Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic and women’s top seed Iga Swiatek started their Wimbledon campaigns with routine victories even as there was a one hour long rain delay. Djokovic added to his staggering streak at SW19 with win against Pedro Cachin while Swiatek beat Zhu Lin. Fourth seed Jessica Pegula, three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud, multiple Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka and Andrey Rublev were among the big names that advanced to the second round. Meanwhile, in battle of the wild cards, five-time Wimbledon winner Venus Williams lost to Elina Svitolina in straight sets.
Crowds arrived to watch Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Venus Williams play at Wimbledon 2023
Venus Williams went out fighting at Wimbledon as the 43-year-old played on through injury during her defeat to Elina Svitolina. Williams went down clutching her right knee, already heavily bandaged, with a devastating scream shocking spectators on Centre Court as she fell to the ground. But despite calling the trainer, Williams refused to quit and Svitolina needed to be at her best to close out a 6-4 6-3 win.
Williams was soon followed by Coco Gauff in being knocked out in the opening round. The 19-year-old seventh seed was beaten in three sets by fellow American Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion who had to come through qualifying to reach the main draw. Elsewhere, world No 1 Iga Swiatek safely advanced to the second round with an impressive opening win against Zhu Lin. Jodie Burrage and Liam Broady were the British winners on the opening day, but Harriet Dart and Katie Swan were knocked out.
Earlier, Novak Djokovic opened his Wimbledon defence with a straight-sets win over Pedro Cachin after the match was suspended for over an hour due to a rain delay. The roof was closed following a light spot of rain, but the grass took longer to dry than expected and led to the farcical sight of Djokovic attempting to dry the surface with a towel before play resumed and the defending champion could wrap up victory.