Some days at the office are bit of a grind, even if in Rafa Nadal`s case his place of work on Thursday was Wimbledon`s sunny but chilly Centre Court for a match against Ricardas Berankis.

The second seed duly won 6-4 6-4 4-6 6-3 to reach the third round but his 307th Grand Slam match win, putting him one ahead of Martina Navratilova and fourth on the all-time list, will not linger long in his memory.

An off-key Nadal never looked in serious danger of having his bid for the calendar-year Slam wrecked by the world number 106, but he knows he will have to play much better in the rounds ahead to claim his third Wimbledon title.

The statistics rather told the tale with Nadal unusually making more unforced errors than winners -- 39-35. 
Lithuanian Berankis struck the ball crisply and matched Nadal for long periods but gifted away a scrappy first set when he chose the worst possible time to hand over his serve with a bunch of poor errors, when trailing 5-4.

The Centre Court crowd probably expected Nadal to move through the gears then but the usual fizz was missing from his groundstrokes and he had to recover a break of serve in the second set as he grafted towards victory.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-breaks-national-record-claims-maiden-medal-at-diamond-league-493384" hreflang="en">Neeraj Chopra breaks national record, claims maiden medal at Diamond League</a>

Berankis broke serve again early in the third set with a sweetly-struck backhand and had a point for a double break and a 4-1 lead. Nadal averted that but could find no inspiration to recover the break of serve and was forced to do some overtime as an increasingly confident Berankis held serve to love at 5-4.

It was the second time in two matches that Nadal had lost the third set having won the opening two, but he responded by winning 12 of the first 13 points of the fourth for a 3-0 lead only to be stopped in his tracks when a cloudburst forced a delay as the roof was rolled across the court.

When play resumed nearly an hour later, 106th ranked Berankis held serve three times and played a full part in some eye-catching baseline exchanges but Nadal was a man in a hurry and polished off the match with his 13th ace.

The bottom half of the draw looks inviting for Nadal, with so many top seeds already removed, but Italian 27th seed Lorenzo Sonego will provide a test of his form and fitness on Saturday.

Some days at the office are bit of a grind, even if in Rafa Nadal`s case his place of work on Thursday was Wimbledon`s sunny but chilly Centre Court for a match against Ricardas Berankis.

Some days at the office are bit of a grind, even if in Rafa Nadal`s case his place of work on Thursday was Wimbledon`s sunny but chilly Centre Court for a match against Ricardas Berankis. The second seed duly won 6-4 6-4 4-6 6-3 to reach the third round but his 307th Grand Slam match win, putting him one ahead of Martina Navratilova and fourth on the all-time list, will not linger long in his memory. An off-key Nadal never looked in serious danger of having his bid for the calendar-year Slam wrecked by the world number 106, but he knows he will have to play much better in the rounds ahead to claim his third Wimbledon title. The statistics rather told the tale with Nadal unusually making more unforced errors than winners -- 39-35. Lithuanian Berankis struck the ball crisply and matched Nadal for long periods but gifted away a scrappy first set when he chose the worst possible time to hand over his serve with a bunch of poor errors, when trailing 5-4. The Centre Court crowd probably expected Nadal to move through the gears then but the usual fizz was missing from his groundstrokes and he had to recover a break of serve in the second set as he grafted towards victory. Also read | Neeraj Chopra breaks national record, claims maiden medal at Diamond League Berankis broke serve again early in the third set with a sweetly-struck backhand and had a point for a double break and a 4-1 lead. Nadal averted that but could find no inspiration to recover the break of serve and was forced to do some overtime as an increasingly confident Berankis held serve to love at 5-4. It was the second time in two matches that Nadal had lost the third set having won the opening two, but he responded by winning 12 of the first 13 points of the fourth for a 3-0 lead only to be stopped in his tracks when a cloudburst forced a delay as the roof was rolled across the court. When play resumed nearly an hour later, 106th ranked Berankis held serve three times and played a full part in some eye-catching baseline exchanges but Nadal was a man in a hurry and polished off the match with his 13th ace. The bottom half of the draw looks inviting for Nadal, with so many top seeds already removed, but Italian 27th seed Lorenzo Sonego will provide a test of his form and fitness on Saturday.

Rafael Nadal grinds past Ricardas Berankis into Wimbledon third round

Fourth seed Stefanos&nbsp;Tsitsipas&nbsp;set up a blockbuster Wimbledon third-round clash against Nick Kyrgios on Thursday. Tsitsipas&nbsp;defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to make the last 32 for the second time.

Kyrgios earlier pulled off an impressive 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 win over Serbian 26th seed Filip Krajinovic to make the last 32 for the sixth time. Australian star Kyrgios leads&nbsp;Tsitsipas&nbsp;3-1 including a victory on grass in Halle earlier this month.

"I feel like everyone here knows who Nick is," said&nbsp;Tsitsipas. "We have had many great matches against each other. I respect him for his game and the way he fights when he wants to."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sania-mirza-lucie-hradecka-face-1st-round-exit-in-indian-stars-last-wimbledon-493312">Sania Mirza, Lucie Hradecka face 1st round exit in Indian star's last Wimbledon</a>

More Wimbledon results on Thursday on the fourth day of the 2022 championships at the All England Club (x denotes seeded player) are as follows:

Men

2nd rd

Christian Garín (CHI) bt Hugo Grenier (FRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-1

Daniel Galan (COL) bt Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x17) - walkover

Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Filip Krajinovic (SRB x26) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x4) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-3, 7-5

Alex Molcan (SVK) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

Taylor Fritz (USA x11) bt Alastair Gray (GBR) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3

Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Botic van de Zandschulp (NED x21) bt Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4

Lorenzo Sonego (ITA x27) bt Hugo Gaston (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-4

Women

2nd rd

Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Claire Liu (USA) 6-3, 6-3

Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Catherine Harrison (USA) 6-2, 6-2

Barbora Krejcikova (CZE x13) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-3, 6-4

Zheng Qinwen (CHN) bt Greet Minnen (BEL) 6-4, 6-1

Elena Rybakina (KAZ x17) bt Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5)

Paula Badosa (ESP x4) bt Irina Bara (ROM) 6-3, 6-2

Petra Kvitova (CZE x25) bt Ana Bogdan (ROM) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)

Harmony Tan (FRA) bt Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP x32) 6-3, 6-4

Katie Boulter (GBR) bt Karolína&nbsp;Pliskova&nbsp;(CZE x6) 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4

Elise Mertens (BEL x24) bt Panna Udvardy (HUN) 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5

Heather Watson (GBR) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 7-5, 6-4

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a blockbuster Wimbledon third-round clash against Nick Kyrgios on Thursday. Tsitsipas defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to make the last 32 for the second time.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a blockbuster Wimbledon third-round clash against Nick Kyrgios on Thursday. Tsitsipas defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to make the last 32 for the second time. Kyrgios earlier pulled off an impressive 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 win over Serbian 26th seed Filip Krajinovic to make the last 32 for the sixth time. Australian star Kyrgios leads Tsitsipas 3-1 including a victory on grass in Halle earlier this month. "I feel like everyone here knows who Nick is," said Tsitsipas. "We have had many great matches against each other. I respect him for his game and the way he fights when he wants to." ALSO READ | Sania Mirza, Lucie Hradecka face 1st round exit in Indian star's last Wimbledon More Wimbledon results on Thursday on the fourth day of the 2022 championships at the All England Club (x denotes seeded player) are as follows: Men 2nd rd Christian Garín (CHI) bt Hugo Grenier (FRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 Daniel Galan (COL) bt Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x17) - walkover Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Filip Krajinovic (SRB x26) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x4) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 Alex Molcan (SVK) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Taylor Fritz (USA x11) bt Alastair Gray (GBR) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Botic van de Zandschulp (NED x21) bt Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 Lorenzo Sonego (ITA x27) bt Hugo Gaston (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-4 Women 2nd rd Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Claire Liu (USA) 6-3, 6-3 Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Catherine Harrison (USA) 6-2, 6-2 Barbora Krejcikova (CZE x13) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-3, 6-4 Zheng Qinwen (CHN) bt Greet Minnen (BEL) 6-4, 6-1 Elena Rybakina (KAZ x17) bt Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) Paula Badosa (ESP x4) bt Irina Bara (ROM) 6-3, 6-2 Petra Kvitova (CZE x25) bt Ana Bogdan (ROM) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) Harmony Tan (FRA) bt Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP x32) 6-3, 6-4 Katie Boulter (GBR) bt Karolína Pliskova (CZE x6) 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 Elise Mertens (BEL x24) bt Panna Udvardy (HUN) 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 Heather Watson (GBR) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 7-5, 6-4

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas set to face Nick Kyrgios for Wimbledon last-16 place

Indian ace Sania Mirza's final Wimbledon appearance ended in disappointment as she and her Czech partner Lucie Hradecka were eliminated in the opening round with the Polish-Brazilian combination of Magdalena Frech and Beatroz Haddad Maia beating them 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a hard-fought three-setter.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-unmissable-steffi-grafs-epic-reply-to-a-fans-marriage-proposal-at-wimbledon-watch-493243">THROWBACK: UNMISSABLE! Steffi Graf's epic reply to a fan's marriage proposal at Wimbledon - WATCH</a>

Mirza would have ideally preferred to last a bit longer in her swansong at the SW-19 but she will undoubtedly remember hallowed lawns where she won her maiden doubles title alongside Martina Hingis, back in 2015. The 35-year-old Indian veteran failed to get past the third round of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon last year and will still have a shot at glory, partnering Mate Pavic of Croatia in the mixed doubles event. The duo will meet Natela Dzalamidze and David Vega Hernandez in the opening round of mixed doubles.

Indian ace Sania Mirza's final Wimbledon appearance ended in disappointment as she and her Czech partner Lucie Hradecka were eliminated in the opening round with the Polish-Brazilian combination of Magdalena Frech and Beatroz Haddad Maia beating them 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a hard-fought three-setter.

Indian ace Sania Mirza's final Wimbledon appearance ended in disappointment as she and her Czech partner Lucie Hradecka were eliminated in the opening round with the Polish-Brazilian combination of Magdalena Frech and Beatroz Haddad Maia beating them 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a hard-fought three-setter. ALSO READ | THROWBACK: UNMISSABLE! Steffi Graf's epic reply to a fan's marriage proposal at Wimbledon - WATCH Mirza would have ideally preferred to last a bit longer in her swansong at the SW-19 but she will undoubtedly remember hallowed lawns where she won her maiden doubles title alongside Martina Hingis, back in 2015. The 35-year-old Indian veteran failed to get past the third round of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon last year and will still have a shot at glory, partnering Mate Pavic of Croatia in the mixed doubles event. The duo will meet Natela Dzalamidze and David Vega Hernandez in the opening round of mixed doubles.

Sania Mirza, Lucie Hradecka face 1st round exit in Indian star's last Wimbledon

Wimbledon 2022 is underway and is producing a lot of action each day. The likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, etc., have lit up the atmosphere, and a lot many close battles are on the cards as the tournament progresses ahead.&nbsp;

For the unversed, this is the 135th edition of the premier tournament in London, England. Over the years, Wimbledon has been immensely popular and has given tennis fans plenty to cheer for. During the 1996 edition, an&nbsp;unforgettable incident took place when former world number one Steffi Graf was proposed for marriage by a spectator during her semi-final clash of the Wimbledon Championships against Kimiko Date.&nbsp;

"Steffi, will you marry me?," the fan asked the tennis icon on-court. As the crowd was laughing, Steffi took a short pause and then left everyone in splits&nbsp;with her response. "How much money do you have?" Graf replied. Thus, the spectators were left in splits after the German former professional tennis player's classy response.

Here's the video:

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-vs-ricardas-berankis-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-wimbledon-match-in-india-493223">Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis live streaming: When and where to watch Wimbledon match in India?</a>

Speaking about Steffi, she had a stellar career at the highest level. The German held the No. 1 spot for a record 377 weeks and ended with a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles (4 Australian Open, 6&nbsp;French Open, 7&nbsp;Wimbledon and 5 US Open trophies); third most of all-time. She even won the 1996 Wimbledon edition where&nbsp;she was hilariously proposed for marriage.&nbsp;

At present, Wimbledon 2022 is underway -- which commenced on June 27 -- and will conclude&nbsp;on&nbsp;July 10.

Wimbledon 2022 is underway and is producing a lot of action each day. The likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, etc., have lit up the atmosphere, and a lot many close battles are on the cards as the tournament progresses ahead.

Wimbledon 2022 is underway and is producing a lot of action each day. The likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, etc., have lit up the atmosphere, and a lot many close battles are on the cards as the tournament progresses ahead. For the unversed, this is the 135th edition of the premier tournament in London, England. Over the years, Wimbledon has been immensely popular and has given tennis fans plenty to cheer for. During the 1996 edition, an unforgettable incident took place when former world number one Steffi Graf was proposed for marriage by a spectator during her semi-final clash of the Wimbledon Championships against Kimiko Date. "Steffi, will you marry me?," the fan asked the tennis icon on-court. As the crowd was laughing, Steffi took a short pause and then left everyone in splits with her response. "How much money do you have?" Graf replied. Thus, the spectators were left in splits after the German former professional tennis player's classy response. Here's the video: × ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis live streaming: When and where to watch Wimbledon match in India? Speaking about Steffi, she had a stellar career at the highest level. The German held the No. 1 spot for a record 377 weeks and ended with a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles (4 Australian Open, 6 French Open, 7 Wimbledon and 5 US Open trophies); third most of all-time. She even won the 1996 Wimbledon edition where she was hilariously proposed for marriage. At present, Wimbledon 2022 is underway -- which commenced on June 27 -- and will conclude on July 10.

THROWBACK: UNMISSABLE! Steffi Graf's epic reply to a fan's marriage proposal at Wimbledon - WATCH

Rafael Nadal survived a massive scare in his opening round match versus Argentina's&nbsp;Francisco Cerundolo in the Wimbledon 2022 edition, on Tuesday (June 28). The Spaniard was stretched by the&nbsp;world No. 41&nbsp;before he won the match in four sets,&nbsp;6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Thus, the 36-year-old two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal will hope for an easy ride when he faces Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in Round 2.

While Nadal had a tough game versus Cerundolo, Berankis&nbsp;defeated American Sam Querrey in straight sets (6-4, 7-5, 6-3) in the first round. Thus, he will have some momentum before he faces superstar Nadal. Both have met only once so far, when Nadal defeated the&nbsp;106th ranked Lithuanian&nbsp;6-2, 7-5 at the Melbourne Summer Set 1 earlier this season.

Here's the live streaming details of Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022

Where will the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;be held?

