WIMBLEDON 2024 LIVE: ANDY MURRAY TO MAKE LAST-MINUTE SINGLES DECISION AS EMMA RADUCANU WINS ‘UGLY’

Wimbledon day 1 - live updates

• Andy Murray expected to make participation decision on Tuesday morning as he battles injury
• REPORT: Raducanu evokes spirit of England at Euro 2024 by ‘winning ugly’ on Wimbledon return
• Raducanu’s initial opponent, 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, withdrew due to illness
• REPORT: Carlos Alcaraz defeats qualifier Mark Lajal in straight sets to begin title defence
• REPORT: Men’s favourite Jannik Sinner passes first-round test – now intriguing clash awaits...
• US Open champion Coco Gauff through to second round with emphatic display
• Women’s third seed Aryna Sabaleka pulls out of Wimbledon with shoulder injury

Wimbledon 2024: Murray leaves decision to the last minute

Andy Murray will give himself until the last minute to decide on his Wimbledon participation. The Scot, who is scheduled to play Tomas Machac in the first round of the singles on Centre Court on Tuesday, was set to announce on Monday evening whether or not he would play.

But, after a competitive practice session with fellow British player Kyle Edmund on Monday, Murray is still mulling over whether he is in good enough physical shape and it is now understood he will not make a final decision until Tuesday.

Andy Murray leaves Wimbledon decision to the last minute

Look at her now: Coco Gauff enters new chapter of remarkable Wimbledon story

Take a look at her now: a year on from the first-round defeat at Wimbledon that left Coco Gauff in a “dark place”, the American is marching on and looking like a potential champion too after a statement opening victory over her compatriot Caroline Dolehide.

Five years on from her breakthrough at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old, Gauff took top billing on Centre Court and played like a contender for the title, demolishing her friend Dolehide 6-1 6-2 in just 64 minutes.

This was a victory that was never in doubt after Gauff broke her opponent in the opening game of the match. The 20-year-old didn’t look back, bringing a calm assurance and confidence that allowed her powerful and aggressive game to flourish against her mismatched opponent, ranked 51st in the world. “I was trying to have fun and enjoy it,” she said after an emotional win and cleansing night.

Look at her now: Coco Gauff enters new chapter of remarkable Wimbledon story

Wimbledon favourite Jannik Sinner passes first-round test to set up intriguing clash

Jannik Sinner is an altogether different player from the one who left the All England Club on Friday 14 July, 2023. When the Italian made his exit from Wimbledon after a straight-sets defeat by seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, he was the world No 8 and a grand slam semi-finalist. Fifty weeks on, he entered SW19 as the world No 1, a grand slam winner, and the betting favourite to lift the gentlemen’s singles trophy.

In his Wimbledon campaign last year, there were plenty of positives for the 22-year-old: He had reached the final four of a major for the first time, and there was no shame in losing to a king of Centre Court, no less with a display of great promise – despite the straight-sets scoreline. But where last year there was promise, this year there is pressure.

And that pressure perhaps showed in his first-round tie, a four-set win over Yannick Hanfmann...

Report from No 1 Court:

Wimbledon favourite Jannik Sinner passes first-round test to set up intriguing clash

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu ‘cherishing every win’ on return

Emma Raducanu after reaching the second round of Wimbledon:

“As I said in the first press conference, I’d be over the moon if I won my first round here. And I really am. I feel just the joy to be on-site, the joy to be part of the buzz. I’m really just enjoying myself.

“I think that each match I win should be celebrated a lot. I think for me, ‘cause I know how hard matches are to win, to come by. I think that now, yeah, having had a few wins under my belt, I’m like really cherishing every single one because I know how difficult it is to be on the flip side of it.

“Results-wise I have no expectations. I just have expectations of myself to really put myself on the line on the court and fight and not let any frustrations get to me.”

Wimbledon 2024: Jannik Sinner survives Yannick Hanfmann test to advance

Sinner: “I’m very happy, first of all, to be in the second round. I want to thank everyone for the support, it’s amazing.

“He played really well, he served well. I missed a couple of shots. First-round matches are never easy. Hopefully in the next round, I will raise my level.

“Tomorrow I have a day off, then I’ll try to find my rhythm. Ending a match in a really positive way can hopefully help me at the start of the next round.”

When asked if he lost confidence in his movement, after a slip early in the third set, he laughs: “No, no.”

Asked if there’s pressure to playing as world No 1, he adds: “No. First of all, it’s a huge privilege and an honour. There’s no better place to play my first grand slam as world No 1.”

