in June 2022. He is unbeaten in his last 21 Grand Slam matches and could extend that tally at Wimbledon this year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-ankita-raina-indias-only-singles-player-at-event-bows-out-with-a-loss-in-qualifiers-609611">Wimbledon 2023: Ankita Raina, India’s only singles player at event, bows out with a loss in qualifiers</a>

<h2>Lack of experience with compatriots</h2>

Novak possesses impressive numbers at the Wimbledon Championships but apart from it another factor that could see him as the favourite to clinch the title is the experience of his compatriots. The current top 10 seeds at the Wimbledon Championships have a combined two Grand Slam titles in between them, 21 less than Djokovic’s tally of 23, this includes US Open triumphs of Daniil Medvedev in 2021 and Carlos Alcaraz’ in 2022.

The only other players likely to enter Wimbledon with Grand Slam titles with them include Stanislas Wawrinka (three titles) and Andy Murray (three titles). The inexperience of his compatriots could play a big role in deciding the outcome of matches as Djokovic in the past has showcased his will against the likes of Tsitsipas and Ruud.

<h2>Djokovic eyes place in history books</h2>

One factor that makes Djokovic favourite is the will to capture a place in the history books as he chases an elusive 24th Grand Slam title. Currently, Novak holds the record for most singles Grand Slam titles with 23 and a win at the All England Club will see him go past Serena Williams for most individual titles while he levels the tally of Margaret Court. A win at Wimbledon will also put him on course for an annual Grand Slam title which has not been achieved since 1969 when Rod Laver clinched the historic feat.

The Serb came close to achieving the annual Grand Slam in 2021, only before he lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev. If does go all the way to win the Wimbledon this year, he will become the first male player since Rod Laver to win 28 consecutive Grand Slam matches, a feat achieved in 1969.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Less than a week remains for the start of the Wimbledon Championships as top seeds in the gentlemen’s division gather to clinch glory at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTCC) from Monday, June 3.

Less than a week remains for the start of the Wimbledon Championships as top seeds in the gentlemen’s division gather to clinch glory at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTCC) from Monday, June 3. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas will be some of the names who could lift the coveted Wimbledon title in little over two weeks, but Novak Djokovic will stand as the clear favourite to clinch the Wimbledon 2023 title. The Serbian has a stellar record at the Championships and will look to stamp his authority at the All England Club next week. Mind-blowing @DjokerNole stats 🤯#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/xfTbV0TiSJ — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2023 × Djokovic’s impressive numbers at Wimbledon The seven-time champion could make history if he win a record 24th Grand Slam title that will see him go level with Margaret Court for most singles titles at 24. Djokovic has an impeccable record at the All England Club and has not lost a completed match since 2016. The former world number one is currently on a run of 28 consecutive wins at Wimbledon, having last lost in 2017 at the Championships. The 36-year-old, now in the twilight of his career, has won 86 matches at Wimbledon, more than his year’s top 20 combined (85 wins). Novak has an astonishing record at the Centre Court of Wimbledon and has not lost at the coveted stadium since his historic defeat to Andy Murray in the final of 2013. The 23-time major winner could become just the third player in the open era to win the grass court Championships for five consecutive seasons and could join Roger Federer (2003 to 2008) and Bjorn Borg (1976 to 1980) in the elite list. Djokovic enters Wimbledon with momentum Novak will enter the Wimbledon Championships with momentum on his side having conquered both the Australia Open and the French Open in 2023. In 2023, the Serb has not achieved much success compared to other years but has bought his ‘A-Game’ into play whenever he has needed. Novak won the Australian Open and the French Open with ease despite facing the challenge of the finest players on the court in the form of Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud in big games. His win at the French Open also saw him become the first triple Grand Slam champion, having won all the Grand Slams on at least three occasions. Currently, Novak is the defending champion at the three Grand Slams which include the Australia Open, French Open, and the US Open. Additionally, his long-term compatriots Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are not part of the Wimbledon this year as the former has announced his retirement while the latter is struggling with injuries and did not even participate at Roland Garros in May. So far in 2023, Novak has won a win-loss record of 27-4 and will look to build on to his impressive numbers at Wimbledon. Interestingly, Novak has not lost a Grand Slam match since he was beaten by Rafael Nadal in June 2022. He is unbeaten in his last 21 Grand Slam matches and could extend that tally at Wimbledon this year. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2023: Ankita Raina, India’s only singles player at event, bows out with a loss in qualifiers Lack of experience with compatriots Novak possesses impressive numbers at the Wimbledon Championships but apart from it another factor that could see him as the favourite to clinch the title is the experience of his compatriots. The current top 10 seeds at the Wimbledon Championships have a combined two Grand Slam titles in between them, 21 less than Djokovic’s tally of 23, this includes US Open triumphs of Daniil Medvedev in 2021 and Carlos Alcaraz’ in 2022. The only other players likely to enter Wimbledon with Grand Slam titles with them include Stanislas Wawrinka (three titles) and Andy Murray (three titles). The inexperience of his compatriots could play a big role in deciding the outcome of matches as Djokovic in the past has showcased his will against the likes of Tsitsipas and Ruud. Djokovic eyes place in history books One factor that makes Djokovic favourite is the will to capture a place in the history books as he chases an elusive 24th Grand Slam title. Currently, Novak holds the record for most singles Grand Slam titles with 23 and a win at the All England Club will see him go past Serena Williams for most individual titles while he levels the tally of Margaret Court. A win at Wimbledon will also put him on course for an annual Grand Slam title which has not been achieved since 1969 when Rod Laver clinched the historic feat. The Serb came close to achieving the annual Grand Slam in 2021, only before he lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev. If does go all the way to win the Wimbledon this year, he will become the first male player since Rod Laver to win 28 consecutive Grand Slam matches, a feat achieved in 1969. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXPLAINED | Why Novak Djokovic is favourite to clinch Wimbledon 2023