The&nbsp;Nadal vs&nbsp;Berankis face-off&nbsp;at Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;will take place at the iconic Centre Court, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London.

When will the&nbsp;Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;commence?

The Nadal vs&nbsp;Berankis match at Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;will start&nbsp;at 7:15 pm IST (tentatively) on Thursday evening (June 30).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/john-isner-hails-former-world-no-1-andy-murray-after-ending-his-wimbledon-hopes-in-second-round-493158">John Isner hails former world No. 1 Andy Murray after ending his Wimbledon hopes in second round</a>

Which TV channels will broadcast the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis&nbsp;match in Wimbledon 2022?

The&nbsp;Nadal vs&nbsp;Berankis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.&nbsp;

How to watch the live streaming of the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022?

The&nbsp;Nadal vs&nbsp;Berankis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be&nbsp;live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

Rafael Nadal survived a massive scare in his opening round match versus Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo in the Wimbledon 2022 edition, on Tuesday (June 28). The Spaniard was stretched by the world No.

Rafael Nadal survived a massive scare in his opening round match versus Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo in the Wimbledon 2022 edition, on Tuesday (June 28). The Spaniard was stretched by the world No. 41 before he won the match in four sets, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Thus, the 36-year-old two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal will hope for an easy ride when he faces Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in Round 2. While Nadal had a tough game versus Cerundolo, Berankis defeated American Sam Querrey in straight sets (6-4, 7-5, 6-3) in the first round. Thus, he will have some momentum before he faces superstar Nadal. Both have met only once so far, when Nadal defeated the 106th ranked Lithuanian 6-2, 7-5 at the Melbourne Summer Set 1 earlier this season. Here's the live streaming details of Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022 Where will the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022 be held? The Nadal vs Berankis face-off at Wimbledon 2022 will take place at the iconic Centre Court, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. When will the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022 commence? The Nadal vs Berankis match at Wimbledon 2022 will start at 7:15 pm IST (tentatively) on Thursday evening (June 30). ALSO READ | John Isner hails former world No. 1 Andy Murray after ending his Wimbledon hopes in second round Which TV channels will broadcast the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022? The Nadal vs Berankis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network. How to watch the live streaming of the Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis match in Wimbledon 2022? The Nadal vs Berankis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis live streaming: When and where to watch Wimbledon match in India?

Rafael Nadal overcame a scare in his Wimbledon opener on Tuesday, fighting back from dropping the third set and falling a break down in the fourth to eventually see off Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo.

Second seed Nadal, playing on grass for the first time since his 2019 Wimbledon semi-final loss to Roger Federer, triumphed 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 over 41st-ranked Cerundolo, who was making his All England Club debut.

But the 36-year-old Spaniard, who has already captured the Australian and French Opens this year to stand halfway to the first mens's calendar Slam since 1969, did it the hard way.

After coasting through the first two sets on Centre Court, he surrendered an early break in the third set and then had to claw his way back from 3-1 and 4-2 down in the fourth.

"Three years without being here on this amazing surface, it is amazing to be back," said Nadal.

"We don't play very often on grass, especially in my case. In the last three years I didn't put a foot on the grass."

Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion, arrived at the tournament with question marks over his durability for the two weeks having played the entire French Open with his troublesome left foot anaesthetised.

He has since undergone a course of radiofrequency stimulation, a treatment aimed at reducing nerve pain in his foot.

"Every day is a test. I am at the beginning of the tournament and everyone knows the difficult circumstances that I had," he said.

"But for me the most important thing is that I am at Wimbledon in 2022 and I won the first match."

Nadal will take on Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania for a place in the last 32.

The Spaniard's bid for a third title at the tournament was boosted earlier Tuesday when 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini, a potential semi-final opponent, withdrew after testing positive for Covid.

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Rafael Nadal overcame a scare in his Wimbledon opener on Tuesday, fighting back from dropping the third set and falling a break down in the fourth to eventually see off Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo.

Rafael Nadal overcame a scare in his Wimbledon opener on Tuesday, fighting back from dropping the third set and falling a break down in the fourth to eventually see off Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo. Second seed Nadal, playing on grass for the first time since his 2019 Wimbledon semi-final loss to Roger Federer, triumphed 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 over 41st-ranked Cerundolo, who was making his All England Club debut. But the 36-year-old Spaniard, who has already captured the Australian and French Opens this year to stand halfway to the first mens's calendar Slam since 1969, did it the hard way. After coasting through the first two sets on Centre Court, he surrendered an early break in the third set and then had to claw his way back from 3-1 and 4-2 down in the fourth. "Three years without being here on this amazing surface, it is amazing to be back," said Nadal. "We don't play very often on grass, especially in my case. In the last three years I didn't put a foot on the grass." Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion, arrived at the tournament with question marks over his durability for the two weeks having played the entire French Open with his troublesome left foot anaesthetised. He has since undergone a course of radiofrequency stimulation, a treatment aimed at reducing nerve pain in his foot. "Every day is a test. I am at the beginning of the tournament and everyone knows the difficult circumstances that I had," he said. "But for me the most important thing is that I am at Wimbledon in 2022 and I won the first match." Nadal will take on Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania for a place in the last 32. The Spaniard's bid for a third title at the tournament was boosted earlier Tuesday when 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini, a potential semi-final opponent, withdrew after testing positive for Covid. 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: Rafael Nadal overcomes scare to reach second round

A bid to replace ball boys and girls with dogs at Wimbledon failed miserably as the pooches refused to give the ball back in time despite being trained for the same. Ball boys and girls have been traditionally used at the Wimbledon for several decades now and the trend continues in the ongoing edition of the prestigious tournament. The organisers were keen on experimenting to see if dogs can do a job as an apt replacement for ball boys and girls but the experiment failed.

The dogs were trained at the Wilton Tennis Club in London where they underwent speed and agility tests among others, as per a report in Daily Star. The dogs were also trained to run up and down across the court and high jump over the nets. However, the experiment didn't yield desired results as the organisers decided humans were quick and batter.

Dogs were also trained to fetch the tennis ball swiftly and hand it back in time but they often refused to give the ball back, Thus, it was decided that the pooches are not ideal to replace the ball boys and girls, who are far more effective. Martin Schiller, the coordinator of the&nbsp;Wilton Tennis Club, revealed the dogs were excellent at fetching the ball quickly but were not so keen on returning them.

"Our players did find themselves in a game of tug-of-war," he said. "We had a stash of treats on the sidelines to offer up as a bit of encouragement which certainly did the trick," Schiller added.

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We knew there would be questions about how we'd make <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WimbledonBallDogs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WimbledonBallDogs</a> possible. So in preparation, we trialed some Ball Dogs at Wilton Tennis Club 
 
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The idea to use dogs instead of ball boys and girls at Wimbledon was first proposed by insurance provider ManyPets, who had contacted the Wimbledon organisers over a trial. However, they are yet to receive a formal response from the organisers. There are 250 ball boys and girls who are currently working at Wimbledon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-rafael-nadal-overcomes-scare-to-reach-second-round-492741">Wimbledon -&nbsp;Rafael Nadal overcomes scare to reach second round</a>

While ball girls&nbsp;were introduced to the competition in the year 1977, ball boys have been used at Wimbledon since 1920. Thousands of teenagers from across the UK apply each year to get a chance to become ball boys/girls at the Wimbledon, which is one of the best tennis tournaments in the world.

A bid to replace ball boys and girls with dogs at Wimbledon failed miserably as the pooches refused to give the ball back in time despite being trained for the same.

A bid to replace ball boys and girls with dogs at Wimbledon failed miserably as the pooches refused to give the ball back in time despite being trained for the same. Ball boys and girls have been traditionally used at the Wimbledon for several decades now and the trend continues in the ongoing edition of the prestigious tournament. The organisers were keen on experimenting to see if dogs can do a job as an apt replacement for ball boys and girls but the experiment failed. The dogs were trained at the Wilton Tennis Club in London where they underwent speed and agility tests among others, as per a report in Daily Star. The dogs were also trained to run up and down across the court and high jump over the nets. However, the experiment didn't yield desired results as the organisers decided humans were quick and batter. Dogs were also trained to fetch the tennis ball swiftly and hand it back in time but they often refused to give the ball back, Thus, it was decided that the pooches are not ideal to replace the ball boys and girls, who are far more effective. Martin Schiller, the coordinator of the Wilton Tennis Club, revealed the dogs were excellent at fetching the ball quickly but were not so keen on returning them. "Our players did find themselves in a game of tug-of-war," he said. "We had a stash of treats on the sidelines to offer up as a bit of encouragement which certainly did the trick," Schiller added. We knew there would be questions about how we'd make #WimbledonBallDogs possible. So in preparation, we trialed some Ball Dogs at Wilton Tennis Club Here's how Hugo, Huxley, Dennis and Daisy got on - and some of our initial trial results… pic.twitter.com/hFh3bo3fGR — ManyPets - formerly known as Bought By Many (@manypets_uk) June 28, 2022 × Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Serena Williams loses to Harmony Tan in first round The idea to use dogs instead of ball boys and girls at Wimbledon was first proposed by insurance provider ManyPets, who had contacted the Wimbledon organisers over a trial. However, they are yet to receive a formal response from the organisers. There are 250 ball boys and girls who are currently working at Wimbledon. Also Read: Wimbledon - Rafael Nadal overcomes scare to reach second round While ball girls were introduced to the competition in the year 1977, ball boys have been used at Wimbledon since 1920. Thousands of teenagers from across the UK apply each year to get a chance to become ball boys/girls at the Wimbledon, which is one of the best tennis tournaments in the world.

'Players found themselves in a tug-of-war': Bid to replace ball boys with dogs at Wimbledon flops

Emma Raducanu`s Wimbledon hopes were crushed on Centre Court by France`s Caroline Garcia as the golden girl of British sport suffered a 6-3 6-3 second-round loss on Wednesday. The 19-year-old, who rocketed to fame with her spellbinding U.S. Open triumph last year, did not play badly but had no answer to Garcia`s superior firepower.

Garcia, a former top-10 player with three grasscourt titles on her CV, dominated the opening set as her aggressive return game and heavy serving unsettled the 10th-seeded Raducanu. She continued blazing away in the second set as Raducanu, despite partisan support, fell away.

Raducanu gave her fans hope of a comeback when she broke Garcia to level the set at 3-3, but she dropped serve immediately to hand the advantage back. Garcia coolly held for 5-3 and broke the Briton again to claim an impressive victory, finishing it off with a crosscourt backhand, her 25th winner of the match.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-novak-djokovic-storms-into-r3-with-thanasi-kokkinakis-thrashing-casper-ruud-eliminated-493031">Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic storms into R3 with Thanasi Kokkinakis thrashing, Casper Ruud eliminated</a>

Raducanu`s preparation for her second Wimbledon, after last year`s fairytale ride to the fourth round, had not been ideal as she struggled with a side strain that limited her court time. Her opening win over tricky Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck had raised expectations, but Garcia, a far more dangerous opponent, offered a stark reality check.

"I was preparing for this match really well," Garcia said of her first appearance on Centre Court. "Emma is a huge player and in her home tournament and she proved she can do very well on the big stage. It`s fair that they support Emma and of course it a great memory for me and as always it is a lot of respect."

Emma Raducanu`s Wimbledon hopes were crushed on Centre Court by France`s Caroline Garcia as the golden girl of British sport suffered a 6-3 6-3 second-round loss on Wednesday.

Emma Raducanu`s Wimbledon hopes were crushed on Centre Court by France`s Caroline Garcia as the golden girl of British sport suffered a 6-3 6-3 second-round loss on Wednesday. The 19-year-old, who rocketed to fame with her spellbinding U.S. Open triumph last year, did not play badly but had no answer to Garcia`s superior firepower. Garcia, a former top-10 player with three grasscourt titles on her CV, dominated the opening set as her aggressive return game and heavy serving unsettled the 10th-seeded Raducanu. She continued blazing away in the second set as Raducanu, despite partisan support, fell away. Raducanu gave her fans hope of a comeback when she broke Garcia to level the set at 3-3, but she dropped serve immediately to hand the advantage back. Garcia coolly held for 5-3 and broke the Briton again to claim an impressive victory, finishing it off with a crosscourt backhand, her 25th winner of the match. ALSO READ | Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic storms into R3 with Thanasi Kokkinakis thrashing, Casper Ruud eliminated Raducanu`s preparation for her second Wimbledon, after last year`s fairytale ride to the fourth round, had not been ideal as she struggled with a side strain that limited her court time. Her opening win over tricky Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck had raised expectations, but Garcia, a far more dangerous opponent, offered a stark reality check. "I was preparing for this match really well," Garcia said of her first appearance on Centre Court. "Emma is a huge player and in her home tournament and she proved she can do very well on the big stage. It`s fair that they support Emma and of course it a great memory for me and as always it is a lot of respect."

Emma Raducanu gets Wimbledon reality check from Caroline Garcia, loses R2 in straight sets

Top seed Novak Djokovic once again looked every bit the dominant player who has won the last three Wimbledon titles as he swept aside Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 6-2 on Wednesday to power into the third round of the Championships. On Monday the 35-year-old, bidding for his fourth Wimbledon title in a row and his seventh overall, had looked scratchy during his opening win against Kwon Soon-woo but he was back close to lofty standards against the 79th-ranked Kokkinakis.

The Australian famously defeated Roger Federer in the second round of the Miami masters at 2018 but there were no signs of another upset during the contest on Centre Court as the 20-time major champion dictated terms from the start.

The Serb, who defeated Kokkinakis in straight sets during their only previous meeting seven years back at Roland Garros, broke his opponent`s delivery early in each of the three sets for a total of five break of serves during the contest.

Djokovic faced a lone break point on his own serve and closed out the victory in two hours on his second match point to set up a third-round meeting against either Chile`s Alejandro Tabilo or Serb compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no-1-iga-swiatek-announces-charity-event-for-people-affected-by-ukraine-war-492983">World No. 1 Iga Swiatek announces charity event for people affected by Ukraine war</a>

Norway`s number three seed Casper Ruud was unable to reproduce his French Open heroics at Wimbledon as he was bundled out 3-6 6-2 7-5 6-4 in the second round by world number 112 Ugo Humbert on Wednesday.

Frenchman Humbert turned up for the match without any rackets and struggled in the first set but his high-risk approach started to pay off as the ratio of winners to unforced errors moved in his favour and he impressively took the next two. Ruud, who lost to Rafa Nadal in the French Open final three weeks ago, fought back in a high quality fourth set but Humbert, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2019, produced an excellent game to break for 5-4 before serving out to love.

Top seed Novak Djokovic once again looked every bit the dominant player who has won the last three Wimbledon titles as he swept aside Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 6-2 on Wednesday to power into the third round of the Championships.