Andy Murray update:

Murray will make a decision on his participation tomorrow morning.

He is scheduled third on Centre Court, around 6pm (BST), against Tomas Machac.

Wimbledon 2024: Jannik Sinner survives Yannick Hanfmann test to advance

And Jannik Sinner can breathe! He is through to round two!

After winning the first two sets against Yannick Hanfmann despite some inconsistent tennis, the world No 1 dropped the third convincingly.

Then the roof closed, and it was Sinner who played better in the fourth.

Ultimately, he has emerged a 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3 winner, booking his spot in the next round!

Wimbledon 2024: Sonay Kartal through to second round after stunning win

Sonay Kartal made it a hat-trick of British female winners on day one of Wimbledon with a career-best victory over 29th seed Sorana Cirstea, writes George Sessions.

Kartal had dropped to 298 in the world after a difficult 12 months due to health problems and had to qualify for this year’s Championships.

A string of excellent displays at Roehampton last week booked Kartal’s place in the main draw and the British number nine backed it up with a superb 3-6 6-2 6-0 win over Cirstea on Monday to join Emma Raducanu and Lily Miyazaki in round two.

Victory was sealed by Kartal with a superb return winner via her explosive forehand to earn the 22-year-old a maiden Wimbledon triumph, which sets up a second-round tie with Clara Burel on Wednesday and earns her a £93,000 payday.

Lily Miyazaki races past Tamara Korpatsch to earn first Wimbledon win

British wild card Lily Miyazaki reached the second round at Wimbledon for the first time after crushing Tamara Korpatsch.

The Tokyo-born 28-year-old more than doubled her prize money for the year, earning £93,000 for less than an hour’s work.

Miyazaki served superbly, dropping just seven points with the ball in her hand and not facing a single break point.

She also hit 14 winners to Korpatsch’s three and made just 15 unforced errors in comparison to the German’s 26.

A comprehensive 6-2 6-1 win over the world number 73 secured a second-round meeting with 14th seed Daria Kasatkina on Wednesday.

Wimbledon 2024: Coco Gauff breezes into second round

Game, set and match! Coco Gauff 6-1 6-2 Caroline Dolehide

That was seriously impressive from Coco Gauff as the World No 2 advances into the second round with a crushing straight-sets win over Caroline Dolehide. Gauff had her foot down from the start and this was a real statement of intent from the US Open champion, who lost in the first round here to Sofia Kenin 12 months ago.

Gauff secures her victory in just 64 minutes and will play Anca Todoni, the world 142, in the second round on Wednesday.

Here she is: “Really happy with how I played today. It’s tough to play a friend like Caroline, she’s a great person, but I’m happy to get through. Last year I lost in the first round which was a tough moment for me. I’m a little bit emotional, it’s been a great year.

“Obviously Wimbledon is the place where I started to think the dream was possible. Playing on Centre Court is so special and it’s so great to be back here.”

Wimbledon 2024: Jannik Sinner loses third set against Yannick Hanfmann

Well, well, well. Sinner had been getting by without playing his best tennis, but that isn’t enough right now.

He’s just lost the third set 6-3 to Hanfmann, who thoroughly deserved to clinch this frame. Some of the German’s shotmaking has been inspired, some of it has been inventive, and all of it has been irksome to Sinner.

Still, the world No 1 leads 6-3 6-4 3-6.

And now the roof is closing...

Wimbledon 2024: Gauff looking like a favourite on Centre Court

Gauff takes the double-break against Dolehide and now stands two games away from the second round.

Incredibly, Gauff’s debut run to the fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019, before losing to eventual champion Simona Halep, remains the farthest she has gone at Wimbledon

With her teenage years behind her, that seems certain to change in 2024, you would think.

Wimbledon 2024: Coco Gauff races to first set on Centre Court

Emphatic from Coco Gauff, as she takes the opening set 6-1 against Caroline Dolehide. This is a statement performance from Gauff, on the same day that Aryna Sabalenka pulled out of the tournament due to injury.

Wimbledon 2024: Jannik Sinner stumbles in third set against Yannick Hanfmann

Sinner looked to be in control of his first-round match against Hanfmann, with a two-set lead, but he has found himself 3-0 down in the third frame!

Sinner put himself two sets up with some great tennis in key moments, but as mentioned below, he has not played entirely consistently.

That lack of consistency has cost him now; he has opened the door for Hanfmann.

One to keep an eye on, and we’ll do so for you...