On Tuesday (June 27), India’s No 1 women’s singles player Ankita Raina bowed out of the first round of the Wimbledon qualifiers, losing to Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The 30-year-old&nbsp;Raina was the only player from India competing in the singles draw at the championships this year, and with her campaign coming to an end, there is no hope left for India&nbsp;in singles.

Raina, ranked number 197, suffered a defeat despite winning her opening set. Leading 1-0 with a 6-3 win in the opening set, she lost the plot as she went down&nbsp;6-7 (5), 1-6 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Talking about Raina, she would be gutted to see the end of her run after being ahead in the game. Having won the first set 6-3, she was even ahead in the second set; leading 5-4. From thereon, she lost momentum as Maneiro made the most of her mistakes. She stretched the set to the tiebreak and eventually won before dominating the third set by dropping just a point.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-wta-roundup-jessica-pegula-coco-gauff-cruise-in-england-609594">Tennis: WTA roundup | Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff cruise in England</a>

As a result, the Spaniard wrapped up the proceedings in two hours and 26 minutes to progress ahead.&nbsp;

So far, Raina has featured in the main draw at Wimbledon only once. In 2021, she lost in the women’s doubles with American Lauren Davis in the opening round. In the same year, she also qualified for the mixed doubles main draw along with&nbsp;Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan. However, she could not move past the first round, losing to Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.

It is to be noted that there are no contenders from India in the men’s singles qualifiers as well as no one in the main draw of singles. Nonetheless, the draw for men’s, women’s and mixed doubles is not revealed yet and the likes of Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and N Sriram Balaji are likely to take part in the Wimbledon championship at the All England Club.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

On Tuesday (June 27), India’s No 1 women’s singles player Ankita Raina bowed out of the first round of the Wimbledon qualifiers, losing to Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