Top seed Novak Djokovic once again looked every bit the dominant player who has won the last three Wimbledon titles as he swept aside Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 6-2 on Wednesday to power into the third round of the Championships. On Monday the 35-year-old, bidding for his fourth Wimbledon title in a row and his seventh overall, had looked scratchy during his opening win against Kwon Soon-woo but he was back close to lofty standards against the 79th-ranked Kokkinakis. The Australian famously defeated Roger Federer in the second round of the Miami masters at 2018 but there were no signs of another upset during the contest on Centre Court as the 20-time major champion dictated terms from the start. The Serb, who defeated Kokkinakis in straight sets during their only previous meeting seven years back at Roland Garros, broke his opponent`s delivery early in each of the three sets for a total of five break of serves during the contest. Djokovic faced a lone break point on his own serve and closed out the victory in two hours on his second match point to set up a third-round meeting against either Chile`s Alejandro Tabilo or Serb compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Iga Swiatek announces charity event for people affected by Ukraine war Norway`s number three seed Casper Ruud was unable to reproduce his French Open heroics at Wimbledon as he was bundled out 3-6 6-2 7-5 6-4 in the second round by world number 112 Ugo Humbert on Wednesday. Frenchman Humbert turned up for the match without any rackets and struggled in the first set but his high-risk approach started to pay off as the ratio of winners to unforced errors moved in his favour and he impressively took the next two. Ruud, who lost to Rafa Nadal in the French Open final three weeks ago, fought back in a high quality fourth set but Humbert, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2019, produced an excellent game to break for 5-4 before serving out to love.

Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic storms into R3 with Thanasi Kokkinakis thrashing, Casper Ruud eliminated

Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

"Iga Swiatek &amp; Friends for Ukraine", scheduled for July 23 in Poland`s Krakow, will feature a mixed doubles match and a set of singles between Swiatek and compatriot Radwanska. Both matches will be umpired by Ukrainian Svitolina.

"For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war," French Open champion Swiatek said in a statement on social media&nbsp;on Wednesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-iga-swiatek-nick-kyrgios-and-coco-gauff-proceed-ahead-492692">Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead</a>

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🇺🇦 Od miesięcy pracowałam z moim zespołem nad inicjatywą pomocową dla Ukrainy, aby realnie wesprzeć tych, którzy cierpią z powodu wojny. 
 
🇺🇦 For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war... 
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"There will also be a special guest representing Ukraine - former (Ukraine) football player Andriy Shevchenko." Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". Swiatek, who is on a 36-match winning streak, has been vocal about her support for the beleaguered country, sporting a blue and yellow ribbon on her hat in recent months.

The 21-year-old beat Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in her opening round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday and takes on Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove on Thursday.

Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. "Iga Swiatek & Friends for Ukraine", scheduled for July 23 in Poland`s Krakow, will feature a mixed doubles match and a set of singles between Swiatek and compatriot Radwanska. Both matches will be umpired by Ukrainian Svitolina. "For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war," French Open champion Swiatek said in a statement on social media on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead 🇺🇦 Od miesięcy pracowałam z moim zespołem nad inicjatywą pomocową dla Ukrainy, aby realnie wesprzeć tych, którzy cierpią z powodu wojny. 🇺🇦 For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war... MORE ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/3MeOI3d1W1 — Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) June 29, 2022 × "There will also be a special guest representing Ukraine - former (Ukraine) football player Andriy Shevchenko." Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". Swiatek, who is on a 36-match winning streak, has been vocal about her support for the beleaguered country, sporting a blue and yellow ribbon on her hat in recent months. The 21-year-old beat Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in her opening round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday and takes on Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove on Thursday.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek announces charity event for people affected by Ukraine war

Seven-time champion Serena Williams suffered a second straight Wimbledon first-round exit as she was stunned by French debutant Harmony Tan in a late-night Centre Court epic on Tuesday.

A year after the American retired injured from what many feared would be her last Wimbledon match, her return had been eagerly anticipated but 115th-ranked Tan ripped up the script with a nerve-shredding 7-5 1-6 7-6(7) win.

With the Centre Court roof closed for the final two sets and the time approaching the 11pm Wimbledon curfew, Tan had one match point snatched away when the 40-year-old Williams served at 5-6 in a rollercoaster deciding set.

A weary Williams then appeared close to victory as she built a 4-0 lead in the `super tiebreak`.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-rafael-nadal-overcomes-scare-to-reach-second-round-492741" hreflang="en">Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal overcomes scare to reach second round</a>

But Tan, who had never played a Wimbledon main draw match before let alone against one of the game's greats on a fever-pitch showcourt, was not done.

Sticking to the slice and slow ball shots that had flummoxed Williams throughout an absorbing duel, she clawed her way into a 9-7 lead before sealing victory as Williams netted a forehand.

Williams, who had not played a singles match since retiring hurt against Aliaksandra Sasnovich here last year, went through every emotion in three hours and 11 minutes of drama and put her fans through the wringer too.

But in the end, a lack of match sharpness proved too much as another quest for a 24th Grand Slam title hit the buffers and the question is will she ever get another chance.

Tan, who had only ever won two Grand Slam main draw matches compared to the 98 won at Wimbledon alone by Williams, could hardly believe what she had done after clinching by far the biggest victory of her modest career.

"I`m so emotional now. Serena is a superstar and when I was young I was watching her so many times on the TV," the 24-year-old said on court. "For my first Wimbledon, it`s wow. Just wow.

"When I saw the draw I was really scared. Because it`s Serena Williams, she`s a legend. I thought if I could win one or two games it was really good for me."

`BETTER THAN LAST YEAR`

While defeat, which by ranking of opponent was the worst of her Wimbledon career, was a bitter pill to swallow, Williams said it was easier to accept than last year.

"It was definitely a very long battle and fight and it`s definitely better than last year. That`s a start," Williams told reporters. "I think physically I did pretty good. I think the last couple of points I was really suffering there."

Asked if she would be back at Wimbledon, Williams was coy.

"That`s a question I can`t answer. I don`t know. Who knows? Who knows where I`ll pop up?" 
Despite wildcard Williams`s notional ranking of 1,204, on paper the match looked like a mis-match.

The 24-year-old Tan had only chalked up nine Tour wins in her career and none on grass compared to the 832 for former world number one Williams.

But right from the start it was clear that statistics and reputations could be ignored.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-ireland-deepak-hooda-sanju-samson-record-highest-partnership-for-any-wicket-for-india-in-t20is-492711" hreflang="en">Ind vs Ire: Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson script history with mammoth stand</a>

A succession of wild errors off the Williams racket handed Tan a 2-0 lead before she found some rhythm to move 4-2 ahead. But Tan, whose subtle game belongs to a bygone era, showed great court craft and broke the mighty Williams serve twice in succession on her way to snatching the opener.

Williams broke serve after a lung-busting 19-minute game early in the second set that had both players gasping and then saved four break points in the next game before rolling through the rest of the set as Tan faded.

Leading 3-1 in the decider Williams seemed in control but it was an illusion as Tan struck a beautiful backhand winner to break back for 3-3.

Roared on by the crowd, Williams broke again at 4-4 and celebrated wildly as if she had won the title, but again Tan showed true grit and broke back with another stunning backhand.

When Williams saved match point with a swing volley to get into a tiebreak, logic suggested Tan would finally fold.

But it was Williams who faltered with victory in sight.

Seven-time champion Serena Williams suffered a second straight Wimbledon first-round exit as she was stunned by French debutant Harmony Tan in a late-night Centre Court epic on Tuesday.

Seven-time champion Serena Williams suffered a second straight Wimbledon first-round exit as she was stunned by French debutant Harmony Tan in a late-night Centre Court epic on Tuesday. A year after the American retired injured from what many feared would be her last Wimbledon match, her return had been eagerly anticipated but 115th-ranked Tan ripped up the script with a nerve-shredding 7-5 1-6 7-6(7) win. With the Centre Court roof closed for the final two sets and the time approaching the 11pm Wimbledon curfew, Tan had one match point snatched away when the 40-year-old Williams served at 5-6 in a rollercoaster deciding set. A weary Williams then appeared close to victory as she built a 4-0 lead in the `super tiebreak`. Also read | Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal overcomes scare to reach second round But Tan, who had never played a Wimbledon main draw match before let alone against one of the game's greats on a fever-pitch showcourt, was not done. Sticking to the slice and slow ball shots that had flummoxed Williams throughout an absorbing duel, she clawed her way into a 9-7 lead before sealing victory as Williams netted a forehand. Williams, who had not played a singles match since retiring hurt against Aliaksandra Sasnovich here last year, went through every emotion in three hours and 11 minutes of drama and put her fans through the wringer too. But in the end, a lack of match sharpness proved too much as another quest for a 24th Grand Slam title hit the buffers and the question is will she ever get another chance. Tan, who had only ever won two Grand Slam main draw matches compared to the 98 won at Wimbledon alone by Williams, could hardly believe what she had done after clinching by far the biggest victory of her modest career. "I`m so emotional now. Serena is a superstar and when I was young I was watching her so many times on the TV," the 24-year-old said on court. "For my first Wimbledon, it`s wow. Just wow. "When I saw the draw I was really scared. Because it`s Serena Williams, she`s a legend. I thought if I could win one or two games it was really good for me." `BETTER THAN LAST YEAR` While defeat, which by ranking of opponent was the worst of her Wimbledon career, was a bitter pill to swallow, Williams said it was easier to accept than last year. "It was definitely a very long battle and fight and it`s definitely better than last year. That`s a start," Williams told reporters. "I think physically I did pretty good. I think the last couple of points I was really suffering there." Asked if she would be back at Wimbledon, Williams was coy. "That`s a question I can`t answer. I don`t know. Who knows? Who knows where I`ll pop up?" Despite wildcard Williams`s notional ranking of 1,204, on paper the match looked like a mis-match. The 24-year-old Tan had only chalked up nine Tour wins in her career and none on grass compared to the 832 for former world number one Williams. But right from the start it was clear that statistics and reputations could be ignored. Also read | Ind vs Ire: Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson script history with mammoth stand A succession of wild errors off the Williams racket handed Tan a 2-0 lead before she found some rhythm to move 4-2 ahead. But Tan, whose subtle game belongs to a bygone era, showed great court craft and broke the mighty Williams serve twice in succession on her way to snatching the opener. Williams broke serve after a lung-busting 19-minute game early in the second set that had both players gasping and then saved four break points in the next game before rolling through the rest of the set as Tan faded. Leading 3-1 in the decider Williams seemed in control but it was an illusion as Tan struck a beautiful backhand winner to break back for 3-3. Roared on by the crowd, Williams broke again at 4-4 and celebrated wildly as if she had won the title, but again Tan showed true grit and broke back with another stunning backhand. When Williams saved match point with a swing volley to get into a tiebreak, logic suggested Tan would finally fold. But it was Williams who faltered with victory in sight.

Wimbledon 2022: Serena Williams loses to Harmony Tan in first round

The action continues at the Wimbledon 2022 edition as Novak Djokovic will play his second round match on Wednesday evening (June 29). The Serbian was off to a winning start in the 135th edition of the premier tournament, however, it wasn't an easy victory for the World number three player.&nbsp;

Djokovic, the defending champion, faced a stiff challenge from 81st-ranked Korean Kwon Soon-woo and overcame his own grasscourt rustiness to reach the&nbsp;second round with a&nbsp;6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 win on Monday (June 27). On the other hand, his upcoming opponent Thanasi Kokkinakis&nbsp;went past&nbsp;Kamil Majchrzak 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 7-5 to reach the next round.

Will Djokovic will be challenged once again or will the Serb go past the 26-year-old Australian without dropping much sweat?

Here's the live streaming details of Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022

Where will the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;be held?

The&nbsp;Djokovic vs&nbsp;Kokkinakis match at Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;will be played at the iconic Centre Court, the main court at the Wimbledon Championships.

When will the&nbsp;Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;commence?

The Djokovic vs&nbsp;Kokkinakis clash at Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;will start&nbsp;at 6:15&nbsp;pm IST on Wednesday evening (June 29).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-knows-serena-williams-on-returning-to-wimbledon-next-year-after-loss-against-harmony-tan-492857">'Who knows?': Serena Williams on returning to Wimbledon next year after loss against Harmony Tan</a>

Which TV channels will broadcast the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis&nbsp;match in Wimbledon 2022?

The&nbsp;Djokovic vs&nbsp;Kokkinakis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.&nbsp;

How to watch the live streaming of the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022?

The&nbsp;Djokovic vs&nbsp;Kokkinakis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be&nbsp;live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

The action continues at the Wimbledon 2022 edition as Novak Djokovic will play his second round match on Wednesday evening (June 29). The Serbian was off to a winning start in the 135th edition of the premier tournament, however, it wasn't an easy victory for the World number three player.

The action continues at the Wimbledon 2022 edition as Novak Djokovic will play his second round match on Wednesday evening (June 29). The Serbian was off to a winning start in the 135th edition of the premier tournament, however, it wasn't an easy victory for the World number three player. Djokovic, the defending champion, faced a stiff challenge from 81st-ranked Korean Kwon Soon-woo and overcame his own grasscourt rustiness to reach the second round with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 win on Monday (June 27). On the other hand, his upcoming opponent Thanasi Kokkinakis went past Kamil Majchrzak 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 7-5 to reach the next round. Will Djokovic will be challenged once again or will the Serb go past the 26-year-old Australian without dropping much sweat? Here's the live streaming details of Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022 Where will the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022 be held? The Djokovic vs Kokkinakis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be played at the iconic Centre Court, the main court at the Wimbledon Championships. When will the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022 commence? The Djokovic vs Kokkinakis clash at Wimbledon 2022 will start at 6:15 pm IST on Wednesday evening (June 29). ALSO READ | 'Who knows?': Serena Williams on returning to Wimbledon next year after loss against Harmony Tan Which TV channels will broadcast the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022? The Djokovic vs Kokkinakis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network. How to watch the live streaming of the Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis match in Wimbledon 2022? The Djokovic vs Kokkinakis match at Wimbledon 2022 will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

Novak Djokovic vs Thanasi Kokkinakis live streaming: When and where to watch Wimbledon tie in India?

Serena Williams didn't have a dream comeback at Wimbledon 2022 as the American went down fighting against France's Harmony Tan in her first-round clash on Tuesday (June 28). The legendary Williams entered the competition as a wildcard and had been backed by many to go deep in the competition considering her pedigree at Wimbledon, however, she failed to get past the first round on her return to a singles competition after almost a year.