Wimbledon 2024: Coco Gauff off to flying start on Centre Court

A double-break for Gauff in the first set, and an early contender for one of teh shots of the tournament as well. The 20-year-old was somehow able to react to a smash from her opponent Dolehide before flicking a backhand lob that landed inside the lines. It led to the double break and Gauff leads 4-1 on Centre Court.

Emma Raducanu evokes spirit of England at Euro 2024 after ‘winning ugly’ on Wimbledon return

Kieran Jackson on Centre Court

It’s been two years since Emma Raducanu – 2021’s breakthrough British sporting star – strode out onto the Wimbledon stage with the weight of an expectant crowd on her shoulders. Back then, she was impacted by a side strain and was outplayed in the second round. Last year, she spent her SW19 fortnight away from the courts, entertaining guests in the hospitality areas in a role she insisted pre-tournament “really stung.” Yet after a 24-month period of setbacks and surgeries, the 21-year-old was back on the pristine grass of the All England Club.

Drawn to face 22^nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, her second-match Centre Court billing promised to be a genuine litmus test of where her game is right now. Yet a late withdrawal from the Russian due to illness handed the wild card a lucky-loser in the form of Mexico’s Renata Zarazua. On paper, it seemed a gift from the tennis gods as she eyed a smooth progression to round two.

But the reality was quite the opposite: this was no cakewalk. Under the gloomy skies of south-west London, Raducanu misfired and miscued. One minute she found her rhythm, the next she lost it. The ebbs and flows were continuous however, ultimately, Raducanu staggered through an awkward test of nerve, perseverance and 30 unforced errors in straight-sets, 7-6(0), 6-3.

Raducanu evokes spirit of England at Euros after ‘winning ugly’ on Wimbledon return

Wimbledon 2024: Jannik Sinner closes in on victory against Yannick Hanfmann

With a hold to love, Jannik Sinner has doubled his lead over Yannick Hanfmann, moving to 6-3 6-4 in their first-round tie.

World No 1 Sinner has been a little inconsistent, but Hanfmann – the world No 45 from Germany – has been stubborn.

Overall, though, Sinner has displayed great movement and the odd moment of imagination on No 1 Court: two attributes that always come in handy on grass.

Wimbledon 2024: Coco Gauff next up on Centre Court

Coco Gauff lost to Sofia Kenin in the first round of Wimbledon 12 months ago. She admitted this week that defeat left her in a “dark place”, but she used it to improve her game and two months later she was a grand slam champion at the US Open.

Now No 2 in the world and one of the favouries for the title, Gauff will take on fellow American Caroline Dolehide in her opening match. She’s been given top billing on Centre Court, too.

And Gauff gets the opening break in the very first game!

Wimbledon 2024: Jannik Sinner wins first set on Court No 1

World No 1 Jannik Sinner is up and running as he takes the opening set 6-3 against Yannick Hanfmann on Court No 1.

The Italian cruised to the semi-finals last year, where he lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 6-3 Renata Zarazua

Emma Raducanu speaking on Centre Court:

“It was an incredibly difficult match - I’ve never played a defender who got so many balls onto the baseline.

“It took a lot of strength to get over the line. It’s not easy for her, in the morning you’re not in the draw and then you’re on Centre Court, props to her.

“I found out at 10:30 today. For the past three days we were preparing for Alexandrova and we had to adapt.

“I’m incredibly happy to be back today. I was nervous and I’m sure you could see that in my tennis. But it’s about getting over the line.

“I’m incredibly happy to be back here. I was nervous, I’m sure everyone could see that in my tennis.

"Honestly watching the football last night it was winning ugly - it all counts.

"I think it’s such a buzz in the summer time. I think the tennis, football, F1, it uplifts everyone, myself included and my motivation is to keep coming back here, keep playing and feel that buzz.”

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 6-3 Renata Zarazua

GAME, SET AND MATCH!

Raducanu makes a winning return to Wimbledon! She holds her left arm high and soaks in the applause! That was a scrappy but deserved win in the end, but she will be so delighted to mark her return to Centre Court with a win.

She will face Elise Mertens, the world 33, in round two.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 5-3 Renata Zarazua*

Good, front-foot play from Raducanu as she serves for the match. She sends Zarazua chasing around the back of the court, and moves to 30-0 behind a good serve and forehand strike.

Zarazua goes to the slice and then the drop shot,but Raducanu gets even lower and flicks a stunning pass on the angle! Point of the match from Raducanu!

And it’s followed by three match points!

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 7-6 5-3 Renata Zarazua

Raducanu senses a chance to win the match right here as she battles back to 30-30.

She steps up the forehand and pushes Zarazua off the court with a series of blows crosscourt!