On Tuesday (June 27), India’s No 1 women’s singles player Ankita Raina bowed out of the first round of the Wimbledon qualifiers, losing to Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The 30-year-old Raina was the only player from India competing in the singles draw at the championships this year, and with her campaign coming to an end, there is no hope left for India in singles. Raina, ranked number 197, suffered a defeat despite winning her opening set. Leading 1-0 with a 6-3 win in the opening set, she lost the plot as she went down 6-7 (5), 1-6 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Talking about Raina, she would be gutted to see the end of her run after being ahead in the game. Having won the first set 6-3, she was even ahead in the second set; leading 5-4. From thereon, she lost momentum as Maneiro made the most of her mistakes. She stretched the set to the tiebreak and eventually won before dominating the third set by dropping just a point. Also Read: Tennis: WTA roundup | Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff cruise in England As a result, the Spaniard wrapped up the proceedings in two hours and 26 minutes to progress ahead. So far, Raina has featured in the main draw at Wimbledon only once. In 2021, she lost in the women’s doubles with American Lauren Davis in the opening round. In the same year, she also qualified for the mixed doubles main draw along with Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan. However, she could not move past the first round, losing to Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna. It is to be noted that there are no contenders from India in the men’s singles qualifiers as well as no one in the main draw of singles. Nonetheless, the draw for men’s, women’s and mixed doubles is not revealed yet and the likes of Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and N Sriram Balaji are likely to take part in the Wimbledon championship at the All England Club. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Wimbledon 2023: Ankita Raina, India’s only singles player at event, bows out with a loss in qualifiers

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is gearing up for Wimbledon 2023 edition. The veteran's career has been marred with injury concerns. Before he decides to call it quits, Murray will be eager to add more titles to his cabinet. Recently, the Brit spoke at length on his retirement plans and revealed that he wants to sign off on his 'own terms'.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 36-year-old said that he is focused on making the most of the opportunities in the last phase of his professional career. In 2018, he underwent hip surgery which kept him out of action for almost the whole season. However, now he wants to remain injury free and compete hard till he decides to step aside. Murray revealed that he plans to 'keep playing a bit longer' but hopes no big injury derails his progress.

<h2>Another injury would mean the end for me: Murray</h2>

Murray said, “I hope not, but you never know. It's why athletes need to make the most of it while they're still able to because if I was to have another big injury or if something happened to the metal hip, that would be me finished. I wouldn't try to come back from another operation or major surgery again so I want to keep playing a bit longer."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/partied-all-night-and-scored-250-next-day-ishant-shares-unheard-tale-of-kohli-lauds-his-transformation-608843">Partied all night and scored 250 next day: Ishant shares unheard tale of Kohli, lauds his transformation</a>

The two-time Wimbledon winner made it clear that he doesn't want to retire after this year's edition at the All England Club. "I know it's not going to be going on forever, but I have an idea of when I would like to finish and it's not this year's Wimbledon. I don't know exactly which tournament it would be or where it will be. I just have an idea of how much longer I would like to play for and I don't want to put myself in a position like before I had the operation."

“I want to finish on my own terms. I want to finish on the court where I feel I can still do myself justice and playing at a really high level. I definitely feel I can do that for a couple more years,”&nbsp;Murray concluded.

Murray occupies the 39th spot in the latest ATP rankings and&nbsp;recently emerged on top to claim&nbsp;the Nottingham Open title before facing a first-round&nbsp;exit&nbsp;at the Queen’s Club Championships. Only time will tell how far will he go in the forthcoming Wimbledon, which starts on July 3.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is gearing up for Wimbledon 2023 edition. The veteran's career has been marred with injury concerns. Before he decides to call it quits, Murray will be eager to add more titles to his cabinet.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is gearing up for Wimbledon 2023 edition. The veteran's career has been marred with injury concerns. Before he decides to call it quits, Murray will be eager to add more titles to his cabinet. Recently, the Brit spoke at length on his retirement plans and revealed that he wants to sign off on his 'own terms'. Speaking to Sky Sports, the 36-year-old said that he is focused on making the most of the opportunities in the last phase of his professional career. In 2018, he underwent hip surgery which kept him out of action for almost the whole season. However, now he wants to remain injury free and compete hard till he decides to step aside. Murray revealed that he plans to 'keep playing a bit longer' but hopes no big injury derails his progress. Another injury would mean the end for me: Murray Murray said, “I hope not, but you never know. It's why athletes need to make the most of it while they're still able to because if I was to have another big injury or if something happened to the metal hip, that would be me finished. I wouldn't try to come back from another operation or major surgery again so I want to keep playing a bit longer." Also Read: Partied all night and scored 250 next day: Ishant shares unheard tale of Kohli, lauds his transformation The two-time Wimbledon winner made it clear that he doesn't want to retire after this year's edition at the All England Club. "I know it's not going to be going on forever, but I have an idea of when I would like to finish and it's not this year's Wimbledon. I don't know exactly which tournament it would be or where it will be. I just have an idea of how much longer I would like to play for and I don't want to put myself in a position like before I had the operation." “I want to finish on my own terms. I want to finish on the court where I feel I can still do myself justice and playing at a really high level. I definitely feel I can do that for a couple more years,” Murray concluded. Murray occupies the 39th spot in the latest ATP rankings and recently emerged on top to claim the Nottingham Open title before facing a first-round exit at the Queen’s Club Championships. Only time will tell how far will he go in the forthcoming Wimbledon, which starts on July 3. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: 'I want to finish on own terms' - Andy Murray on retirement plans ahead of Wimbledon 2023