Williams gave her all on the court against French Tan, who is known for his creativeness on the grass and is a fine talent. The duo played out a gruelling marathon encounter that last around 3 hours and ten minutes before Tan defeated Serena 5-7, 6-1, 6-7 (7) to get her campaign off to a winning start at Wimbledon 2022.

40-year-old Williams had played just two double matches in the build-up to her opening round clash against Tan at Wimbledon and the rustiness showed in her game on Tuesday. The seven-time champion was far from his best and had to make an early exit from the competition sparking rumours of her retirement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-found-themselves-in-a-tug-of-war-bid-to-replace-ball-boys-with-dogs-at-wimbledon-flops-492816">'Players found themselves in a tug-of-war': Bid to replace ball boys with dogs at Wimbledon flops</a>

However, Williams, who is known for her grit and passion, isn't looking to give up yet. While she hinted she was unsure of returning to the Wimbledon next year, she remained coy about her future in tennis.

"That's a question I can't answer. Like, I don't know. I feel like, you know, I don't know. Who knows? Who knows where I'll pop up," she said when asked if a return to Wimbledon next year is still on the cards for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

"Today I gave all I could do ... Maybe tomorrow I could have gave more. Maybe a week ago I could have gave more. But today was what I could do. At some point, you have to be able to be okay with that. And that's all I can do. I can't change time or anything," she added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-serena-williams-loses-to-harmony-tan-in-first-round-492778">Wimbledon 2022 - Serena Williams loses to Harmony Tan in first round</a>

However, she confirmed she will be in action in the upcoming US Open 2022 later this year. The legendary American said she would feel at home in New York where she won her first Grand Slam title and feels she still has enough tennis left in her to chase a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam.

"It definitely makes me want to hit the practice courts because, you know, when you're playing not bad and you're so close. Like I said, any other opponent probably would have suited my game better. So, yeah, I feel like that it's actually kind of like, Okay, Serena, you can do this if you want," said Williams.

"Yeah, I mean, when you're at home, especially in New York, and the U.S. Open, that being the first place I've won a Grand Slam, is something that's always super special. Your first time is always special. There's definitely, you know, lots of motivation to get better and to play at home," she added.

Serena Williams didn't have a dream comeback at Wimbledon 2022 as the American went down fighting against France's Harmony Tan in her first-round clash on Tuesday (June 28).

Serena Williams didn't have a dream comeback at Wimbledon 2022 as the American went down fighting against France's Harmony Tan in her first-round clash on Tuesday (June 28). The legendary Williams entered the competition as a wildcard and had been backed by many to go deep in the competition considering her pedigree at Wimbledon, however, she failed to get past the first round on her return to a singles competition after almost a year. Williams gave her all on the court against French Tan, who is known for his creativeness on the grass and is a fine talent. The duo played out a gruelling marathon encounter that last around 3 hours and ten minutes before Tan defeated Serena 5-7, 6-1, 6-7 (7) to get her campaign off to a winning start at Wimbledon 2022. 40-year-old Williams had played just two double matches in the build-up to her opening round clash against Tan at Wimbledon and the rustiness showed in her game on Tuesday. The seven-time champion was far from his best and had to make an early exit from the competition sparking rumours of her retirement. Also Read: 'Players found themselves in a tug-of-war': Bid to replace ball boys with dogs at Wimbledon flops However, Williams, who is known for her grit and passion, isn't looking to give up yet. While she hinted she was unsure of returning to the Wimbledon next year, she remained coy about her future in tennis. "That's a question I can't answer. Like, I don't know. I feel like, you know, I don't know. Who knows? Who knows where I'll pop up," she said when asked if a return to Wimbledon next year is still on the cards for the 23-time Grand Slam champion. "Today I gave all I could do ... Maybe tomorrow I could have gave more. Maybe a week ago I could have gave more. But today was what I could do. At some point, you have to be able to be okay with that. And that's all I can do. I can't change time or anything," she added. Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Serena Williams loses to Harmony Tan in first round However, she confirmed she will be in action in the upcoming US Open 2022 later this year. The legendary American said she would feel at home in New York where she won her first Grand Slam title and feels she still has enough tennis left in her to chase a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam. "It definitely makes me want to hit the practice courts because, you know, when you're playing not bad and you're so close. Like I said, any other opponent probably would have suited my game better. So, yeah, I feel like that it's actually kind of like, Okay, Serena, you can do this if you want," said Williams. "Yeah, I mean, when you're at home, especially in New York, and the U.S. Open, that being the first place I've won a Grand Slam, is something that's always super special. Your first time is always special. There's definitely, you know, lots of motivation to get better and to play at home," she added.

'Who knows?': Serena Williams on returning to Wimbledon next year after loss against Harmony Tan

British tennis star Jodie Burrage's gesture for a ball boy on the court during her first-round clash against Lesia Tsurenko on the opening day of the Wimbledon 2022 was one of the highlights of the showpiece event. Burrage won hearts with her gesture as she came to the ball boy's rescue after he nearly fainted on the court during her match against Tsurenko.&nbsp;

Burrage lost her first-round clash against Tsurenko 2-6, 3-6 in straight sets but managed to win hearts with her kind gesture. The incident happened at the start of the second set between Burrage and Tsurenko on Court no.18 when a ball boy almost fainted.

The British player stopped the game and was spotted attending to him immediately. She offered him a Gatorade energy drink and some candies which were arranged from the crowd. The video of her brilliant gesture for the ball boy has gone viral on social media.

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Jodie Burrage (<a href="https://twitter.com/jodieburrage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jodieburrage</a>) rescued the ball boy <a href="https://t.co/iROJ2fAi63">pic.twitter.com/iROJ2fAi63</a>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-ukraines-lesia-tsurenko-who-said-what-at-wimbledon-2022-day-1-492491">Novak Djokovic to Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko: Who said what at Wimbledon 2022 Day 1?</a>

Burrage later revealed the boy felt like he was going to faint which prompted her to attend to him and offer him some sugar in the form of a drink and candies. The British player said it was distressing to see the boy struggle on the court and that he felt better afterwards.

"He just said he was feeling really faint. He couldn't actually really talk. It was quite distressing to see," Burrage was quoted as saying by CNN.

"Just tried to get him some sugar, gave him a Gatorade and a gel. The gel is not the nicest thing, so they managed to find some Percy Pigs sweets somewhere along the line in the crowd, which he got down and then started to feel better," she added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-novak-djokovic-sees-off-koreas-kwon-soon-woo-to-win-1st-round-advances-ahead-492354">Wimbledon 2022 -&nbsp;Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead</a>

While Burrage lost against Tsurenko in the first round on Monday, British teenager Emma Raducanu got off to a winning start with a victory against Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets.&nbsp;The legendary Serena Williams and women's top seed Iga Swiatek will kick off their campaign on Tuesday. Williams, a wild card entry this year, will face France's Harmony Tan in the first round.

British tennis star Jodie Burrage's gesture for a ball boy on the court during her first-round clash against Lesia Tsurenko on the opening day of the Wimbledon 2022 was one of the highlights of the showpiece event.

British tennis star Jodie Burrage's gesture for a ball boy on the court during her first-round clash against Lesia Tsurenko on the opening day of the Wimbledon 2022 was one of the highlights of the showpiece event. Burrage won hearts with her gesture as she came to the ball boy's rescue after he nearly fainted on the court during her match against Tsurenko. Burrage lost her first-round clash against Tsurenko 2-6, 3-6 in straight sets but managed to win hearts with her kind gesture. The incident happened at the start of the second set between Burrage and Tsurenko on Court no.18 when a ball boy almost fainted. The British player stopped the game and was spotted attending to him immediately. She offered him a Gatorade energy drink and some candies which were arranged from the crowd. The video of her brilliant gesture for the ball boy has gone viral on social media. Jodie Burrage (@jodieburrage) rescued the ball boy pic.twitter.com/iROJ2fAi63 — The Overrule (@theoverrule) June 27, 2022 × Also Read: Novak Djokovic to Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko: Who said what at Wimbledon 2022 Day 1? Burrage later revealed the boy felt like he was going to faint which prompted her to attend to him and offer him some sugar in the form of a drink and candies. The British player said it was distressing to see the boy struggle on the court and that he felt better afterwards. "He just said he was feeling really faint. He couldn't actually really talk. It was quite distressing to see," Burrage was quoted as saying by CNN. "Just tried to get him some sugar, gave him a Gatorade and a gel. The gel is not the nicest thing, so they managed to find some Percy Pigs sweets somewhere along the line in the crowd, which he got down and then started to feel better," she added. Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead While Burrage lost against Tsurenko in the first round on Monday, British teenager Emma Raducanu got off to a winning start with a victory against Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets. The legendary Serena Williams and women's top seed Iga Swiatek will kick off their campaign on Tuesday. Williams, a wild card entry this year, will face France's Harmony Tan in the first round.

WATCH: British tennis star Jodie Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon

It was an enthralling opening day at Wimbledon 2022 as the showpiece event got underway at the All England Club on Monday (June 27). Serbian ace Nova Djokovic got off to a winning start headling Day 1 as he got the better of Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to progress to the second round. Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz also registered a victory in his 1st round clash against Jan-Lennard Struff.

British teenager Emma Raducanu made her centre court debut on Monday against Belgian Alison van Uytvanck and defeated her 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets to make a flying start. Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko defeated Britisher Jodie Anna Burrage to progress to the second round where she will be up against Ukraine compatriot Anhelina Kalinina.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-novak-djokovic-sees-off-koreas-kwon-soon-woo-to-win-1st-round-advances-ahead-492354">Wimbledon 2022 -&nbsp;Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead</a>

Here is a look at who said what on Day 1 at Wimbledon 2022:

After winning his first-round clash against Kwon Soon-woo, Novak Djokovic opened up on a video he posted on Instagram of repairing a garden trampoline which left his son bemused. Djokovic said for his son, anyone competing in the Wimbledon is almost like a superhero.

"For him anyone playing in Wimbledon is a superhero. He saw these big guys that have muscles, my fitness coach, tennis coach, and he couldn't understand how is it that we can't fix a trampoline and we're playing at Wimbledon," said Djokovic.

British tennis player Jody Burrage came to the rescue of a ball boy who nearly fainted on the court. Here's what she had to say after giving him a drink and some candy.

"They managed to find some Percy Pigs somewhere along the line in the crowd, which he got down and then started to feel better."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-carlos-alcaraz-survives-five-set-whirlwind-against-jan-lennard-struff-to-reach-2nd-round-492467">Carlos Alcaraz survives five-set whirlwind against Jan-Lennard Struff to reach 2nd round</a>

Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko got the better of Burrage in her first-round match and is not set to be up against her Ukraine compatriot Anhelina Kalinina in the next round.

"The main thing that I would wish to happen, that we get a lot of heavy weapons. We are here and we are playing for my country, for Ukraine. We just want to remind that Ukraine is in trouble and we need help."

Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis, who will now face Novak Djokovic in the second round after defeating Kamil Majchrzak in the first round.

"Novak is kind of a brick wall."

&nbsp;

It was an enthralling opening day at Wimbledon 2022 as the showpiece event got underway at the All England Club on Monday (June 27). Serbian ace Nova Djokovic got off to a winning start headling Day 1 as he got the better of Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to progress to the second round.

It was an enthralling opening day at Wimbledon 2022 as the showpiece event got underway at the All England Club on Monday (June 27). Serbian ace Nova Djokovic got off to a winning start headling Day 1 as he got the better of Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to progress to the second round. Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz also registered a victory in his 1st round clash against Jan-Lennard Struff. British teenager Emma Raducanu made her centre court debut on Monday against Belgian Alison van Uytvanck and defeated her 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets to make a flying start. Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko defeated Britisher Jodie Anna Burrage to progress to the second round where she will be up against Ukraine compatriot Anhelina Kalinina. Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead Here is a look at who said what on Day 1 at Wimbledon 2022: After winning his first-round clash against Kwon Soon-woo, Novak Djokovic opened up on a video he posted on Instagram of repairing a garden trampoline which left his son bemused. Djokovic said for his son, anyone competing in the Wimbledon is almost like a superhero. "For him anyone playing in Wimbledon is a superhero. He saw these big guys that have muscles, my fitness coach, tennis coach, and he couldn't understand how is it that we can't fix a trampoline and we're playing at Wimbledon," said Djokovic. British tennis player Jody Burrage came to the rescue of a ball boy who nearly fainted on the court. Here's what she had to say after giving him a drink and some candy. "They managed to find some Percy Pigs somewhere along the line in the crowd, which he got down and then started to feel better." Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz survives five-set whirlwind against Jan-Lennard Struff to reach 2nd round Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko got the better of Burrage in her first-round match and is not set to be up against her Ukraine compatriot Anhelina Kalinina in the next round. "The main thing that I would wish to happen, that we get a lot of heavy weapons. We are here and we are playing for my country, for Ukraine. We just want to remind that Ukraine is in trouble and we need help." Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis, who will now face Novak Djokovic in the second round after defeating Kamil Majchrzak in the first round. "Novak is kind of a brick wall."

Novak Djokovic to Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko: Who said what at Wimbledon 2022 Day 1?

It might not have been the workout Carlos Alcaraz was hoping for as he nursed a sore elbow but the Spaniard showed why he is considered the next big thing as he toppled Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6 7-5 4-6 7-6(3) 6-4 in the Wimbledon first round.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed an incredible season on clay and hardcourts -- winning titles in Rio, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid -- and on Monday he proved he has the skills and mental belief to succeed on the sport`s slickest surface.

Despite still being a grasscourt novice, fifth seed Alcaraz did not let German Struff`s 218kph hurtling serves or the disappointment of losing two of the opening three sets faze him.

Facing an opponent he described as "big serve, big shots", Alcaraz kept his nerve to fire down 30 aces and produced an assortment of breathtaking passing shots to secure only his second ever win on grass.

"I feel pretty good, playing here is amazing," the beaming teenager, whose debut appearance at Wimbledon ended in the second round 12 months ago, told the crowd.

"I didn`t expect to move as well as I did today. I don`t know how I did this (hit 30 aces) as this is probably my best match serving.

"This means I like to play on grass and I don`t want to leave the court."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-novak-djokovic-sees-off-koreas-kwon-soon-woo-to-win-1st-round-advances-ahead-492354">Wimbledon 2022 - Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead</a>

In their only previous meeting, Struff beat Alcaraz in straight sets in the third round at last year`s Roland Garros. But since that showdown, their careers have headed in opposite directions.

While Alcaraz shot up 90 spots in the rankings to break into the top 10, Struff`s fortunes have nosedived and this month he dropped outside the top 100 for the first time in five years.

But during Monday`s opening exchanges, few would have guessed that Struff only classified as the 155th best player in the world.