30-40, and match point for Raducanu! Great return... but Zarazua holds on and Raducanu nets on the forehand!

Deuce. Raducanu goes long on the backhand return, and she will have to serve this out.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 5-2 Renata Zarazua*

Raducanu moves a game away after passing a nervy moment on 30-30. She finds a good serve and then lands a fine backhand crosscourt, with Zarazua unable to match such power and direction.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 7-6 4-2 Renata Zarazua - BREAK!

Zarazua was in the same situation as Raducanu in the previous game after a double fault on 15-15, but the Mexican gets a huge break off the net cord.

Raducanu, though, forces a look at break point as Zarazua hits the net... then claims it as she fires long! That was a poor couple of points from Zarazua.

But Raducanu accepts them gladly as she strikes ahead in the second set.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 3-2 Renata Zarazua*

Raducanu faces a nervy position after a double fault on 15-15, but Zarazua can’t keep the ball in play as Raducanu gratefully gets back to 40-30.

Raducanu is delayed by a small bird landing on Centre Court, before she finds the ace to get the hold! “Come on!” she yells!

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 7-6 2-2 Renata Zarazua

There’s real excitement in the crowd when Raducanu can attack the backhand crosscourt, but those opportunities have been too far and few between so far. Raducanu sees a chance quickly slip away as Zarazua benefits from a couple of errors to get the hold.

It’s very gloomy overhead. Feels like rain could be coming.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 2-1 Renata Zarazua*

Zarazua catches out Raducanu with a lovely drop shot to get to 0-30... as Raducanu than thrashes a forehand into the net. Two break points for Zarazua at the start of the second set.

Raducanu saves the first as Zarazua pushes the lob long. On the second, Zarazua sends up a series of forehand slices, before netting as she looks to drive the forehand with pace.

Deuce. Nicely done from Raducanu, following in on the short ball to put away the forehand winner. Zarazua then nets on the low backhand. That’s a nice hold from 15-40 down.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 7-6 1-1 Renata Zarazua

There was a chance there, perhaps, for Raducanu to continue the momentum of the opening game and tiebreak but Zarazua gets on the board. She did well to find a low ball into Raducanu’s feet as she came into the net, as the Briton couldn’t adjust.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 1-0 Renata Zarazua*

Raducanu will serve first to start this set. There’s a bit more aggression and conviction behind the forehand as Raducanu takes the opening game with a strike down the line.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 7-6 Renata Zarazua - FIRST SET!

Raducanu finds a way, in emphatic style, as Zarazua fires wide on the return. A 7-0 tiebreak for Raducanu does not tell the story of a nervy, tight opening set on Centre Court.

Zarazua made a series of errors in the tiebreak as Raducanu stepped up her level and won the breaker with ease to take the first set. There were some awkward moments in that set but Raducanu should be able to settle into this now.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 6-6 Renata Zarazua - TIEBREAK

Raducanu looks to pump herself up as she wins the first point of the tiebreak against serve - as Zarazua misses. Zarazua then puts returns long and into the net as Raducanu marches into a 3-0 lead in the breaker.

Raducanu puts some extra pace on the forehand down the line, as Zarazua floats long. The Mexican is struggling to keep up with Raducanu’s increased intensity now. Five poitns in a row as Zarazua misses another one long on the forehand!

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 6-6 Renata Zarazua - TIEBREAK

Raducanu gets the crowd going as she ups the pace on her backhand, before finding the baseline and producing a puff of white chalk with the winner. Zarazua pushes long on the forehand.

Raducanu looks much more hesitant on the forehadn side and slumps one into the net on 40-15... Raducanu, though, pumps her fist as Zarazua fires long. We’ve got a tiebreak.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 5-6 Renata Zarazua

Zarazua finds the lob over Raducanu before frustrating the Briton with a series of high, loopy balls, which ends in Raducanu fiiring long on the forehand. Another error from Raducanu and Zarazua gets the hold, earning a tiebreak at least. Raducanu will have to hold serve to stay in the set.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 5-5 Renata Zarazua*

From 15-15, Raducanu finds a big first serve and then yells out at the back of the court as Zarazua floats a forehand long.

Another big serve from Raducanu, but she can’t put Zarazua away after the Mexican’s blocked return drops in. She had chances.

Zarazua blinks on the backhand pushed wide after Raducanu lofted up some hopeful returns. She holds.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 4-5 Renata Zarazua

Raducanu makes two poor misses in a row to start the ninth game as the Centre Court crowd rally behind her. She responds with a forehand return winner down the line, but then pushes another error long.