Carlos Alcaraz remains in the hunt for his first grass court title as the world number two beat former champion Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals at Queen's Club on Friday.

Alcaraz admitted earlier in the week to watching videos of Roger Federer and Andy Murray to learn how to move on the grass and appears to be finding his feet on the surface ahead of Wimbledon next month.

Since surviving a marathon first round encounter with French lucky loser Arthur Rinderknech, Alcaraz has not dropped a set to reach the last four in London.

A break in the first game was enough to win the Spaniard the first set as Dimitrov missed three chances to break back in the sixth game.

The Bulgarian, who won the Queen's title in 2014, got off to a flier in the second set as he led 3-0.

Alcaraz battled back to lead 4-3, only to give the break back for 4-4.

However, the US Open champion was gifted the chance to serve for the match when an error-strewn game from Dimitrov threw away his serve to love.

Alcaraz took full advantage to set up a semi-final clash with Sebastian Korda, who beat British number one Cameron Norrie 6-4, 7-6 (7/1).

"Grigor is a really top player in every surface, but even more here on grass, he feels the ball very well," said Alcaraz.

"I played very well since the beginning. The two matches before helped me a lot."

Second seed Holger Rune said he was fired up by Lorenzo Musetti's smashed overhead that hit the Dane in his 6-4, 7-5 quarter-final win.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-zak-crawley-makes-bold-prediction-for-lords-test-predicts-england-to-win-by-this-big-margin-607884">Ashes 2023: Zak Crawley makes BOLD prediction for Lord's Test, predicts England will win by THIS margin</a>

The world number six is also into his first semi-final on the grass.

"He can do what he wants," said Rune. "I mean, it's not the best thing to do, for sure. But again, it is legal. He can hit the ball where he wants to."

"It just gave me fire in the belly to beat him even more. I'm super happy to manage to beat him in two sets."

Rune faces Australia's Alex De Minaur in the last four after he beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Carlos Alcaraz remains in the hunt for his first grass court title as the world number two beat former champion Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals at Queen's Club on Friday.

Carlos Alcaraz remains in the hunt for his first grass court title as the world number two beat former champion Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals at Queen's Club on Friday. Alcaraz admitted earlier in the week to watching videos of Roger Federer and Andy Murray to learn how to move on the grass and appears to be finding his feet on the surface ahead of Wimbledon next month. Since surviving a marathon first round encounter with French lucky loser Arthur Rinderknech, Alcaraz has not dropped a set to reach the last four in London. A break in the first game was enough to win the Spaniard the first set as Dimitrov missed three chances to break back in the sixth game. The Bulgarian, who won the Queen's title in 2014, got off to a flier in the second set as he led 3-0. Alcaraz battled back to lead 4-3, only to give the break back for 4-4. However, the US Open champion was gifted the chance to serve for the match when an error-strewn game from Dimitrov threw away his serve to love. Alcaraz took full advantage to set up a semi-final clash with Sebastian Korda, who beat British number one Cameron Norrie 6-4, 7-6 (7/1). "Grigor is a really top player in every surface, but even more here on grass, he feels the ball very well," said Alcaraz. "I played very well since the beginning. The two matches before helped me a lot." Second seed Holger Rune said he was fired up by Lorenzo Musetti's smashed overhead that hit the Dane in his 6-4, 7-5 quarter-final win. ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: Zak Crawley makes BOLD prediction for Lord's Test, predicts England will win by THIS margin The world number six is also into his first semi-final on the grass. "He can do what he wants," said Rune. "I mean, it's not the best thing to do, for sure. But again, it is legal. He can hit the ball where he wants to." "It just gave me fire in the belly to beat him even more. I'm super happy to manage to beat him in two sets." Rune faces Australia's Alex De Minaur in the last four after he beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz powers past Grigor Dimitrov into Queen's Club semi-finals