With the balls flying off the lush green surface of Court One, Alcaraz was left rolling his eyes time and again as he kept coming off second best in the fast-paced exchanges with the 32-year-old German.

But what the grasscourt novice lacked in experience, he more than made up for with his determination to succeed. 
"Here everything (is) going faster. I don`t go fast to the net," said the youngest player in the men`s draw who will next meet Dutch journeyman Tallon Griekspoor.

"I would say my level on grass has to improve a little bit. I`m not experienced player on grass. For me ... (it) is more difficult to move on grass than the other surfaces."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/norways-casper-ruud-registers-maiden-wimbledon-win-beats-spaniard-albert-ramos-vinolas-in-r1-492368">Norway's Casper Ruud registers maiden Wimbledon win, beats Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in R1</a>

Being forced to skip the Wimbledon warm-up tournaments with an elbow injury did not help the Spaniard`s cause, but the way he hung in for four hours and 11 minutes to keep alive his Wimbledon dreams proved a point to him -- and his rivals.

"Great battle, four hours ... I enjoyed (it). For me playing on grass is so beautiful. I like to play on grass."

It might not have been the workout Carlos Alcaraz was hoping for as he nursed a sore elbow but the Spaniard showed why he is considered the next big thing as he toppled Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6 7-5 4-6 7-6(3) 6-4 in the Wimbledon first round.

It might not have been the workout Carlos Alcaraz was hoping for as he nursed a sore elbow but the Spaniard showed why he is considered the next big thing as he toppled Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6 7-5 4-6 7-6(3) 6-4 in the Wimbledon first round. The 19-year-old has enjoyed an incredible season on clay and hardcourts -- winning titles in Rio, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid -- and on Monday he proved he has the skills and mental belief to succeed on the sport`s slickest surface. Despite still being a grasscourt novice, fifth seed Alcaraz did not let German Struff`s 218kph hurtling serves or the disappointment of losing two of the opening three sets faze him. Facing an opponent he described as "big serve, big shots", Alcaraz kept his nerve to fire down 30 aces and produced an assortment of breathtaking passing shots to secure only his second ever win on grass. "I feel pretty good, playing here is amazing," the beaming teenager, whose debut appearance at Wimbledon ended in the second round 12 months ago, told the crowd. "I didn`t expect to move as well as I did today. I don`t know how I did this (hit 30 aces) as this is probably my best match serving. "This means I like to play on grass and I don`t want to leave the court." Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead In their only previous meeting, Struff beat Alcaraz in straight sets in the third round at last year`s Roland Garros. But since that showdown, their careers have headed in opposite directions. While Alcaraz shot up 90 spots in the rankings to break into the top 10, Struff`s fortunes have nosedived and this month he dropped outside the top 100 for the first time in five years. But during Monday`s opening exchanges, few would have guessed that Struff only classified as the 155th best player in the world. With the balls flying off the lush green surface of Court One, Alcaraz was left rolling his eyes time and again as he kept coming off second best in the fast-paced exchanges with the 32-year-old German. But what the grasscourt novice lacked in experience, he more than made up for with his determination to succeed. "Here everything (is) going faster. I don`t go fast to the net," said the youngest player in the men`s draw who will next meet Dutch journeyman Tallon Griekspoor. "I would say my level on grass has to improve a little bit. I`m not experienced player on grass. For me ... (it) is more difficult to move on grass than the other surfaces." Also Read: Norway's Casper Ruud registers maiden Wimbledon win, beats Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in R1 Being forced to skip the Wimbledon warm-up tournaments with an elbow injury did not help the Spaniard`s cause, but the way he hung in for four hours and 11 minutes to keep alive his Wimbledon dreams proved a point to him -- and his rivals. "Great battle, four hours ... I enjoyed (it). For me playing on grass is so beautiful. I like to play on grass."

Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz survives five-set whirlwind against Jan-Lennard Struff to reach 2nd round

Nick Kyrgios always makes heads turn when he is on the court. During his opening match at Wimbledon 2022, on Tuesday (June 28), Kyrgios was up against British star&nbsp;Paul Jubb when&nbsp;a huge controversy erupted as the Australian accused the 'racial slurs' and even ranted at the umpire about it.&nbsp;

In the middle of the match against Jubb, Kyrgios suddenly stopped proceedings&nbsp;after he was visibly upset and smashed the ball out of the court after a broken serve in the opening set,&nbsp;which he eventually conceded 3-6 to Jubb. The 27-year-old&nbsp;then slammed&nbsp;the linesman and even went ahead by calling him a 'snitch'. While he was fined for his&nbsp;action,&nbsp;Kyrgios ranted at the umpire and accused the crowd of&nbsp;hurling racial abuses at him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-iga-swiatek-nick-kyrgios-and-coco-gauff-proceed-ahead-492692">Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead</a>

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Kyrgios giving it the full kyrgios today 
 
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During his complain, he told the umpire Marija Cicak,&nbsp;"You have to tell them. They're spectators. They don't have any right to do that. They're spectators who spend money to come watch us play. They should be removed," the Australian tennis player opined.

It didn't stop there itself. Kyrgios added that such a behaviour from the crowd is unacceptable and questioned the umpire. The youngster further mentioned that he would've reacted in a similar manner had his opponent Jubb being subjected to racial abuse.&nbsp;"So pure disrespect from a spectator to an athlete is acceptable at Wimbledon? But you don't accept a hat with two logos? When's the line? That's acceptable, racism is acceptable so when does it stop? So where's the line? It's been happening for years. If they were making racial slurs to him [Jubb] I would say the same thing," Kyrgios&nbsp;said.

The Aussie had accused of racial abuse even during the&nbsp;Stuttgart Open, held early this month, when he was up against Great Britian's Andy Murray. Talking about his opening tie in Wimbledon today, he defeated Jubb&nbsp;3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5 to proceed ahead in the showpiece event.&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios always makes heads turn when he is on the court. During his opening match at Wimbledon 2022, on Tuesday (June 28), Kyrgios was up against British star Paul Jubb when a huge controversy erupted as the Australian accused the 'racial slurs' and even ranted at the umpire about it.

Nick Kyrgios always makes heads turn when he is on the court. During his opening match at Wimbledon 2022, on Tuesday (June 28), Kyrgios was up against British star Paul Jubb when a huge controversy erupted as the Australian accused the 'racial slurs' and even ranted at the umpire about it. In the middle of the match against Jubb, Kyrgios suddenly stopped proceedings after he was visibly upset and smashed the ball out of the court after a broken serve in the opening set, which he eventually conceded 3-6 to Jubb. The 27-year-old then slammed the linesman and even went ahead by calling him a 'snitch'. While he was fined for his action, Kyrgios ranted at the umpire and accused the crowd of hurling racial abuses at him. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead Kyrgios giving it the full kyrgios today You love to see it you really do 🤣 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/kO1OSNQKQ6 — benslife (@benslife1) June 28, 2022 × During his complain, he told the umpire Marija Cicak, "You have to tell them. They're spectators. They don't have any right to do that. They're spectators who spend money to come watch us play. They should be removed," the Australian tennis player opined. It didn't stop there itself. Kyrgios added that such a behaviour from the crowd is unacceptable and questioned the umpire. The youngster further mentioned that he would've reacted in a similar manner had his opponent Jubb being subjected to racial abuse. "So pure disrespect from a spectator to an athlete is acceptable at Wimbledon? But you don't accept a hat with two logos? When's the line? That's acceptable, racism is acceptable so when does it stop? So where's the line? It's been happening for years. If they were making racial slurs to him [Jubb] I would say the same thing," Kyrgios said. The Aussie had accused of racial abuse even during the Stuttgart Open, held early this month, when he was up against Great Britian's Andy Murray. Talking about his opening tie in Wimbledon today, he defeated Jubb 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5 to proceed ahead in the showpiece event.

WATCH: Controversy erupts! Kyrgios accuses crowd of 'racial slurs', rants at umpire in R1 of Wimbledon

The legendary Serena&nbsp;Williams will play in her first singles competition after nearly a year when she ock horns against France's Harmony Tan in her first-round clash at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 on Tuesday (June 28). Williams is chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title as she currently stands just one title away from matching Margaret Court's record of winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles in her career - the most in women's tennis history.

40-year-old Williams is currently ranked 1,204 in the world and has gained entry as a wildcard in Wimbledon 2022. Nonetheless, there is an immense buzz over her return to the iconic Centre Court where she has won seven Wimbledon titles so far in her illustrious career.

While her pedigree in the competition is second to none, Williams has not played much top-level tennis in the build-up to Wimbledon 2022. She is heading into the opening game with just two doubles matches at Eastbourne behind her back. Nonetheless, the American will start as a favourite against Tan.

Tan, on the other hand, defeated the likes of Ana Bogdan and Lucia Bronzetti recently on her way to reaching the final of the WTA 125K event. She is a prodigious talent, who likes playing on the grass and is expected to give a tough time to Williams on her return to Wimbledon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-british-tennis-star-jodie-burrage-offers-drink-candy-to-ball-boy-who-nearly-fainted-at-wimbledon-492504">WATCH - British tennis star Jodie Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon</a>

Here is all you need to know about the Serena Williams vs&nbsp;Harmony Tan clash at Wimbledon 2022:

Where will the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash take place?

The&nbsp;Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash will take place at the Centre Court on Tuesday (June 28).

What time will the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash begin?

The&nbsp;Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash is expected to start at around 9:30 PM IST.

Where to watch the live telecast of the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match?

The live telecast of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match will be available on the Star Sports network in India.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-years-finalist-matteo-berrettini-pulls-out-of-wimbledon-2022-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-492612">Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19</a> 
&nbsp;

How to catch the live streaming of the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match?

The live streaming of the&nbsp;Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match will be available on the Hotstar app and website.

The legendary Serena Williams will play in her first singles competition after nearly a year when she ock horns against France's Harmony Tan in her first-round clash at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 on Tuesday (June 28).

The legendary Serena Williams will play in her first singles competition after nearly a year when she ock horns against France's Harmony Tan in her first-round clash at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 on Tuesday (June 28). Williams is chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title as she currently stands just one title away from matching Margaret Court's record of winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles in her career - the most in women's tennis history. 40-year-old Williams is currently ranked 1,204 in the world and has gained entry as a wildcard in Wimbledon 2022. Nonetheless, there is an immense buzz over her return to the iconic Centre Court where she has won seven Wimbledon titles so far in her illustrious career. While her pedigree in the competition is second to none, Williams has not played much top-level tennis in the build-up to Wimbledon 2022. She is heading into the opening game with just two doubles matches at Eastbourne behind her back. Nonetheless, the American will start as a favourite against Tan. Tan, on the other hand, defeated the likes of Ana Bogdan and Lucia Bronzetti recently on her way to reaching the final of the WTA 125K event. She is a prodigious talent, who likes playing on the grass and is expected to give a tough time to Williams on her return to Wimbledon. Also Read: WATCH - British tennis star Jodie Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon Here is all you need to know about the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan clash at Wimbledon 2022: Where will the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash take place? The Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash will take place at the Centre Court on Tuesday (June 28). What time will the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash begin? The Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 clash is expected to start at around 9:30 PM IST. Where to watch the live telecast of the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match? The live telecast of the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match will be available on the Star Sports network in India. Also Read: Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19 How to catch the live streaming of the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match? The live streaming of the Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan Wimbledon 2022 match will be available on the Hotstar app and website.

Serena Williams vs Harmony Tan live streaming: When and where to watch Wimbledon clash in India?

Rafael Nadal has been on a roll this year. After coming from behind and beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, early this year, Nadal also battled a foot injury to win his 14th title at the Roland Garros in French Open 2022.&nbsp;On Tuesday evening (June 28), the Spaniard will commence his campaign at the Wimbledon 2022.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal will lock horns with&nbsp;with world No. 42 Argentine&nbsp;Francisco Cerundolo. While Nadal will be favourite against Cerundolo, he won't take anything lightly against&nbsp;Argentina's 23-year-old talent. It has been 12 years since Nadal won the championship at the All England Club, hence, he will hope for an easy win in the first round and progress ahead.

Here's the live streaming details of Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022

Where will the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;be held?

The&nbsp;Nadal vs&nbsp;Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;will be held&nbsp;at the Centre Court, i.e. the main court at the Wimbledon Championships.

When will the&nbsp;Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;commence?

The Nadal vs&nbsp;Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;will kick off at 7:15 pm IST on Tuesday evening (June 28).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-years-finalist-matteo-berrettini-pulls-out-of-wimbledon-2022-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-492612">Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

Which TV channels will broadcast the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022?

The&nbsp;Nadal vs&nbsp;Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022 will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.&nbsp;

How to watch the live streaming of the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022?

The&nbsp;Nadal vs&nbsp;Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022 will be&nbsp;available for live stream on Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

Rafael Nadal has been on a roll this year. After coming from behind and beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, early this year, Nadal also battled a foot injury to win his 14th title at the Roland Garros in French Open 2022.

Rafael Nadal has been on a roll this year. After coming from behind and beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, early this year, Nadal also battled a foot injury to win his 14th title at the Roland Garros in French Open 2022. On Tuesday evening (June 28), the Spaniard will commence his campaign at the Wimbledon 2022. The 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal will lock horns with with world No. 42 Argentine Francisco Cerundolo. While Nadal will be favourite against Cerundolo, he won't take anything lightly against Argentina's 23-year-old talent. It has been 12 years since Nadal won the championship at the All England Club, hence, he will hope for an easy win in the first round and progress ahead. Here's the live streaming details of Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022 Where will the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022 be held? The Nadal vs Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022 will be held at the Centre Court, i.e. the main court at the Wimbledon Championships. When will the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022 commence? The Nadal vs Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022 will kick off at 7:15 pm IST on Tuesday evening (June 28). ALSO READ | Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19 Which TV channels will broadcast the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022? The Nadal vs Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022 will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network. How to watch the live streaming of the Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo match in Wimbledon 2022? The Nadal vs Cerundolo match at Wimbledon 2022 will be available for live stream on Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo live streaming: When and where to watch Wimbledon tie in India?

Eighth seed Matteo Berrettini, runner-up at last year`s Wimbledon, pulled out of the Championships on Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19, he said on Instagram. The 26-year-old Italian, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 final, became the second player to withdraw from this year`s grasscourt Grand Slam due to the coronavirus after Croatia`s Marin Cilic on Monday.

"I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from @wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result," Berrettini said on his social media account hours before his first-round match against Chile`s Cristian Garin.