Zarazua, really, isn’t having to do much to win points here and gets the hold as Raducanu is unable to flick a return for the drop shot back.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 4-4 Renata Zarazua* - BREAK!

A poor miss from Raducanu puts her into a little bit of a hole at 0-30 and although she responds well with a backhand winner down the line, on the next point Raducanu puts the forehand into the net following Zarazua’s drop shot.

Two break points: Zarazua concedes an easy miss on the forehand into the net, but Raducanu then gives away the break as a forehand crosscourt is pulled wide of the line. Zarazua breaks back! It’s game on again in the first set.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 4-3 Renata Zarazua

The first love-hold of the match as Zarazua land a decent serve up the middle that the Briton can’t return.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 4-2 Renata Zarazua*

Zarazua pushes Raducanu into a strong hold, as the Briton turns defence into attack while finding the line on a crosscourt backhand. A driven forehand gets the approval of David Beckham in the Royal Box.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 3-2 Renata Zarazua - BREAK!

Raducanu gets the breakthrough in the opening set! She returned to the shot that won her the very first point of the match, as she stepped in on the Zarazua second serve and flashed the backhand for a winner. Raducanu has had to stay patient against Zarazua’s low, spinny game, but she gets the break as her opponent puts a couple of soft balls into the net.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 2-2 Renata Zarazua*

Some awkward moments for Raducanu early on here, which you can tell by her celebration after thumping a forehand down the line on 0-15 and then seeing a return from Zarazua drift long on 30-30. Raducanu pumped her first and then let out a roar behind the baseline.

But Zarazua is proving difficult to put away - first a forehand drive goes long and then Zarazua hangs in on the point, as Raducanu misjudges a volley that Zarazua landed on her feet.

Break point: but Raducanu finds a backhand winner that catches the line! That’s a decent hold for Raducanu after saving break point.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 1-2 Renata Zarazua

David Beckham has retaken his seat in the Royal Box with Raducanu just in front of him as she returns to Zarazua serve. The Briton seems to have got the sense of her opponent’s slice, as she reaches a drop shot to nudge a winner.

Zarazua, who is doing a lot of hacking from the baseline, then finds a fine backhand winner down the line. Zarazua gets the hold as Raducanu reaches another drop shot from the Mexican, but pushes the volley long.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu 1-1 Renata Zarazua*

There are some long baseline rallies already, as both players adjust to Centre Court. Zarazua is favouring the backhand slice, and the Mexican produces a lovely drop shot-lob combination to get to 15-30 on the Raducanu serve. Zarazua then coughs up some errors, as Raducanu eventually finds a way through her defences to get the hold.

Wimbledon 2024: *Emma Raducanu 0-1 Renata Zarazua

On the first point, Raducanu steps in against the Zarazua second serve and crushes the return for a clean winner!

Talk about a statement of intent: but Raducanu can’t find the same return on 30-30 as she puts her backhand into the net.

And Zarazua gets the first game with a lovely drop shot.

*denotes next server

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu vs Renata Zarazua

Raducanu is cheered onto the court as the 21-year-old steps out ahead of her first-round match. Still plenty of empty seats following the Alcaraz match.

Raducanu won the toss and elected to receive.

Carlos Alcaraz’s first step shows he’s ready for tennis immortality at Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz’s summer won’t be defined by a first-round win at Wimbledon over Mark Lajal but it may prove instructive as he attempts a feat only ever accomplished by tennis royalty.

Any list comprising solely of Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic is one worth being on and, at the age of just 21, Alcaraz is aiming to join them as the only men to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year. On the evidence of this opening salvo in the first match on Centre Court at Wimbledon 2024, he is ready to complete the ‘Channel slam’.

There may be only so much you can read into a straight-sets win over the world No 262 making his grand slam main draw debut but the final scoreline of 7-6, 7-5, 6-2 in 2h 23mins gives some indication that this wasn’t a bog-standard first-round triumph. That had almost nothing to do with Alcaraz and everything to do with Lajal.

Carlos Alcaraz’s first step shows he’s ready for tennis immortality at Wimbledon

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu vs Renata Zarazua

An interesting mentality shift for Raducanu, too. She called herself the “underdog” after being drawn to face the 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round - but after the Russian withdrew, Raducanu is now the clear favourite against the lucky loser from Mexico.

Raducanu will be expected to win this pretty comfortably, as she returns to Centre Court for the first time since her second-round defeat to Caroline Garcia in 2022.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu vs Renata Zarazua

Almost all set and ready to go on Centre Court for the return of Emma Raducanu, although the fans and the Royal Box are taking a bit of a break of Carlos Alcaraz’s win in straights-sets.