Wimbledon Championships 2023: Tennis is back on the grass court with Wimbledon Championship, from July 3 to July 16 at the All England Club in London. This year’s tournament will be the 136th edition of the Championships. The women’s singles final will take place on Saturday, July 15, while the men’s singles final will be on Sunday, July 16.&nbsp;

The three main show courts at the All England Club are Centre Court, Court One and Court Two. Unlike other Grand Slam venues, the All England Club does not name its court after former players.&nbsp;

<h2>Wimbledon 2023: Defending champions</h2>

Men’s doubles: Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell

Women’s doubles: Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova

Mixed doubles: Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk

Wheelchair men’s singles: Shingo Kunieda

Wheelchair women’s singles: Diede de Groot

Wheelchair quad singles: Sam Schroder

Wheelchair men’s doubles: Gustavo Fernández / Shingo Kunieda

Wheelchair women’s doubles: Yui Kamiji / Dana Mathewson

Wheelchair quad doubles: Sam Schroder / Niels Vink

Boys’ singles: Mili Poljicak

Girls’ singles: Liv Hovde

Boys’ doubles: Sebastian Gorzny / Alex Michelsen

Girls’ doubles: Rose Marie Nijkamp / Angella Okutoyi

<h2>Wimbledon 2023: Top seeds</h2>

TOP-RANKED PLAYERS 
&nbsp;

MEN

1 Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

2 Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)

3 Daniil Medvedev (Russia)

4 Casper Ruud (Norway)

5 Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)

6 Holger Rune (Denmark)

7 Andrey Rublev (Russia)

8 Taylor Fritz (U.S.)

9 Jannik Sinner (Italy)

10 Frances Tiafoe (U.S.)

WOMEN

1 Iga Swiatek (Poland)

2 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)

3 Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)

4 Caroline Garcia (France)

5 Jessica Pegula (U.S.)

6 Ons Jabeur (Tunisia)

7 Coco Gauff (U.S.)

8 Maria Sakkari (Greece)

9 Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic)

10 Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil)

<h2>Wimbledon 2023: Where and how to watch Wimbledon 2023 matches online?&nbsp;</h2>

The full list of official broadcasters of Wimbledon in each country can be found here.

* Africa: Canal Plus International

* Europe: Eurosport, BBC, Saran Sport

* Asia Pacific &amp; Oceania: Nine &amp; Stan Sport, Sky, Digicel, TV Wan

* India &amp; subcontinent: Star Sports

* Latin America &amp; Caribbean: ESPN Latin America

* Middle East: beIN Sports

* North America: ESPN, Tennis Channel, TSN/RDS

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

Wimbledon Championships 2023: Tennis is back on the grass court with Wimbledon Championship, from July 3 to July 16 at the All England Club in London. This year’s tournament will be the 136th edition of the Championships.

