Day 3 at The Championships sees the beginning of second round singles play, as well as the beginning of both men’s and women’s doubles play.  And a number of first round singles matches are also still to be completed due to rain on Tuesday.

Five years ago, Matteo Berrettini quickly rose throughthe tennis ranks and became Italy’s best player.  He is a three-time Major semifinalist, and even advanced to the championship match at the 2021 edition of The Championships.  But injuries have derailed his career the past two seasons, and in his absence, Jannik Sinner made his own surge, surpassing Berrettini’s achievements.  Across the past 12 months, Sinner has clearly been the best male singles player in the world, and won his first Major six months ago in Melbourne.  On Wednesday, Italy’s best will meet in a blockbuster second round matchup on Centre Court.

Also on Day 3, a pair of Major champions fighting to rediscover their top form after long absences, Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu, play a pair of seeded players having breakout seasons in 2024: Emma Navarro and Linda Noskova, respectively.  Plus, two of the sport’s most popular elder statesmen, Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils, will face off in the second round. 

Other second round singles action on Wednesday includes Major champions Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Coco Gauff, and Emma Raducanu.

Throughout the tournament, this preview will analyze the day’s four most prominent matches, while highlighting the other notable matches on the schedule.  Wednesday’s play begins at 11:00am local time.

Bianca Andreescu vs. Linda Noskova (26) – Second on Court 18

This is just the fourth tournament since last August for the perpetually-injured Andreescu.  The latest setback for the 2019 US Open champ was a back injury.  However, she has quickly rounded back into some impressive form.  Bianca won two rounds of her first event back at Roland Garros, then advanced to the final of ‘s-Hertogenbosch on grass, after defeating Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals.

19-year-old Noskova’s breakout moment took place six months ago in Melbourne, where she upset World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the third round.  However, Linda has struggled mightily since that quarterfinal run, as she hasn’t won back-to-back matches since February.   

Both players won their opening rounds in straights, so they’ll be fresh for their first career meeting.  And despite missing most of the past year, I favor Andreescu on Wednesday, as she’s won more matches within just the past six weeks than Noskova has within the last three months.

Naomi Osaka (WC) vs. Emma Navarro (19) – Second on Centre Court

Osaka is now 16-12 since returning from maternity leave at the beginning of the year.  And while a big result is yet to come, she’s been right on the verge of one, especially in Paris where she was just one point away from upsetting eventual champion Iga Swiatek.  On Monday, Naomi earned her first victory at Wimbledon since 2019, in a three-setter against Diane Parry of France.

Navarro got off to an excellent start in 2024, going 20-7 between January and March, and winning a title in Hobart.  That came on the heels of winning 64 matches at all levels in 2023.  Her results have simmered a bit the last few months, though she did achieve a semifinal just last week on grass in Bad Homburg.  Emma dropped only two games in the first round against Qiang Wang of China.

In another first-time meeting on the day, I give the edge to the power of Osaka.  While grass is not her strongest surface, Navarro is far from an expert on it either, having played just 11 tour-level matches on grass in her career. 

Stan Wawrinka vs. Gael Monfils – Third on No.2 Court

Wimbledon is by far the weakest Major in the long careers of both 39-year-old Wawrinka and 37-year-old Monfils.  And neither arrive at SW19 in strong form: Stan is just 4-8 this season at tour level, while Gael had lost six of his last nine matches before a semifinal run last week in Mallorca.  However, both are yearning for just a little bit more Grand Slam glory in the twilight of their storied careers.

On Monday, Wawrinka won in straight sets over a British wild card ranked 248^th in the world.  Monfils required four sets to prevail, but he faced much more considerable opposition in the 22^nd seed, Adrian Mannarino.  Stan is looking to reach the third round of The Championships for the second straight year, while Gael has not done so since 2018.

Their history dates all the way back to 2007, and they have split six prior encounters.  Based on the Frenchman’s grass court form this past week, I favor Monfils to claim this battle of veterans.  His speed remains a huge weapon, and will force Wawrinka to hit a lot of extra shots.  Plus, Stan is mostly lacking in confidence with so few wins in his recent past.