"I have had flu symptoms and been isolating the last few days. Despite symptoms not being severe, I decided it was important to take another test this morning to protect the health and safety of my fellow competitors and everyone else involved in the tournament."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-british-tennis-star-jodie-burrage-offers-drink-candy-to-ball-boy-who-nearly-fainted-at-wimbledon-492504">WATCH - British tennis star Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon</a>

Berrettini was seen as a leading contender to win this year`s tournament after he claimed back-to-back titles in tuneup events on grass at Stuttgart and Queen`s Club.

"I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel," the Italian added. "The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger." Sweden`s Elias Ymer replaced Berrettini in the men`s draw, organisers said.

Eighth seed Matteo Berrettini, runner-up at last year`s Wimbledon, pulled out of the Championships on Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19, he said on Instagram.

Eighth seed Matteo Berrettini, runner-up at last year`s Wimbledon, pulled out of the Championships on Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19, he said on Instagram. The 26-year-old Italian, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 final, became the second player to withdraw from this year`s grasscourt Grand Slam due to the coronavirus after Croatia`s Marin Cilic on Monday. "I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from @wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result," Berrettini said on his social media account hours before his first-round match against Chile`s Cristian Garin. "I have had flu symptoms and been isolating the last few days. Despite symptoms not being severe, I decided it was important to take another test this morning to protect the health and safety of my fellow competitors and everyone else involved in the tournament." Also Read: WATCH - British tennis star Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon Berrettini was seen as a leading contender to win this year`s tournament after he claimed back-to-back titles in tuneup events on grass at Stuttgart and Queen`s Club. "I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel," the Italian added. "The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger." Sweden`s Elias Ymer replaced Berrettini in the men`s draw, organisers said.

Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19

Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina said she will use her prize money from Wimbledon to help rebuild her parents` home after it was bombed during the Russian invasion. Kalinina said her parents are now staying at her apartment while the rebuilding work takes place at their home in Irpin, which was retaken from Russian troops in late March.

The town, near the capital Kyiv, was heavily damaged at the start of the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".

"Their house was attacked. There are huge holes in the house. There are no apartments anymore," said Kalinina, who is seeded 29th at the grasscourt Grand Slam.

"So now this home is getting rebuilt, so they can`t live there. They live in my apartment where I`m living with my husband.

"Now they are at home safe, they have everything. I`m grateful that they have the opportunities to live, and I am playing tennis."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-british-tennis-star-jodie-burrage-offers-drink-candy-to-ball-boy-who-nearly-fainted-at-wimbledon-492504">WATCH - British tennis star Jodie Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon</a>

Wimbledon banned players from Russia and Belarus from playing at this year`s tournament following the invasion. 
After beating Anna Bondar 4-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round Kalinina will next face compatriot Lesia Tsurenko, who said winning or losing tennis matches was not a priority for her while her hometown Kyiv comes under renewed attack.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-ukraines-lesia-tsurenko-who-said-what-at-wimbledon-2022-day-1-492491">Novak Djokovic to Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko: Who said what at Wimbledon 2022 Day 1?</a>

For Kalinina, however, each victory is a way of helping families in Ukraine survive the war.

"It`s hard to focus, but for me it matters if I win or if I lose," the 25-year-old said. "I`m helping my grandmother and grandfather, who are in occupied territory now.

"The more I win, I`m helping other families and other people. It`s a privilege to play here, it`s a privilege to play every tournament. If you go further, you earn more money ... For me, that matters.

"I`m not a superstar so I`m helping with what I can. And it`s a lot to them, and for me that`s huge motivation to play."

Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina said she will use her prize money from Wimbledon to help rebuild her parents` home after it was bombed during the Russian invasion. Kalinina said her parents are now staying at her apartment while the rebuilding work takes place at their home in Irpin, which was retaken from Russian troops in late March.

Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina said she will use her prize money from Wimbledon to help rebuild her parents` home after it was bombed during the Russian invasion. Kalinina said her parents are now staying at her apartment while the rebuilding work takes place at their home in Irpin, which was retaken from Russian troops in late March. The town, near the capital Kyiv, was heavily damaged at the start of the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". "Their house was attacked. There are huge holes in the house. There are no apartments anymore," said Kalinina, who is seeded 29th at the grasscourt Grand Slam. "So now this home is getting rebuilt, so they can`t live there. They live in my apartment where I`m living with my husband. "Now they are at home safe, they have everything. I`m grateful that they have the opportunities to live, and I am playing tennis." Also Read: WATCH - British tennis star Jodie Burrage offers drink, candy to ball boy who nearly fainted at Wimbledon Wimbledon banned players from Russia and Belarus from playing at this year`s tournament following the invasion. After beating Anna Bondar 4-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round Kalinina will next face compatriot Lesia Tsurenko, who said winning or losing tennis matches was not a priority for her while her hometown Kyiv comes under renewed attack. Also Read: Novak Djokovic to Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko: Who said what at Wimbledon 2022 Day 1? For Kalinina, however, each victory is a way of helping families in Ukraine survive the war. "It`s hard to focus, but for me it matters if I win or if I lose," the 25-year-old said. "I`m helping my grandmother and grandfather, who are in occupied territory now. "The more I win, I`m helping other families and other people. It`s a privilege to play here, it`s a privilege to play every tournament. If you go further, you earn more money ... For me, that matters. "I`m not a superstar so I`m helping with what I can. And it`s a lot to them, and for me that`s huge motivation to play."

Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina will use Wimbledon prize money to rebuild parents' home after it was bombed

Norwegian third seed Casper Ruud registered his maiden Wimbledon victory in his third main-draw appearance when he saw off experienced Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6(1) 7-6(9) 6-2 in the first round on Monday. French Open runner-up Ruud failed to get past the opening hurdle in 2019 and 2021 and arrived at this year`s grasscourt Grand Slam following a first-round loss at Queen`s to world number 180 Ryan Peniston.

The odds were again stacked against the 23-year-old Ruud, who once joked that grass is for golfers, as he faced an opponent who had defeated him in three out of four career meetings -- though all the matches were on clay. Ruud served strongly, dishing out 14 aces, and dominated the baseline battle against the left-hander during a rain-interrupted match.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-novak-djokovic-sees-off-koreas-kwon-soon-woo-to-win-1st-round-advances-ahead-492354">Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead</a>

Both players had opportunities in the first set but neither managed a service break before Ruud dictated terms in the tiebreaker to nose ahead. The 34-year-old Ramos-Vinolas, ranked 34th, traded two service breaks with his opponent in the second and had four set points in the tiebreaker to level the contest but ended up losing it to fall 2-0 behind.

Ruud grew in confidence as the Spaniard`s challenge melted away and after two breaks in the third set the Norwegian sealed victory to set up a meeting with Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Frenchman Ugo Humbert.

Norwegian third seed Casper Ruud registered his maiden Wimbledon victory in his third main-draw appearance when he saw off experienced Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6(1) 7-6(9) 6-2 in the first round on Monday.

Norwegian third seed Casper Ruud registered his maiden Wimbledon victory in his third main-draw appearance when he saw off experienced Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6(1) 7-6(9) 6-2 in the first round on Monday. French Open runner-up Ruud failed to get past the opening hurdle in 2019 and 2021 and arrived at this year`s grasscourt Grand Slam following a first-round loss at Queen`s to world number 180 Ryan Peniston. The odds were again stacked against the 23-year-old Ruud, who once joked that grass is for golfers, as he faced an opponent who had defeated him in three out of four career meetings -- though all the matches were on clay. Ruud served strongly, dishing out 14 aces, and dominated the baseline battle against the left-hander during a rain-interrupted match. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead Both players had opportunities in the first set but neither managed a service break before Ruud dictated terms in the tiebreaker to nose ahead. The 34-year-old Ramos-Vinolas, ranked 34th, traded two service breaks with his opponent in the second and had four set points in the tiebreaker to level the contest but ended up losing it to fall 2-0 behind. Ruud grew in confidence as the Spaniard`s challenge melted away and after two breaks in the third set the Norwegian sealed victory to set up a meeting with Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Frenchman Ugo Humbert.

Norway's Casper Ruud registers maiden Wimbledon win, beats Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in R1

Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame a dogged challenge from 81st-ranked Korean Kwon Soon-woo and his own grasscourt rustiness to reach the Wimbledon second round with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory on Monday. 
The defending champion, bidding for his fourth Wimbledon title in a row and his seventh overall, looked out-of-sorts at times against Kwon, who brought a lively mixture of tennis, from booming forehands to delicate drop-shots, onto Centre Court. Djokovic had not played a grasscourt warm-up tournament and he admitted that did not help his game against a tough opponent, 11 years his junior.

"I didn`t have any lead-up or preparation tournaments prior to this so you`re always going to feel a bit less comfortable than you would like, particularly if you`re playing against someone as talented as Kwon who stays close to the line and hits really clean," he said. "It wasn`t easy. I had to put some variety in the game. The serve helped but at this level one or two shots decide a winner."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-open-for-business-not-quite-as-usual-492265">Wimbledon open for business, not quite as usual</a>

The 24-year-old Korean broke Djokovic`s serve in the fourth game of the second set and went on to win it with a drop-shot and a big serve. But the Serb, aiming to win a 21st Grand Slam title, recovered enough of his trademark consistency to see off the challenge.

He secured victory with an ace on his first match point and will next meet either Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia or Poland`s Kamil Majchrzak. It was Djokovic`s 80th Wimbledon win and he became the only man to have won 80 matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments.

The Serb, who won three Grand Slams last year, missed out the Australian Open in January after being deported because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. He lost in the French Open quarter-finals to eventual champion Rafa Nadal who is seeded second at Wimbledon.

Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame a dogged challenge from 81st-ranked Korean Kwon Soon-woo and his own grasscourt rustiness to reach the Wimbledon second round with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory on Monday.

Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame a dogged challenge from 81st-ranked Korean Kwon Soon-woo and his own grasscourt rustiness to reach the Wimbledon second round with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory on Monday. The defending champion, bidding for his fourth Wimbledon title in a row and his seventh overall, looked out-of-sorts at times against Kwon, who brought a lively mixture of tennis, from booming forehands to delicate drop-shots, onto Centre Court. Djokovic had not played a grasscourt warm-up tournament and he admitted that did not help his game against a tough opponent, 11 years his junior. "I didn`t have any lead-up or preparation tournaments prior to this so you`re always going to feel a bit less comfortable than you would like, particularly if you`re playing against someone as talented as Kwon who stays close to the line and hits really clean," he said. "It wasn`t easy. I had to put some variety in the game. The serve helped but at this level one or two shots decide a winner." ALSO READ | Wimbledon open for business, not quite as usual The 24-year-old Korean broke Djokovic`s serve in the fourth game of the second set and went on to win it with a drop-shot and a big serve. But the Serb, aiming to win a 21st Grand Slam title, recovered enough of his trademark consistency to see off the challenge. He secured victory with an ace on his first match point and will next meet either Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia or Poland`s Kamil Majchrzak. It was Djokovic`s 80th Wimbledon win and he became the only man to have won 80 matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments. The Serb, who won three Grand Slams last year, missed out the Australian Open in January after being deported because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. He lost in the French Open quarter-finals to eventual champion Rafa Nadal who is seeded second at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic sees off Korea's Kwon Soon-woo to win 1st round, advances ahead

The world`s most famous queue began streaming into the All England Club on Monday as the gates opened at the start of the 135th edition of the Wimbledon championships. The quintessential English sight of thousands of tennis fans waiting patiently, often having camped overnight, to gain entry to the grounds has been missing since 2019.

COVID-19 put paid to Wimbledon in 2020 and last year the queue was scrapped on safety grounds as the tournament returned to semi-normality, albeit with restricted attendances and players based in secure hotel bubbles.

Although all that makes Wimbledon such a spectacle has returned, it is not quite business as usual despite the buzz around the grounds as the gates swung open at 0900GMT on a breezy morning in south west London.

For a start, Roger Federer, the king of the lawns with a record eighth men`s singles titles, is absent for the first time since winning the junior event in 1998. The 40-year-old Swiss is recovering from a knee injury and has not played since losing to Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals a year ago.

Also missing is men`s world number one Daniil Medvedev after organisers banned Russian and Belarusian players in response to the invasion of Ukraine while women`s defending champion Ash Barty has retired. The ban on Russians and Belarusians prompted the ATP and WTA to take away ranking points from Wimbledon this year.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-remains-firm-on-no-vaccine-stance-despite-risk-of-missing-out-on-us-open-2022-491992">Novak Djokovic remains firm on no vaccine stance despite risk of missing out on US Open 2022</a>

Play is also scheduled for 14 days, rather than the traditional 13, with middle Sunday no longer a rest day, meaning the end of so-called Manic Monday when all the men`s and women`s fourth-round matches used to be played.

While the build-up to Wimbledon has been mired in controversy, there are enough plot lines to suggest the next fortnight could be a classic edition.

Serena Williams returns after a year out, gunning for the 24th Grand Slam singles title that has eluded her since 2017. Serbia`s Novak Djokovic was due to open play on Centre Court on Monday as he seeks to defend his title, win a 21st Grand Slam crown and close the gap on Rafa Nadal who has a record 22.

Spaniard Nadal is halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam after winning the Australian and French Opens. Briton Emma Raducanu`s appearance is being billed as a "homecoming" after her extraordinary U.S. Open title win as a qualifier and the spotlight will be fully focused on the teenager when she faces Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck after Djokovic`s match against Kwon Soon-woo.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/polish-player-hubert-hurkacz-pledges-100-euros-for-every-ace-at-wimbledon-to-ukraine-relief-effort-492219">Polish player Hubert Hurkacz pledges 100 euros for every ace at Wimbledon to Ukraine relief effort</a>

With the famous Centre Court celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the opening day has a very British flavour with twice former champion Andy Murray concluding the action against Australian James Duckworth.

Murray is one of 17 British players in the singles draws -- the largest home contingent since 2001. While the stage is set for a feast of tennis over the next two weeks, a rain shower half an hour after play started to put a dampener on the early action. Some things, it seems, never change.

The world`s most famous queue began streaming into the All England Club on Monday as the gates opened at the start of the 135th edition of the Wimbledon championships.