What a day it’s been for Renata Zarazua, who was hanging around after defeat in the third round of qualifying but finds herself on Centre Court against the British home favourite Raducanu.

This is Zarazua’s first ever appearance in the Wimbledon main draw. Wow.

Wimbledon 2024 - Emma Raducanu vs Renata Zarazua

Next up on Centre Court, Britain’s Emma Raducanu!

The 21-year-old will face Renata Zarazua in the first round of the women’s singles draw, after the withdrawal of her original opponent Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Our very own Kieran Jackson and Jamie Braidwood will head to Centre Court for this one, and keep you updated game by game.

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 6-2 Mark Lajal

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 6-2 Mark Lajal

Alcaraz, speaking on Centre Court: “He played a really good match, obviously surprised me a little bit, because I hadn’t seen him too much playing or practising.

“But I think he has the level to go up a lot. He’s really young, my age, so I’m sure I’m gonna see him really soon on the tour, I’m gonna play against him more often.

“But I’m really happy to get through and get my first win on Centre Court this year.”

Asked whether he still gets nervous during matches, he says: “A lot. Honestly, stepping out on Centre Court of Wimbledon... It’s the most beautiful court that I’ve played on. I still get nerves when I’m playing here. I think I said it many times.

“I practised 45 minutes on Thursday, and it was the first time I was nervous on a practice, just because I was playing here.”

On defending his title, he adds: “It’s a new year, totally different tournament. I have to be focused on my game, play the same level as last year if I want to repeat it.

“But when I’m practising and walking around, walking onto court, I get goosebumps. I remembered last year, it was a great feeling.”

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 6-2 Mark Lajal

Alcaraz is manoeuvring Lajal around the court nicely, and eventually the Estonian just misses the baseline. 15-0.

Double-fault, 15-15. Lajal then sprays an inside-out forehand wide. 30-15.

Much better this time! The Estonian drills a forehand down the line and into the corner. Winner, 30-30.

Another forehand miss follows, though, with Lajal dragging one into the tramlines. 40-30 – second match point for Alcaraz...

And Alcaraz wins it with a curved, crosscourt forehand winner! Lajal chases it, but he won’t get there!

Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 6-2 Mark Lajal

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz* 7-6(3) 7-5 5-2 Mark Lajal

Two ruthless forehands from Alcaraz, and two winners – one up the line, one crosscourt. That’s 24 forehand winners from the defending champion today. 30-0.

Lajal gets himself in touch, though. 15-30. And 30-30! Lajal with a great inside-out forehand, and Alcaraz has no reply.

A fun exchange at the net now, but Lajal’s lob is a little too low, and Alcaraz smashes it away comfortably. 30-40 – match point...

But it goes begging, as Alcaraz frames a forehand well out of play! Deuce.

Advantage Lajal, who puts Alcaraz under too much pressure, forcing a miss.

A relatively tame serve gets the hold for Lajal, as Alcaraz’s return is weak and into the net!

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 5-1 Mark Lajal*

Lajal sends a forehand long while under pressure from Alcaraz. 15-0.

Alcaraz bullies Lajal with a pair of forehands, smashing away the latter for 30-0.

Both men miss forehands, and we move to 40-15.

And there’s the hold.

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz* 7-6(3) 7-5 4-1 Mark Lajal

Lajal gets up and running at 15-0, but Alcaraz lashes a wicked forehand across the court for 15-15.

Another beauty of a forehand, this time up the line, and Lajal can only hit his reply out of play. 15-30.

Lajal leaves a shot that appeared to clip the baseline... and it did, upon a challenge! The point will be replayed. I’d argue he should have lost that.

Double-fault and it’s 15-40, double break point.

Great serve out wide by Lajal, though! He rescues one break point.

But he can’t save the other! He gets to an Alcaraz drop shot, but he can’t get it over.

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 3-1 Mark Lajal*

Deep serve from Alcaraz, even deeper return – out of play. 15-0.

Lajal stumbles backwards as he hits a forehand from deep, and he lassoes that well wide. 30-0.

Alcaraz moves to 40-0 with some more tidy serving,

There’s the hold to love after a swift serve, a decent volley, and an even nicer drop volley.

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz* 7-6(3) 7-5 2-1 Mark Lajal

Alcaraz misfires a couple of times. He flings a forehand into the net for 30-0 to Lajal.

Big serve by Lajal now, and Alcaraz can’t find a return. 40-0.

Oh, that’s a wonderful return from Alcaraz. The serve was down the T, and he just stepped across to meet it with a casual forehand push, but he timed and placed it so well. Into the corner, 40-15.