Wimbledon Championships 2023: Tennis is back on the grass court with Wimbledon Championship, from July 3 to July 16 at the All England Club in London. This year’s tournament will be the 136th edition of the Championships. The women’s singles final will take place on Saturday, July 15, while the men’s singles final will be on Sunday, July 16. The three main show courts at the All England Club are Centre Court, Court One and Court Two. Unlike other Grand Slam venues, the All England Club does not name its court after former players. Wimbledon 2023: Defending champions Men’s doubles: Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell Women’s doubles: Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova Mixed doubles: Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk Wheelchair men’s singles: Shingo Kunieda Wheelchair women’s singles: Diede de Groot Wheelchair quad singles: Sam Schroder Wheelchair men’s doubles: Gustavo Fernández / Shingo Kunieda Wheelchair women’s doubles: Yui Kamiji / Dana Mathewson Wheelchair quad doubles: Sam Schroder / Niels Vink Boys’ singles: Mili Poljicak Girls’ singles: Liv Hovde Boys’ doubles: Sebastian Gorzny / Alex Michelsen Girls’ doubles: Rose Marie Nijkamp / Angella Okutoyi Wimbledon 2023: Top seeds TOP-RANKED PLAYERS MEN 1 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 2 Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) 3 Daniil Medvedev (Russia) 4 Casper Ruud (Norway) 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) 6 Holger Rune (Denmark) 7 Andrey Rublev (Russia) 8 Taylor Fritz (U.S.) 9 Jannik Sinner (Italy) 10 Frances Tiafoe (U.S.) WOMEN 1 Iga Swiatek (Poland) 2 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) 3 Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) 4 Caroline Garcia (France) 5 Jessica Pegula (U.S.) 6 Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) 7 Coco Gauff (U.S.) 8 Maria Sakkari (Greece) 9 Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 10 Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil) Wimbledon 2023: Where and how to watch Wimbledon 2023 matches online? The full list of official broadcasters of Wimbledon in each country can be found here. * Africa: Canal Plus International * Europe: Eurosport, BBC, Saran Sport * Asia Pacific & Oceania: Nine & Stan Sport, Sky, Digicel, TV Wan * India & subcontinent: Star Sports * Latin America & Caribbean: ESPN Latin America * Middle East: beIN Sports * North America: ESPN, Tennis Channel, TSN/RDS WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon Championships 2023: Schedule, dates, top seeds, live-streaming details- All you need to know

Venus Williams narrowly failed to reach her first WTA quarter-final in four years as the American legend was beaten by Jelena Ostapenko in the second round in Birmingham on Thursday. Williams had enjoyed her first victory over a top-50 opponent in four years on Monday when the former world number one beat Camila Giorgi in her Birmingham opener.

But the 43-year-old, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was unable to make it two in a row as she succumbed to a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 loss to Latvia's Ostapenko on the Edgbaston grass. Williams briefly rolled back the years when she saved a match point at 3-5 in the second set, then reeled off three successive games as second-seeded Ostapenko lost her rhythm.

After Williams moved 2-0 ahead in the deciding set, it appeared the five-time&nbsp;Wimbledon&nbsp;winner might be on course for the last eight. But Ostapenko, a former&nbsp;Wimbledon&nbsp;semi-finalist, recomposed herself and eventually shattered Williams' hopes of a morale-boosting run at Birmingham ahead of the start of&nbsp;Wimbledon&nbsp;on July 3.

"Of course I could finish it a bit quicker. I got a little bit disappointed after the match point in the second set. But Venus is a great player, a great champion and it's an honour to share the court with her," former French Open champion Ostapenko said. "She's a very dangerous player, especially on grass. She was serving really well.&nbsp;

"It was a little bit hard, but I'm really happy that I managed it and I was fighting until the very last point. She's an idol for a lot of people so it was very special."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/san-antonio-spurs-pick-one-in-a-generation-talent-victor-wembanyama-in-nba-draft-607692">San Antonio Spurs pick one-in-a-generation talent Victor Wembanyama in NBA Draft</a>

Williams will hope to recover from a knee injury that dogged her in Birmingham after being awarded a wild card entry for&nbsp;Wimbledon, where she made her debut in 1997 and reached her most recent Grand Slam final in 2017.

In the quarter-finals, Ostapenko faces Poland's Magdalena Frech, who battled past eighth seed Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4. Britain's Harriet Dart will take on fourth seed Anastasia Potapova, who defeated American Caty McNally 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/0).

Meanwhile, there will be an all-Czech quarter-final between top seed Barbora Krejcikova and 18-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova. Fruhvirtova was already through to the last eight and former French Open champion Krejcikova joined her by seeing off Tereza Martincova 6-4, 6-4.

Venus Williams narrowly failed to reach her first WTA quarter-final in four years as the American legend was beaten by Jelena Ostapenko in the second round in Birmingham on Thursday.

