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Top seeds Sinner, Sabalenka headline Wimbledon’s opening day

Cyprus Mail · 2026-06-29

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Wimbledon Championships opened on Monday with top seeds Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka facing Serbian opponents, while Novak Djokovic aimed for his 25th Grand Slam title later in the day. • Why it matters: This year's tournament features high-profile matches and rising stars, making it a significant event in the tennis calendar, particularly for players like Sinner and Sabalenka who are seeking their first Wimbledon titles. • What to watch next: Fans should keep an eye on the performances of Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff, as well as British player Emma Raducanu, as they compete in their respective matches on the opening day.

**Top Seeds Sinner and Sabalenka Headline Wimbledon’s Opening Day**

The prestigious Wimbledon Championships commenced on Monday, showcasing top-seeded players Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, both of whom are set to face Serbian opponents in their opening matches. The first day of the tournament promises an exciting lineup, culminating with the appearance of Novak Djokovic, who is vying for his 25th Grand Slam title.

Jannik Sinner, the top seed from Italy, will face Miomir Kecmanovic from Serbia on Centre Court, where play begins at 12:30 GMT. Sinner, known for his powerful baseline game and tactical acumen, will look to make a strong start in his quest for Wimbledon glory.

Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, the top-seeded female player from Belarus, is scheduled to take on Teodora Kostovic of Serbia. Sabalenka has been a formidable force on the WTA tour, and her match is expected to draw significant attention as she aims to secure her first Wimbledon title.

Following Sinner and Sabalenka's matches, Serbian star Novak Djokovic will take to the Centre Court, facing Wu Yibing from China. Djokovic, a six-time Wimbledon champion, is in pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title, which would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history.

In addition to the top seeds, the opening day features several other notable matches. Mirra Andreeva, fresh off her recent triumph at the French Open, will compete against Poland's Magda Linette on Court Number One. Andreeva's impressive form will be tested as she looks to carry her momentum into Wimbledon.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff is also in action, set to play against Germany's Tamara Korpatsch. Gauff, a rising star in women's tennis, will aim to showcase her skills and advance further in the tournament.

British hope Emma Raducanu will kick off her campaign against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic, adding local interest to the day's proceedings. Raducanu, who gained international fame after her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open, will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil.

The schedule for the first day of the main draw is as follows:

**CENTRE COURT (Play begins at 12:30 GMT)**

1-Jannik Sinner (Italy) vs. Miomir Kecmanovic (Serbia)

1-Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) vs. Teodora Kostovic (Serbia)

Wu Yibing (China) vs. 7-Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

**COURT NUMBER ONE (Play begins at 12:00 GMT)**

Marin Cilic (Croatia) vs. 8-Daniil Medvedev (Russia)

Magda Linette (Poland) vs. 5-Mirra Andreeva (Russia)

**COURT NUMBER TWO (Play begins at 10:00 GMT)**

4-Jessica Pegula (U.S.) vs. Darja Vidmanova (Czech Republic)

Michael Zheng (U.S.) vs. 26-Cameron Norrie (Britain)

3-Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) vs. Aleksandr Shevchenko (Kazakhstan)

Tamara Korpatsch (Germany) vs. 7-Coco Gauff (U.S.)

As the tournament unfolds, fans and players alike are looking forward to the excitement and drama that Wimbledon always promises. With top seeds in action and several rising stars eager to make their mark, the opening day sets the stage for a thrilling fortnight of tennis at the All England Club.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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