Ace down the middle! Good hold from Lajal, he needed that.

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 2-0 Mark Lajal*

Alcaraz serves big and then crushes a forehand down the line. Winner, 15-0.

Alcaraz finds the same area of the court on another forehand; he really gets over the ball and drives it down through the court, and Lajal can’t keep up. 30-0.

Double-fault. 30-15.

Alcaraz outsmarts Lajal, forcing him back then drawing him in with a drop shot, which Lajal can’t quite get to. 40-15.

A longer rally ensues, and Alcaraz wins out to consolidate his break of serve.

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz* 7-6(3) 7-5 1-0 Mark Lajal

*denotes next player to serve

Lajal misses his first serve but makes his second, and a brief rally ends with the underdog hooking a backhand wide. 0-15.

Better from Lajal this time, as he sends Alcaraz scampering along the baseline, and the Spaniard can’t keep his reply in play. 15-15.

Alcaraz slightly mistimes his next service return, with his forehand hitting the tape and dropping on the wrong side of the net. 30-15.

This time it’s Lajal who misses, and we’re at 30-30.

Searing forehand from the Estonian... but did he manage to keep it on the line? He’s told ‘no’, and his challenge shows... that his shot was wide by the barest of margins.

30-40, break point to Alcaraz... Ace! Deuce.

Advantage Alcaraz! Another break point, earned by a terrific crosscourt backhand winner.

Now Alcaraz finds the baseline, and Lajal can’t adjust. He hits into the net, and Alcaraz breaks immediately in this third set!

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 Mark Lajal*

It’s been just over six minutes since the second set ended. Alcaraz is standing on the baseline, hopping about, as he waits for Lajal to return from his toilet break.

And here comes the Estonian.

Wimbledon order of play and Tuesday’s intended schedule including Andy Murray

Andy Murray has been included on Tuesday’s order of play. Murray, 37, has yet to declare himself fit to take part in the singles, in what is expected to be the former world No 1’s farewell to the tournament.

Murray is set to make a decision on Monday night. If he plays, Murray will take to Centre Court in the evening after defending women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova opens play on the second day of the tournament.

Wimbledon order of play and Tuesday’s intended schedule including Andy Murray

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-5 Mark Lajal*

Alcaraz holds to love to seal the second set as Lajal nets at the net!

Lajal has been there or thereabouts in both sets but ultimately, the Spaniard’s quality coming through in the key moments!

Lajal takes a toilet break - he’ll need a miracle to launch a comeback from here!

Wimbledon 2024 - *Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 6-5 Mark Lajal

Brilliant from Alcaraz! From 40-0 down, he breaks!

At 40-30, he races to the net and passes forehand cross-court, before getting Lajal sprinting around the court before making an error. A big “Vamos” from Alcaraz to his box

Break point - and Lajal nets a forehand.

Alcaraz will now serve for a two-set lead...

Wimbledon 2024 - Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 5-5 Mark Lajal*

A tad more nervy for Alcaraz as he serves to stay in the second set but, at 40-30, Alcaraz finds a first serve which his opponent can only dump into the net.

5-5, close to another breaker here.

COURT 2 UPDATE: Stan Wawrinka beats Charles Broom 6-3 7-5 6-4

With a trademark backhand winner down the line, Wawrinka is through to the second round against British wild-card Charles Broom.

Straight-sets, too.

Wimbledon 2024 - Aryna Sabalenka’s reaction to her withdrawal:

Wimbledon 2024 – *Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 4-5 Mark Lajal

Big hold from Lajal!

Tight game from the off, as Lajal’s serve gets him out of jail but not regularly. The Estonian slips at deucde after a big Alcaraz return, but he’s alright and does well to save a break point with a big forehand winner.

A booming serve down the T at deuce and an Alcaraz backhand into the net means the qualifier nips ahead again in this scond set.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz vs Mark Lajal

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 4-4 Mark Lajal*

Lajal wins a point on return at 40-0 with a deft drop volley but no further, as Alcaraz just deftly touches a volley over the court to level it up at 4-4.

Wimbledon 2024 – *Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 3-4 Mark Lajal

Lajal wins a brilliant point to open up the game - cat-and-mouse at the net before Lajal smashes a forehand at Alcaraz, whose volley flies out.

Another love service hold, been a while since we’ve had a point on return.

Andy Murray shows signs of improvement ahead of Wimbledon decision

Andy Murray was continuing to mull over whether to play singles at Wimbledon after a practice session on Monday afternoon.