Venus Williams narrowly failed to reach her first WTA quarter-final in four years as the American legend was beaten by Jelena Ostapenko in the second round in Birmingham on Thursday. Williams had enjoyed her first victory over a top-50 opponent in four years on Monday when the former world number one beat Camila Giorgi in her Birmingham opener. But the 43-year-old, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was unable to make it two in a row as she succumbed to a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 loss to Latvia's Ostapenko on the Edgbaston grass. Williams briefly rolled back the years when she saved a match point at 3-5 in the second set, then reeled off three successive games as second-seeded Ostapenko lost her rhythm. After Williams moved 2-0 ahead in the deciding set, it appeared the five-time Wimbledon winner might be on course for the last eight. But Ostapenko, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, recomposed herself and eventually shattered Williams' hopes of a morale-boosting run at Birmingham ahead of the start of Wimbledon on July 3. "Of course I could finish it a bit quicker. I got a little bit disappointed after the match point in the second set. But Venus is a great player, a great champion and it's an honour to share the court with her," former French Open champion Ostapenko said. "She's a very dangerous player, especially on grass. She was serving really well. "It was a little bit hard, but I'm really happy that I managed it and I was fighting until the very last point. She's an idol for a lot of people so it was very special." Also Read | San Antonio Spurs pick one-in-a-generation talent Victor Wembanyama in NBA Draft Williams will hope to recover from a knee injury that dogged her in Birmingham after being awarded a wild card entry for Wimbledon, where she made her debut in 1997 and reached her most recent Grand Slam final in 2017. In the quarter-finals, Ostapenko faces Poland's Magdalena Frech, who battled past eighth seed Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4. Britain's Harriet Dart will take on fourth seed Anastasia Potapova, who defeated American Caty McNally 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/0). Meanwhile, there will be an all-Czech quarter-final between top seed Barbora Krejcikova and 18-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova. Fruhvirtova was already through to the last eight and former French Open champion Krejcikova joined her by seeing off Tereza Martincova 6-4, 6-4.

Tennis: Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko knocks out Venus Williams in Birmingham Classic

Andy Murray's brother and uncle have expressed their anger over the treatment of the two-time Wimbledon champion after he was left off an official poster of past and present greats.

The All England Club posted an image of 15 famous players walking down a staircase on its social media channels.&nbsp;

Under the words "Here's to the next generation of headline acts", young players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz -- neither of whom have made an impact at the championships yet -- stand in the foreground.

Behind them are a selection of "epic" rivalries including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and Serena and Venus Williams.

But Murray, who ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion in 2013, is nowhere to be seen.

His uncle, Niall Erskine, tweeted underneath the image: "Appalling at every level, all about the men in the forefront and your own British history-maker nowhere to be seen. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

And Jamie Murray, who has been competing along with his brother at Queen's Club this week, replied to Wimbledon's Instagram post with "Where's @andymurray?"

He added: "Didn't they talk about the big 4 for 10 years until he smashed his hip to pieces when he was world No 1?"

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-going-to-ben-stokes-backs-declaration-call-after-england-lose-edgbaston-test-to-australia-606798">'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia</a>

Illustrator Grant Gruenhaupt responded by saying more paintings are planned.

Jamie Murray and partner Michael Venus lost their first-round doubles match at Queen's against Matthew Ebden and Rohan Bopanna in two tie-breaks.

Andy Murray, currently ranked 38th in singles, was due to play in the doubles alongside Cameron Norrie later on Wednesday.

But the Scot, knocked out of the singles on Tuesday, has withdrawn from the event.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Andy Murray's brother and uncle have expressed their anger over the treatment of the two-time Wimbledon champion after he was left off an official poster of past and present greats.

Andy Murray's brother and uncle have expressed their anger over the treatment of the two-time Wimbledon champion after he was left off an official poster of past and present greats. The All England Club posted an image of 15 famous players walking down a staircase on its social media channels. Under the words "Here's to the next generation of headline acts", young players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz -- neither of whom have made an impact at the championships yet -- stand in the foreground. Behind them are a selection of "epic" rivalries including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and Serena and Venus Williams. But Murray, who ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion in 2013, is nowhere to be seen. His uncle, Niall Erskine, tweeted underneath the image: "Appalling at every level, all about the men in the forefront and your own British history-maker nowhere to be seen. You should be ashamed of yourselves." And Jamie Murray, who has been competing along with his brother at Queen's Club this week, replied to Wimbledon's Instagram post with "Where's @andymurray?" He added: "Didn't they talk about the big 4 for 10 years until he smashed his hip to pieces when he was world No 1?" ALSO READ | 'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia Illustrator Grant Gruenhaupt responded by saying more paintings are planned. Jamie Murray and partner Michael Venus lost their first-round doubles match at Queen's against Matthew Ebden and Rohan Bopanna in two tie-breaks. Andy Murray, currently ranked 38th in singles, was due to play in the doubles alongside Cameron Norrie later on Wednesday. But the Scot, knocked out of the singles on Tuesday, has withdrawn from the event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Andy Murray's family questions absence of former Wimbledon champion from poster