The world`s most famous queue began streaming into the All England Club on Monday as the gates opened at the start of the 135th edition of the Wimbledon championships. The quintessential English sight of thousands of tennis fans waiting patiently, often having camped overnight, to gain entry to the grounds has been missing since 2019. COVID-19 put paid to Wimbledon in 2020 and last year the queue was scrapped on safety grounds as the tournament returned to semi-normality, albeit with restricted attendances and players based in secure hotel bubbles. Although all that makes Wimbledon such a spectacle has returned, it is not quite business as usual despite the buzz around the grounds as the gates swung open at 0900GMT on a breezy morning in south west London. For a start, Roger Federer, the king of the lawns with a record eighth men`s singles titles, is absent for the first time since winning the junior event in 1998. The 40-year-old Swiss is recovering from a knee injury and has not played since losing to Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals a year ago. Also missing is men`s world number one Daniil Medvedev after organisers banned Russian and Belarusian players in response to the invasion of Ukraine while women`s defending champion Ash Barty has retired. The ban on Russians and Belarusians prompted the ATP and WTA to take away ranking points from Wimbledon this year. Also Read: Novak Djokovic remains firm on no vaccine stance despite risk of missing out on US Open 2022 Play is also scheduled for 14 days, rather than the traditional 13, with middle Sunday no longer a rest day, meaning the end of so-called Manic Monday when all the men`s and women`s fourth-round matches used to be played. While the build-up to Wimbledon has been mired in controversy, there are enough plot lines to suggest the next fortnight could be a classic edition. Serena Williams returns after a year out, gunning for the 24th Grand Slam singles title that has eluded her since 2017. Serbia`s Novak Djokovic was due to open play on Centre Court on Monday as he seeks to defend his title, win a 21st Grand Slam crown and close the gap on Rafa Nadal who has a record 22. Spaniard Nadal is halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam after winning the Australian and French Opens. Briton Emma Raducanu`s appearance is being billed as a "homecoming" after her extraordinary U.S. Open title win as a qualifier and the spotlight will be fully focused on the teenager when she faces Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck after Djokovic`s match against Kwon Soon-woo. Also Read: Polish player Hubert Hurkacz pledges 100 euros for every ace at Wimbledon to Ukraine relief effort With the famous Centre Court celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the opening day has a very British flavour with twice former champion Andy Murray concluding the action against Australian James Duckworth. Murray is one of 17 British players in the singles draws -- the largest home contingent since 2001. While the stage is set for a feast of tennis over the next two weeks, a rain shower half an hour after play started to put a dampener on the early action. Some things, it seems, never change.

Wimbledon open for business, not quite as usual

Hubert Hurkacz will hope his powerful serve is on point at Wimbledon after pledging to donate 100 euros ($105.54) for every ace he hits to the Ukraine relief effort, the Polish seventh seed said on Sunday ahead of the grasscourt Grand Slam. Hurkacz, whose power is suited to grass courts, is third on the list of number of aces hit on the ATP Tour this year with 452 -- behind big-serving Americans John Isner and Reilly Opelka. 
Seventy of Hurkacz`s aces have come from just six matches on grass, with the 25-year-old winning last week`s tune-up event at Halle where he beat world number one, Daniil Medvedev, in the final.

"I`d like to announce that starting tomorrow I am pledging to donate 100 euros for every ace I hit at Wimbledon to help support the people of Ukraine. Hope my serve works well!" he wrote on Twitter. Hurkacz begins his Wimbledon campaign against Spain`s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round on Monday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-remains-firm-on-no-vaccine-stance-despite-risk-of-missing-out-on-us-open-2022-491992">Novak Djokovic remains firm on no vaccine stance despite risk of missing out on US Open 2022</a>

The grasscourt Grand Slam banned players from Russia and Belarus from playing at this year`s Wimbledon following Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a `special operation`.

Hubert Hurkacz will hope his powerful serve is on point at Wimbledon after pledging to donate 100 euros ($105.54) for every ace he hits to the Ukraine relief effort, the Polish seventh seed said on Sunday ahead of the grasscourt Grand Slam.

Hubert Hurkacz will hope his powerful serve is on point at Wimbledon after pledging to donate 100 euros ($105.54) for every ace he hits to the Ukraine relief effort, the Polish seventh seed said on Sunday ahead of the grasscourt Grand Slam. Hurkacz, whose power is suited to grass courts, is third on the list of number of aces hit on the ATP Tour this year with 452 -- behind big-serving Americans John Isner and Reilly Opelka. Seventy of Hurkacz`s aces have come from just six matches on grass, with the 25-year-old winning last week`s tune-up event at Halle where he beat world number one, Daniil Medvedev, in the final. "I`d like to announce that starting tomorrow I am pledging to donate 100 euros for every ace I hit at Wimbledon to help support the people of Ukraine. Hope my serve works well!" he wrote on Twitter. Hurkacz begins his Wimbledon campaign against Spain`s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round on Monday. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic remains firm on no vaccine stance despite risk of missing out on US Open 2022 The grasscourt Grand Slam banned players from Russia and Belarus from playing at this year`s Wimbledon following Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a `special operation`.

Polish player Hubert Hurkacz pledges 100 euros for every ace at Wimbledon to Ukraine relief effort

Andy Murray has shaken off the abdominal injury which threatened his participation at Wimbledon, the former world number one said on Saturday before declaring that there was still a lot of "good tennis" left in him. Murray, who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016, sustained the injury during his Stuttgart Open final defeat by Italian Matteo Berrettini earlier this month, after impressive wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios.

The problem forced Murray, ranked 51st, to skip the Queen`s Club event with doubts over his participation at Wimbledon but the Scot said things had improved since.

"It`s gone well," Murray, 35, told reporters. "I`ve been able to gradually progress my training this week and got to play a few sets, a lot of points. The last few days have been good."

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-will-be-difficult-to-beat-but-not-a-favourite-to-win-wimbledon-2022-title-nandan-bal-491815">&nbsp;Serena Williams will be difficult to beat but not a favourite to win Wimbledon 2022 title: Nandan Bal</a>

Murray secured his first victory over a top-five opponent in six years with a 7-6(4) 6-3 victory over Tsitsipas in Stuttgart, showing fans glimpses of the form that marked his rise to the top of the rankings before multiple hip surgeries.

He reached the 70th final of his career and second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney.

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"I think I showed a couple weeks ago that there was still good tennis left in me," Murray said. "I beat a guy in the top five, I was neck-and-neck with Berrettini, who is one of the best grasscourt players in the world before the injury.

"I played well against Kyrgios, as well. The first set was a good level. And I`ve been doing pretty well in practices. I know the tennis is in there; I just need to bring it out during the event now.

"Having Ivan (Lendl) on my team helps. We`ve had a lot of success in the past. We know each other well. He still believes in me. There`s not loads of coaches, people out there that have done over this last period, and he has. That definitely helps."

Wimbledon begins on Monday, with Murray facing Australia`s James Duckworth in the first round.

Andy Murray has shaken off the abdominal injury which threatened his participation at Wimbledon, the former world number one said on Saturday before declaring that there was still a lot of "good tennis" left in him.

Andy Murray has shaken off the abdominal injury which threatened his participation at Wimbledon, the former world number one said on Saturday before declaring that there was still a lot of "good tennis" left in him. Murray, who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016, sustained the injury during his Stuttgart Open final defeat by Italian Matteo Berrettini earlier this month, after impressive wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios. The problem forced Murray, ranked 51st, to skip the Queen`s Club event with doubts over his participation at Wimbledon but the Scot said things had improved since. "It`s gone well," Murray, 35, told reporters. "I`ve been able to gradually progress my training this week and got to play a few sets, a lot of points. The last few days have been good." Also Read: Serena Williams will be difficult to beat but not a favourite to win Wimbledon 2022 title: Nandan Bal Murray secured his first victory over a top-five opponent in six years with a 7-6(4) 6-3 victory over Tsitsipas in Stuttgart, showing fans glimpses of the form that marked his rise to the top of the rankings before multiple hip surgeries. He reached the 70th final of his career and second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney. Also Read: Wimbledon to provide free tickets to Ukrainian refugees "I think I showed a couple weeks ago that there was still good tennis left in me," Murray said. "I beat a guy in the top five, I was neck-and-neck with Berrettini, who is one of the best grasscourt players in the world before the injury. "I played well against Kyrgios, as well. The first set was a good level. And I`ve been doing pretty well in practices. I know the tennis is in there; I just need to bring it out during the event now. "Having Ivan (Lendl) on my team helps. We`ve had a lot of success in the past. We know each other well. He still believes in me. There`s not loads of coaches, people out there that have done over this last period, and he has. That definitely helps." Wimbledon begins on Monday, with Murray facing Australia`s James Duckworth in the first round.

'Still good tennis left in me': Fit-again Andy Murray full of belief ahead of Wimbledon

Serena Williams is all set for a much-awaited comeback at the upcoming Wimbledon 2022. Williams will be heading into the competition as an unseeded wild card and will be playing her first singles match in a year as the action moves to grass court. The tennis great made her last singles appearance at the Wimbledon last year where she had to retire after injuring her right leg during her first-round match in the tournament.

Williams has not been in action for over a year but considering her pedigree in the competition, she has been backed by many to stage an upset at this year's Wimbledon. Williams, who is currently outside the WTA's top 1200, has played just two doubles matches at a tune-up event ahead of the start of the competition in England.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is one of the most successful women's players of all time and has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Recently, Indian tennis coach&nbsp;Nandan Bal spoke exclusively to WION&nbsp;about Williams' return to a singles competition after a year at the Wimbledon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-will-rafael-nadal-extend-lead-in-goat-race-in-wimbledon-indian-tennis-coach-nandal-bal-opines-491456">Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines</a>

While he insisted greats like Williams need just a couple of matches to go their way in order to find their mojo, she won't start as one of the favourites at the competition this year. Bal also believes Wimbledon 2022 can prove to be the final hurrah for Willaims, who is 40 already.

"Unfortunately yes (on this being her last hurrah), I would tend to think that at this point in time one could not say Serena would be a favourite to win the title. It will all depend on how her draw goes, like I said, these champions need only 2 to 3 good matches to get into their groove. Once they get into their groove, they are kind of unbeatable, especially in a big event," Bal told WION.

Williams could have been drawn against current world no.1 Iga Swiatek in the first round at Wimbledon 2022 or could have also potentially faced teenage Coco Gauff, who has been in terrific form recently. However, she will be up against France's Harmony Tan, an unseeded 24-year-old in the opening round which makes it relatively easier for the tennis great to plot a title challenge.

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Nonetheless, Williams who has won the Wimbledon singles titles as many as seven times in her career will always pose a threat to the best in the business at the moment. Bal believes Williams can be difficult to beat if she can get past the second round but the other youngsters in the tournament will also be aiming to prove themselves.

"Someone like Serena, if she can get past the second or third round and gets into a groove, she is going to be difficult but age is certainly not favourable to her. The younger girls are not there just for the show, they are out there to prove themselves," said Bal.

Serena Williams is all set for a much-awaited comeback at the upcoming Wimbledon 2022. Williams will be heading into the competition as an unseeded wild card and will be playing her first singles match in a year as the action moves to grass court.

Serena Williams is all set for a much-awaited comeback at the upcoming Wimbledon 2022. Williams will be heading into the competition as an unseeded wild card and will be playing her first singles match in a year as the action moves to grass court. The tennis great made her last singles appearance at the Wimbledon last year where she had to retire after injuring her right leg during her first-round match in the tournament. Williams has not been in action for over a year but considering her pedigree in the competition, she has been backed by many to stage an upset at this year's Wimbledon. Williams, who is currently outside the WTA's top 1200, has played just two doubles matches at a tune-up event ahead of the start of the competition in England. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is one of the most successful women's players of all time and has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Recently, Indian tennis coach Nandan Bal spoke exclusively to WION about Williams' return to a singles competition after a year at the Wimbledon. Also Read: Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines While he insisted greats like Williams need just a couple of matches to go their way in order to find their mojo, she won't start as one of the favourites at the competition this year. Bal also believes Wimbledon 2022 can prove to be the final hurrah for Willaims, who is 40 already. "Unfortunately yes (on this being her last hurrah), I would tend to think that at this point in time one could not say Serena would be a favourite to win the title. It will all depend on how her draw goes, like I said, these champions need only 2 to 3 good matches to get into their groove. Once they get into their groove, they are kind of unbeatable, especially in a big event," Bal told WION. Williams could have been drawn against current world no.1 Iga Swiatek in the first round at Wimbledon 2022 or could have also potentially faced teenage Coco Gauff, who has been in terrific form recently. However, she will be up against France's Harmony Tan, an unseeded 24-year-old in the opening round which makes it relatively easier for the tennis great to plot a title challenge. Also Read: Wimbledon to provide free tickets to Ukrainian refugees Nonetheless, Williams who has won the Wimbledon singles titles as many as seven times in her career will always pose a threat to the best in the business at the moment. Bal believes Williams can be difficult to beat if she can get past the second round but the other youngsters in the tournament will also be aiming to prove themselves. "Someone like Serena, if she can get past the second or third round and gets into a groove, she is going to be difficult but age is certainly not favourable to her. The younger girls are not there just for the show, they are out there to prove themselves," said Bal.

Serena Williams will be difficult to beat but not a favourite to win Wimbledon 2022 title: Nandan Bal

It is time for the third Grand Slam of the calendar year. After the mega success of Australian Open and French Open, the action now moves to the grass-court Grand Slam event as Wimbledon 2022 is set to commence on June 27. Ahead of the 135th edition of the premier tournament in England, there is a lot of hype for the mega event.

While it will be the first time that former World number one Roger Federer won't be part of the Wimbledon in over two decades, since 1998, the veteran stars such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams will hope to give plenty to cheer for fans. Ahead of the commencement of this year's Wimbledon, Wion's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo interacted with Indian tennis coach Nandan Bal who gave an early prediction with regard to both men's and women's singles.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/john-mcenroe-reacts-as-wimbledon-2022-to-kickoff-without-roger-federer-for-first-time-in-over-two-decades-491304">John McEnroe reacts as Wimbledon 2022 to kickoff without Roger Federer for first time in over two decades</a>

MEN's SINGLES

For the unversed, world number two Djokovic could fall down to number seven by mid-July if Wimbledon doesn't go as per plans for the Serbian. A gap of three Grand Slam titles, with Nadal (22), can certainly prove to be&nbsp;a lot for Djokovic.&nbsp;

Thus, Nandal Bal&nbsp;spoke&nbsp;on Djokovic and Nadal's chances in the interaction. The veteran coach said, "There is no question that the next generation is coming closer. It is sad that Alexander Zverev succumbed to an injury in the French Open semi-finals (vs Nadal). Still, there are many others such as Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, etc. who have risen up the ranks. It is only a matter of time before they take on the three champions (Federer, Nadal and Djoko)."

"Djokovic and Nadal would probably be the favourites to play the final. I don't see Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud in the semis. Especially Ruud, who has been very vocal of not likening it when he competes on grass. Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, hasn't proved himself. Hence, don't think he has much chance on such a surface. You certainly have Italy's&nbsp;Matteo Berrettini as the darkhorse."