Jannik Sinner (1) vs. Matteo Berrettini – Third on Centre Court

Since the beginning of The Championships a year ago, Sinner is an astounding 71-8, with seven singles titles.  And that doesn’t include leading Italy to a Davis Cup crown at the end of last season.  It all started with achieving his first Major semifinal 12 months ago in London.  In the opening round on Monday, he overcame a tough first round draw, Yannick Hanfmann, in four sets.

Berrettini also prevailed in four sets in his opening round, against a tough draw of his own, former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Marton Fucsovics.  However, Matteo was treated during that match for a back issue.  Injuries continue to plague the career of the 28-year-old, as this is just his sixth tour-level event since suffering a bad ankle injury at last summer’s US Open.  He’s now 5-2 on grass on 2024.

Their only previous meeting occurred this past August in Canada, where Sinner won 6-4, 6-3.  Berrettini is the more accomplished grass court player, but he’ll need to serve a significantly high percentage of first serves to prevent the World No.1 from attacking with his penetrating return game.  And with Matteo light on matches and still not 100% healthy, Jannik is the favorite to advance.

Other Notable Matches on Wednesday:

Anca Todoni (Q) vs. Coco Gauff (2) – Gauff dropped just three games in the first round, at the only Major where she is yet to reach a quarterfinal in singles.  Todoni is a 19-year-old Romanian qualifier who on Monday won her first-ever match at a Major. 

Alexandre Muller vs. Daniil Medvedev (5) – Medvedev also won comfortably in his opening round, and has won his last 19 second round matches at Slams.  Muller’s victory on Monday was only the second of his career in the main draw of a grass court tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz (3) vs. Aleksandar Vukic – Alcaraz started his title defense with a straight-set win to open Centre Court play on Day 1.  By contrast, Vukic required a fifth-set tiebreak to get past Sebastian Ofner on an outer court.

Emma Raducanu (WC) vs. Elise Mertens – Raducanu is vying to reach the third round of a Major for the first time since her 2021 US Open title run, as she’s lost her last five matches in this round at this level.  Mertens once had an 18-match win streak in this round of Majors, and she’s advanced to the championship match of Wimbledon in women’s doubles the last three years.

Wednesday’s full Order of Play is here.

Thousands of tennis fans watched Novak Djokovic return to action at Wimbledon on Tuesday but not many had as good of a view of the Serbian in action as Ronnie O’Sullivan. 

The snooker player was sitting in Djokovic’s player box on Center Court alongside his team. It might seem like a peculiar situation. However, the tennis star is a long-time fan of O’Sullivan. 

“I watch snooker just because of him. I watched him when I was a kid and I watched him play many years ago.” Djokovic told reporters following his first round win. 
“My father loved watching snooker. I only watched Ronnie. Whenever he would not play, I would not watch. We just had a meet-up, an interaction for the first time. It was great.”

The 48-year-old is regarded as one of the most high-profile figures in his sport. His accolades includes seven world championship titles. Overall, he has won 41 titles over 31 years (1993-2024).

“Hopefully we’re able to play some snooker ’cause I’m really bad at snooker. I’m okay at pool or billiard, but snooker, I tried it twice, and it’s really, really tough.” Djokovic joked.
“He’s a nice person, nice guy, and very funny.”

Djokovic, who is seeking a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, is high in spirits following his straight-sets triumph over Vit Kopriva. Coming into the match concerns were raised about his fitness due to recent knee surgery. However, the 24-time major champion appeared to be in little trouble and moved about freely. 

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel on the court and how my knee was going to hold up. But I’m very happy with the way I felt, the way I played and the way I moved. For an opening match, I couldn’t ask for a better start.”

However, there is bad news for one of Djokovic’s long-time rivals. Earlier today, Andy Murray was forced to pull out of the singles draw after failing to regain full fitness. The former world No.1 recently underwent back surgery to help solve a problem affecting his right leg. He is still entered to play in the doubles draw. 

It is highly expected that 2024 will be Murray’s final appearance at Wimbledon after Brit indicated that this will be the case. However, Djokovic has warned against ruling him out for next year’s tournament. 