Former world number one Andy Murray is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon and said that he's in the best shape following his hip surgery. The 36-year-old had a hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 after which the three-time Grand Slam winner resuscitated his career.

"In terms of physically how I have been, the last six to nine months have been really good and that has been the best I have felt since my surgery, that is really positive," Murray said as quoted by news agency Reuters following his 6-3, 7-5 win over Hugo Grenier in Rothesay Nottingham Open. The win took Murray to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-ready-and-eager-for-inter-miami-challenge-in-mls-605465">Lionel Messi READY and EAGER for Inter Miami challenge in MLS</a>

"I am getting lots of matches in. I always feel really comfortable on the grass courts, so the next few weeks will be a good test for me," added Murray.

The veteran tennis star, however, didn't take part in the recently-concluded French Open tournament following early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Bordeaux. Meanwhile, Murray&nbsp;won the second-tier Aix-en-Provence Challenger Tour title last month.

He, however, agreed that it is a bit difficult to assess his playing level right now and that playing against top-ranked players will be the right exposure required to be certain about his game.

"It is really hard to say if I'm playing my best level overall," Murray said. "I don't know because, I mean absolutely no disrespect to the players I am playing against, I am aware they are very good players, but when you're playing against guys who are in the top 10 in the world, they are able to expose certain things in your game a little bit more as well," added Murray.

Murray has won Wimbledon twice (2013 &amp; 2016) in his grand slam tally of three, with one being the US Open (2012). He also finished the year 2016 as the top-ranked player in the world. The Wimbledon 2023 is set to be played next month from July 3-16.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Former world number one Andy Murray is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon and said that he's in the best shape following his hip surgery. The 36-year-old had a hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 after which the three-time Grand Slam winner resuscitated his career.

Former world number one Andy Murray is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon and said that he's in the best shape following his hip surgery. The 36-year-old had a hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 after which the three-time Grand Slam winner resuscitated his career. "In terms of physically how I have been, the last six to nine months have been really good and that has been the best I have felt since my surgery, that is really positive," Murray said as quoted by news agency Reuters following his 6-3, 7-5 win over Hugo Grenier in Rothesay Nottingham Open. The win took Murray to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Also Read: Lionel Messi READY and EAGER for Inter Miami challenge in MLS "I am getting lots of matches in. I always feel really comfortable on the grass courts, so the next few weeks will be a good test for me," added Murray. The veteran tennis star, however, didn't take part in the recently-concluded French Open tournament following early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Bordeaux. Meanwhile, Murray won the second-tier Aix-en-Provence Challenger Tour title last month. He, however, agreed that it is a bit difficult to assess his playing level right now and that playing against top-ranked players will be the right exposure required to be certain about his game. "It is really hard to say if I'm playing my best level overall," Murray said. "I don't know because, I mean absolutely no disrespect to the players I am playing against, I am aware they are very good players, but when you're playing against guys who are in the top 10 in the world, they are able to expose certain things in your game a little bit more as well," added Murray. Murray has won Wimbledon twice (2013 & 2016) in his grand slam tally of three, with one being the US Open (2012). He also finished the year 2016 as the top-ranked player in the world. The Wimbledon 2023 is set to be played next month from July 3-16. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Former world no. 1 Andy Murray ready for Wimbledon with 'best physical shape' since hip surgery

wimbledon-2023

Wimbledon 2023, News on Wimbledon 2023, stories on Wimbledon 2023, articles on Wimbledon 2023, Wimbledon 2023 stories at Wion, Wimbledon 2023 news, Wimbledon 2023 latest news

wimbledon 2023

Wimbledon 2023: 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva's fairytale continues, reaches round of 16 in maiden tournament