Speaking exclusively on Spainard Nadal's chances, who has turned up for the third Grand Slam of the year battling his foot injury, Nandan added, "He is dangerous on any court or surface. He has proved it time and again that he can compete anywhere. Earlier, people said he is a one-surface player but now he has most Grand Slams by any male player in the history of the game. You can never rule him out. If he gets 2-3 decent first, second and third rounds,&nbsp;he can be in great shape if his physical fitness levels hold up."

This year's Wimbledon will see no Russian and Belarus players participating after they were banned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, early this year. In addition,&nbsp;there is no ranking points on offer at the grass-court event. Nonetheless, there still remains a lot to look forward to in every category.

It is time for the third Grand Slam of the calendar year. After the mega success of Australian Open and French Open, the action now moves to the grass-court Grand Slam event as Wimbledon 2022 is set to commence on June 27.

It is time for the third Grand Slam of the calendar year. After the mega success of Australian Open and French Open, the action now moves to the grass-court Grand Slam event as Wimbledon 2022 is set to commence on June 27. Ahead of the 135th edition of the premier tournament in England, there is a lot of hype for the mega event. While it will be the first time that former World number one Roger Federer won't be part of the Wimbledon in over two decades, since 1998, the veteran stars such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams will hope to give plenty to cheer for fans. Ahead of the commencement of this year's Wimbledon, Wion's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo interacted with Indian tennis coach Nandan Bal who gave an early prediction with regard to both men's and women's singles. ALSO READ | John McEnroe reacts as Wimbledon 2022 to kickoff without Roger Federer for first time in over two decades MEN's SINGLES For the unversed, world number two Djokovic could fall down to number seven by mid-July if Wimbledon doesn't go as per plans for the Serbian. A gap of three Grand Slam titles, with Nadal (22), can certainly prove to be a lot for Djokovic. Thus, Nandal Bal spoke on Djokovic and Nadal's chances in the interaction. The veteran coach said, "There is no question that the next generation is coming closer. It is sad that Alexander Zverev succumbed to an injury in the French Open semi-finals (vs Nadal). Still, there are many others such as Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, etc. who have risen up the ranks. It is only a matter of time before they take on the three champions (Federer, Nadal and Djoko)." "Djokovic and Nadal would probably be the favourites to play the final. I don't see Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud in the semis. Especially Ruud, who has been very vocal of not likening it when he competes on grass. Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, hasn't proved himself. Hence, don't think he has much chance on such a surface. You certainly have Italy's Matteo Berrettini as the darkhorse." Speaking exclusively on Spainard Nadal's chances, who has turned up for the third Grand Slam of the year battling his foot injury, Nandan added, "He is dangerous on any court or surface. He has proved it time and again that he can compete anywhere. Earlier, people said he is a one-surface player but now he has most Grand Slams by any male player in the history of the game. You can never rule him out. If he gets 2-3 decent first, second and third rounds, he can be in great shape if his physical fitness levels hold up." This year's Wimbledon will see no Russian and Belarus players participating after they were banned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, early this year. In addition, there is no ranking points on offer at the grass-court event. Nonetheless, there still remains a lot to look forward to in every category.

Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines

&nbsp;Wimbledon will give Ukrainian refugees free tickets to the tournament and donate 250,000 pounds ($307,100) to those affected by Russia`s invasion of the country, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said on Friday.

Following the invasion, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament, resulting in the men`s ATP Tour and women`s WTA Tour taking away its ranking points.

"On behalf of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and the LTA, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. We recognise the fantastic response from the British public to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes and communities,"&nbsp;Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club said in a statement.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-will-rafael-nadal-extend-lead-in-goat-race-in-wimbledon-indian-tennis-coach-nandal-bal-opines-491456">&nbsp;Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines</a>

To that end, the All England Club has invited all Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, alongside their sponsor and charity delivery partners, to join us at The Championships for play on Middle Sunday, 3 July," he added.

"In addition, the All England Club and the LTA have jointly committed a £250,000 donation on behalf of Wimbledon to the refugee response efforts through the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal," he added. 
&nbsp;

Wimbledon will give Ukrainian refugees free tickets to the tournament and donate 250,000 pounds ($307,100) to those affected by Russia`s invasion of the country, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said on Friday.

Wimbledon will give Ukrainian refugees free tickets to the tournament and donate 250,000 pounds ($307,100) to those affected by Russia`s invasion of the country, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said on Friday. Following the invasion, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament, resulting in the men`s ATP Tour and women`s WTA Tour taking away its ranking points. "On behalf of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and the LTA, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. We recognise the fantastic response from the British public to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes and communities," Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club said in a statement. Also Read: Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines To that end, the All England Club has invited all Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, alongside their sponsor and charity delivery partners, to join us at The Championships for play on Middle Sunday, 3 July," he added. "In addition, the All England Club and the LTA have jointly committed a £250,000 donation on behalf of Wimbledon to the refugee response efforts through the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal," he added.

Wimbledon to provide free tickets to Ukrainian refugees

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from this month's Wimbledon championships for personal reasons, but her agent said that world number two will be ready for the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Osaka quit the French Open last month following her first-round victory after organizers fined her $15,000 and threatened her with expulsion from the tournament when she refused to attend mandatory post-match press conferences.

The 23-year-old, who said she has "social anxiety", explained that the media's line of questioning after matches impacted her mental well-being.

"Naomi won't be playing Wimbledon this year. She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans," Osaka's agent told Reuters via email.

Wimbledon organizers, the All England Lawn&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Club (AELTC), said Osaka would be "greatly missed" at the Grand Slam this year.

"We completely understand her decision," the AELTC said. "We wish her a happy time with her friends and family and look forward to welcoming her back to Wimbledon next year."

Osaka's participation at Wimbledon was in doubt this month when she pulled out of a WTA 500 grasscourt tournament in Berlin which was meant to serve as a tune-up for the Grand Slam.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, had announced in the build-up to the French Open that she would not face the media and stuck to her stance.

A strongly-worded letter from the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments followed, warning her of possible expulsion from Roland Garros and future majors - after which she announced her withdrawal on social media.

Osaka's sudden withdrawal led to an outpouring of support from fellow&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;professionals and other athletes, including Venus and Serena Williams, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and former Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt.

Judy Murray, a mother of three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, also spoke out in support of Osaka, saying&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;players faced extremely high demands from the media.

The reaction to Osaka's withdrawal put French Open organizers on the back foot. Although they defended their handling of the situation, they accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues.

Osaka's withdrawal was a second major blow to Wimbledon on Thursday after 20-times Grand Slam winner Rafa Nadal announced he was skipping the grasscourt major following a grueling claycourt season.

Spaniard Nadal also said he would be skipping the Olympics, which begin on July 23.

Born to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, Osaka grew up idolizing 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and turned professional in 2013 aged 15.

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from this month's Wimbledon championships for personal reasons, but her agent said that world number two will be ready for the Tokyo Olympics.

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from this month's Wimbledon championships for personal reasons, but her agent said that world number two will be ready for the Tokyo Olympics. Japan's Osaka quit the French Open last month following her first-round victory after organizers fined her $15,000 and threatened her with expulsion from the tournament when she refused to attend mandatory post-match press conferences. The 23-year-old, who said she has "social anxiety", explained that the media's line of questioning after matches impacted her mental well-being. "Naomi won't be playing Wimbledon this year. She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans," Osaka's agent told Reuters via email. Wimbledon organizers, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), said Osaka would be "greatly missed" at the Grand Slam this year. "We completely understand her decision," the AELTC said. "We wish her a happy time with her friends and family and look forward to welcoming her back to Wimbledon next year." Osaka's participation at Wimbledon was in doubt this month when she pulled out of a WTA 500 grasscourt tournament in Berlin which was meant to serve as a tune-up for the Grand Slam. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, had announced in the build-up to the French Open that she would not face the media and stuck to her stance. A strongly-worded letter from the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments followed, warning her of possible expulsion from Roland Garros and future majors - after which she announced her withdrawal on social media. Osaka's sudden withdrawal led to an outpouring of support from fellow tennis professionals and other athletes, including Venus and Serena Williams, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and former Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt. Judy Murray, a mother of three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, also spoke out in support of Osaka, saying tennis players faced extremely high demands from the media. The reaction to Osaka's withdrawal put French Open organizers on the back foot. Although they defended their handling of the situation, they accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues. Osaka's withdrawal was a second major blow to Wimbledon on Thursday after 20-times Grand Slam winner Rafa Nadal announced he was skipping the grasscourt major following a grueling claycourt season. Spaniard Nadal also said he would be skipping the Olympics, which begin on July 23. Born to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, Osaka grew up idolizing 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and turned professional in 2013 aged 15.

Tennis: Naomi Osaka pulls out of Wimbledon but aims for Olympics

It is almost two years since Novak Djokovic left Roger Federer crestfallen by edging a momentous Wimbledon final but as the tournament prepares to return after last year's cancellation, the men's game remains in the Serb's stranglehold.

Since that epic five-set victory, in which he saved two match points and won the first fifth-set tiebreak in a Wimbledon final, Djokovic has claimed three of the next six majors with Rafa Nadal bagging two and Dominic Thiem one.

It would likely have been four for Djokovic had he not been defaulted from last year's U.S. Open -- allowing Thiem to sneak in and finally add a new name to the Grand Slam winners' club which has been ruled by Roger Federer, Djokovic and Nadal for over 15 years.

That proved a mere bump in the road for Djokovic, however, and he will arrive at Wimbledon bidding for a sixth title to match Federer and Nadal's men's Grand Slam record haul of 20.

Should he triumph he would also be three-quarters of the way to completing the first men's calendar-year Slam since Rod Laver scooped up all four in 1969.

Nadal will not be playing at Wimbledon, having decided to rest, while eight-time champion Federer is showing signs that, at 39, the window of opportunity to win one more Slam is closing.

Federer, who underwent two knee operations last year and has played only four tournaments since the 2020 Australian Open, was not his usual self last week at the Halle grasscourt tournament he has won 10 times, succumbing rather meekly in the end to young Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Writing off his chances would be foolhardy, but the main threats to Djokovic might come from a young brigade gradually edging closer to shaking up the status quo in men's tennis.

"Is his level high enough to compete? Not in the end of matches but from the first point? That's the question mark that I think only he knows the answer to until we see him play," seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander said of Federer's competitiveness ahead of Wimbledon.

Djokovic looked supreme at times in Paris as he claimed his second French Open title -- but there were also dips.

He lost the opening two sets against Italian youngster Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round, dismantled Nadal in a breathtaking semi-final, but again found himself two sets in arrears in the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Therein lies the problem for those trying to stop the Djokovic juggernaut.

Taking three sets off a player who is teak tough mentally and physically is one of the toughest challenges in world sport.

"It's all about endurance, if you can keep up with the endurance, keep your level there for longer periods of time, then of course that's what is needed in a Grand Slam," Greek Tsitsipas, who will be a threat at Wimbledon if he can shrug off any French Open hangover, said.

World number two Daniil Medvedev will take huge confidence from his run at the French Open, seeing that clay is his least favoured surface. His huge serve and flat groundstrokes will give him a shot, while Germany's Alexander Zverev is another with the weapons to challenge Djokovic's crown.

Big-hitting Italian Matteo Berrettini might be the dark horse, however, after winning the Queen's Club title on his debut last week -- the first player to do that since Boris Becker in 1985. Becker won Wimbledon a few weeks later.

And as crowds prepare to return to the All England Club, home favourite Andy Murray will get the biggest cheers.

The two-time champion is struggling to return to anywhere near his best after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 -- but few know their way around a grasscourt better than the wily Scot.

It is almost two years since Novak Djokovic left Roger Federer crestfallen by edging a momentous Wimbledon final but as the tournament prepares to return after last year's cancellation, the men's game remains in the Serb's stranglehold.

It is almost two years since Novak Djokovic left Roger Federer crestfallen by edging a momentous Wimbledon final but as the tournament prepares to return after last year's cancellation, the men's game remains in the Serb's stranglehold. Since that epic five-set victory, in which he saved two match points and won the first fifth-set tiebreak in a Wimbledon final, Djokovic has claimed three of the next six majors with Rafa Nadal bagging two and Dominic Thiem one. It would likely have been four for Djokovic had he not been defaulted from last year's U.S. Open -- allowing Thiem to sneak in and finally add a new name to the Grand Slam winners' club which has been ruled by Roger Federer, Djokovic and Nadal for over 15 years. That proved a mere bump in the road for Djokovic, however, and he will arrive at Wimbledon bidding for a sixth title to match Federer and Nadal's men's Grand Slam record haul of 20. Should he triumph he would also be three-quarters of the way to completing the first men's calendar-year Slam since Rod Laver scooped up all four in 1969. Nadal will not be playing at Wimbledon, having decided to rest, while eight-time champion Federer is showing signs that, at 39, the window of opportunity to win one more Slam is closing. Federer, who underwent two knee operations last year and has played only four tournaments since the 2020 Australian Open, was not his usual self last week at the Halle grasscourt tournament he has won 10 times, succumbing rather meekly in the end to young Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Writing off his chances would be foolhardy, but the main threats to Djokovic might come from a young brigade gradually edging closer to shaking up the status quo in men's tennis. "Is his level high enough to compete? Not in the end of matches but from the first point? That's the question mark that I think only he knows the answer to until we see him play," seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander said of Federer's competitiveness ahead of Wimbledon. Djokovic looked supreme at times in Paris as he claimed his second French Open title -- but there were also dips. He lost the opening two sets against Italian youngster Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round, dismantled Nadal in a breathtaking semi-final, but again found himself two sets in arrears in the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Therein lies the problem for those trying to stop the Djokovic juggernaut. Taking three sets off a player who is teak tough mentally and physically is one of the toughest challenges in world sport. "It's all about endurance, if you can keep up with the endurance, keep your level there for longer periods of time, then of course that's what is needed in a Grand Slam," Greek Tsitsipas, who will be a threat at Wimbledon if he can shrug off any French Open hangover, said. World number two Daniil Medvedev will take huge confidence from his run at the French Open, seeing that clay is his least favoured surface. His huge serve and flat groundstrokes will give him a shot, while Germany's Alexander Zverev is another with the weapons to challenge Djokovic's crown. Big-hitting Italian Matteo Berrettini might be the dark horse, however, after winning the Queen's Club title on his debut last week -- the first player to do that since Boris Becker in 1985. Becker won Wimbledon a few weeks later. And as crowds prepare to return to the All England Club, home favourite Andy Murray will get the biggest cheers. The two-time champion is struggling to return to anywhere near his best after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 -- but few know their way around a grasscourt better than the wily Scot.

Tennis: Djokovic returns to Wimbledon with stranglehold on men's game

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