“Hopefully he can get another shot at next year’s Wimbledon with singles. Knowing him, he’s going to try to do that,” he commented.
“He has every right to say when it’s the finish line for him. If he wants to keep going, no doubt that people will be very happy about it.”

Day 2 at The Championships is scheduled to host the completion of first round singles play.

Five-time Major champion Iga Swiatek faces a potentially risky opening round draw on Tuesday, in 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who a year ago upset Coco Gauff in this same round.  At the only Major where Swiatek is yet to reach the semifinals, and coming off an extremely successful yet grueling clay court season, is Iga ripe for an upset on her weakest surface?

Other first round action on Day 2 features both of last year’s women’s singles finalists: the champion Marketa Vondrousova, and the two-time runner-up, Ons Jabeur.  Plus, Major champs Elena Rybakina, Angelique Kerber, and Caroline Wozniacki will all play their opening contests.  And Jelena Ostapenko will reignite a prickly rivalry with Ajla Tomljanovic.

Tuesday’s ATP schedule is headlined by seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, who will play his first match since undergoing knee surgery just a few short weeks ago.  And another injured champion, Andy Murray, is scheduled to take to the singles court at Wimbledon for what may be the last time.  The two-time champion had a minor procedure on his injured back just over a week ago, but is aiming to play both singles and doubles in what he has announced will be his last year playing at The Championships.

Throughout the tournament, this preview will analyze the day’s four most prominent matches, while highlighting the other notable matches on the schedule.  Tuesday’s play begins at 11:00am local time.

Sebastian Korda (20) vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (LL) – 11:00am on Court 16

This is a tough first round draw for the surging American, who just debuted inside the top 20 after reaching the final of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, as well as the semifinals of Queen’s Club.  Mpetshi Perricard is an extremely impressive 20-year-old Frenchman who stands at six feet, eight inches tall.  Just six weeks ago in Lyon, which was only his fourth tour-level event, Giovanni won his first ATP Title.  And two weeks ago at Queen’s Club, he upset Ben Shelton in straight sets.

Meptshi Perricard has a big serve, and can also crush the ball from the back of the court.  His game is well-suited for the grass of SW19.  But Korda certainly has the edge in experience.  He advanced to the second week of this event back in 2021, though a year ago he was upset in the first round by Jiri Vesely.

Sebi has struggled to rediscover his form since suffering a wrist injury at the 2023 Australian Open, yet his recent results on grass suggest he finally is.  I favor Korda to prevail in what should be a fascinating first round contest to start the day.

Ajla Tomljanovic (WC) vs. Jelena Ostapenko (13) – Second on Court 12

Three years ago after their third round match at this tournament, these players shared a contentious exchange at the net.  Tomljanovic won 6-2 in the third, but not before Ostapenko took a medical timeout late in the third set, leading to Ajla accusing Jelena of faking.  Jelena then scolded Ajla for her “terrible behavior.” 

But that remains Tomljanovic’s sole victory over Ostapenko, as Jelena has taken their other three meetings.  That includes another three-setter this past January at the Australian Open, though Ajla was coming off a prolonged absence during 2023 due to a knee injury.  The Australian is just 6-7 this season, as she missed more time due to a health issue.  But she reached the final of Birmingham just two weeks ago.

Ostapenko got off to a great start to her 2024, winning titles in both Adelaide and Linz.  However, she went just 1-2 on grass in June.  Jelena is as streaky and unpredictable as they come, but I give her the slight edge on Tuesday based on recent form, as well as their sorted history.

Iga Swiatek (1) vs. Sofia Kenin – Last on No.1 Court

Swiatek is a superb 45-4 on the year, though as usual, she arrives at The All-England Club without playing a match on grass.  It’s understandable considering she played 22 matches on clay within a two-month period, but it’s far from ideal preparation for a surface she’s still trying to figure out.  However, Iga did win the girls’ title here back in 2018, so winning on grass is not a completely foreign concept to her.

