Wide open women’s draw and Murray swansong in doubt – Wimbledon talking points

Jack Draper leads the British challenge.

Published Jun 25

Wimbledon begins on Monday with Carlos Alcaraz bidding to retain his title and Andy Murray battling to be fit for one last hurrah.

Jack Draper leads the British challenge, while some absent star names have left a big gap.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what to expect over the next fortnight at SW19.

Big (three) shoes to fill

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the Laver Cup — Absent friends – The big three, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, will not be at Wimbledon (John Walton/PA)

Murray plans in limbo

Andy Murray waves to the crowd — Andy Murray’s farewell is in doubt (Steven Paston/PA)

Jack the ace in British pack

Draper’s breakthrough fortnight – a first title in Stuttgart and a win over Alcaraz at Queen’s – has raised the excitement levels among British fans. The 22-year-old has usurped Cameron Norrie as British number one and will be seeded at SW19. On the women’s side, Emma Raducanu has deigned to show up for a tournament in between skipping the French Open and the Olympics. Top-ranked Katie Boulter will also seeded and looking for a good run after retaining her Nottingham title.

Not so Iga

Wimbledon 2023 – Day Nine – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club — Iga Swiatek has yet to master the grass (Steven Paston/PA)

Time violation

Andy Murray speaks to the umpire — Andy Murray fell foul of the late start last year (John Walton/PA)