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Jannik Sinner Defends Wimbledon Title as Tournament Opens
Defending champion Jannik Sinner opened Wimbledon 2026 on Monday, 29 June, playing Serbia's Miomir Kecmanović on Centre Court. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her campaign against Serbian qualifier Teodora Kostović, while seven‑time champion Novak Djokovic also featured on the opening day. Seven‑time women’s champion Serena Williams returned to the singles draw with a wildcard, facing Australian Maya Joint in the second round.
The first‑day schedule also included notable first‑round matches such as Magda Linette versus Mirra Andreeva, Casper Ruud against Hubert Hurkacz, and Polish wildcard Maja Chwalińska’s debut against qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Former champion Mats Wilander criticised Sinner and Djokovic for skipping grass‑court tune‑up events, and Serbian Kecmanović joked about his luck in the draw.
Absent from the draw was Carlos Alcaraz, and several top seeds expressed concerns about health and preparation, underscoring the high‑stakes start to the season’s third Grand Slam.