It’s been a rough season for Kenin, as the 2020 WTA Player of the Year is 7-16 at all levels.  She is yet to rediscover the tennis that propelled her to the finals of two Majors just four years ago.  However, a month ago in Paris, she reminded us how capable she is of upsetting top names at any time, when she eliminated French No.1 Caroline Garcia.  And Sofia has never lost in the first round of Wimbledon.

Swiatek is 2-0 against Kenin, with both victories coming in straight sets.  Those matches took place in the championship match of Roland Garros in 2020, and the first round of this year’s Australian Open.  On Tuesday, I favor Iga to make it 3-0 against Sofia, and I would not be surprised to see Swiatek make a deep run this year at The Championships, in a quarter of the draw that looks rather open.

Andy Murray vs. Tomas Machac – Last on Centre Court

We will not know until Tuesday morning if Andy Murray will indeed play this match, as he continues to rehab the back injury he suffered less than two weeks ago at Queen’s Club.  And that came on the heels of rupturing ligaments in his left ankle earlier this season in Miami.  This was all a less-than-ideal way to prepare for his 16^th and final appearance at his home Slam and favorite event, where he has achieved such history for British tennis.

His opponent on Tuesday is the same one he injured his ankle against in Miami.  Machac is in the midst of a breakout season, as the 23-year-old cut his ranking in half between January and June, from No.78 to No.34.  Tomas defeated Andy in a third-set tiebreak on his way to the Miami quarterfinals, a run that also featured a victory over Andrey Rublev.  Two months later, Machac was a finalist in Geneva on clay.

If Murray takes to the court, this would actually be their third meeting of 2024, as Tomas also defeated Andy this past February in Marseille.  Hopefully Murray is able to play, and can do so without doing any further damage to his back, as that would risk his plan to play doubles this fortnight with brother Jamie.  But considering Sir Andy’s tenuous condition, Machac must be favored to earn his first-ever win at The All-England Club.

Other Notable Matches on Tuesday:

Elena Rybakina (4) vs. Elena-Gabriela Ruse (Q) – The 2022 champion withdrew from two different grass court lead-up events, citing illness and scheduling changes.  Two years ago in Miami, she defeated Ruse 6-4, 7-5.

Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs. Marketa Vondrousova (6) – The 2023 champion withdrew from Berlin due to a hip injury after falling on the grass, but says she’s feeling good, and is ready to defend her title.  Bouzas Maneiro is a 21-year-old from Spain looking for her first win at a Major.

Roberto Carballes Baena vs. Alexander Zverev (4) – After failing to win his first Major three weeks ago in Paris, despite being one set away from doing so for the second time in his career, Zverev lost in the semifinals of Halle to Hubert Hurkacz.  Carballes Baena is just 1-5 lifetime at Wimbledon.

Vit Kopriva (Q) vs. Novak Djokovic (2) – Just how healthy is Novak’s knee following the procedure he had after injuring it during Roland Garros?  Kopriva is a 27-year-old qualifier from the Czech Republic who is 0-1 in the main draw of Slams.

Yulia Putintseva vs. Angelique Kerber (WC) – The 2018 champion is just 7-13 since returning from maternity leave, but she’s won her last 10 first round matches at The Championships.  Putintseva claimed a grass court title just over a week ago in Birmingham, though she is 1-2 against Angie.

Caroline Wozniacki (WC) vs. Alycia Parks (Q) – Wozniacki is 13-12 since unretiring last summer, and suffered a knee injury last week in Bad Homburg after winning two matches.  Parks is a big-hitting 23-year-old American qualifier who is currently on an eight-match grass court win streak, though all those matches occurred either at ITF level or during qualifying last week.

Ons Jabeur (10) vs. Moyuka Uchijima – Jabeur has been the runner-up in consecutive years at SW19, despite being the pre-match favorite in both of those finals.  She went 4-2 on grass during the month of June.  Uchijima is a 22-year-old from Japan who is just 3-6 lifetime on this surface at all levels.

Felix Auger-Aliassime (17) vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis – Auger-Aliassime was a quarterfinalist here in 2021, yet has lost in the first round in both of the last two years.  He also lost in the first round of Halle two weeks ago.  Kokkinakis is only 1-3 lifetime at this tournament.

Tuesday’s full Order of Play is here.