The 37-year-old showed definite signs of improvement hitting against fellow British player Kyle Edmund but remains unsure whether he is in good enough physical shape to play his first-round match against Czech Tomas Machac on Tuesday.

Murray was leading Edmund 6-3 2-0 when they reached the end of their session, and he said afterwards: “It was good.

“I’m going to go and have a chat with my team now, speak to my family this evening and then make a decision. It’s getting better and the testing and stuff I’ve done has been good, I just need to decide whether it’s enough to compete.”

Andy Murray shows signs of improvement ahead of Wimbledon decision

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 3-3 Mark Lajal*

Another love service hold, with Lajal unable to make any inroads off Alcaraz’s accurate first serve.

Finishes it off with a serve-volley-volley. 3-3.

Wimbledon 2024 – *Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 2-3 Mark Lajal

Similarly efficient from Lajal, who also holds to love mostly via his booming first serve.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 2-2 Mark Lajal*

A routine service hold. No-nonsense.

Alcaraz has stepped it up a gear,..

Wimbledon 2024 – *Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 1-2 Mark Lajal

Alcaraz breaks to love!

It’s as if that break of serve previously kicked the Spaniard into life! Suddenly he doesn’t miss at all, is full of energy and a forehand long from Lajal means we’re back on serve!

What a waste that was from the Estonian...

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 0-2 Mark Lajal*

Lajal breaks!

Lajal has a break point but Alcaraz saves it with a wonderfully worked point, pummelling a forehand inside-in to get to deuce.

Alcaraz then double-faults and this time, Lajal gets it done with as Alcaraz nets on the forehand wing.

Early advantage to the Estonian qualifier!

COURT 2 UPDATE: Wawrinka 6-3 7-5 Broom

British wild card Charlie Broom was 5-2 up in the second-set against Stan Wawrinka, but lost five games in a row and is now two sets down against the three-time major winner.

A long way back now...

Wimbledon 2024 – *Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 0-1 Mark Lajal

Early pressure from the defending champion at 30-30 and he finds a pinpoint forehand passing shot down the line for break point in the opening game...

Yet Lajal finds a powerful serve to save it and then finds two more to squeeze himself out of a tricky situation.

Alcaraz did little wrong but was made to work hard

That was probably a much longer (at 54 minutes) and trickier opening set than Alcaraz would have liked to kick off his Wimbledon title defence but it’s hard to say he did much wrong. Mark Lajal just forced him to work hard for his 7-6 win.

The Estonian underdog was inspired at points and took it to the Spaniard in pretty much every rally, while pulling off the sort of athletic feats that Alcaraz himself would be proud of.

The good news for Alcaraz fans is that not only did he win the set but he looked incredibly comfortable on the grass, moving well and striking the ball cleanly. He just happened to come up against an opponent playing at - or probably beyond - his very, very best and still emerged victorious.

It’s a big ask for Lajal to continue to maintain that level as the match continues.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) Mark Lajal*

*denotes next player to serve

Alcaraz slings an inside-out forehand into the tramlines. 0-1. He gets his next one right, though, sending it inside-out into the corner. 1-1.

Lajal moves ahead at 2-1, and it’s back to Alcaraz to serve. It’s deep down the T, and Lajal’s off-balance return is wide. 2-2.

Alcaraz gets his drop shot wrong, pushing it too deep, but Lajal’s attempted pass up the line goes well long. 3-2.

Great rally! Both men try drop shots, then Lajal attempts a pass, but a diving Alcaraz keeps the ball in play! But he can’t dive onto the next one, and he crashes to the turf as his racket flies into the net!

He thankfully gets up and laughs it off, as does Lajal. 3-3. Change of ends.

Lajal whips a forehand into the trams. 4-3. Good serving from Alcaraz, and that’s 5-3.

Big hitting from Alcaraz now, and he ends the rally with a step-in forehand winner. 6-3 – three set points to the defending champion.

Lajal to serve... and that’s the worst time to double-fault!! Alcaraz takes the breaker and the first set!

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz* 6-6 Mark Lajal

Lajal gets up and running at 15-0. He then pistons an ace into the corner, creating a plume of chalk. 30-0 – and the serve of the day!

Now a serve down the T, and another ace! 40-0. That’s 3-3 in the ace race.

Terrific forehand pass from Lajal, up the line as Alcaraz bears down on the net!!

A great hold for the underdog. He is not overawed by the occasion at all.

Tiebreak incoming...

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 6-5 Mark Lajal*

Alcaraz tries to outfox Lajal with a backhand drop shot and a lob, but the Estonian makes a backhand overhead, and Alcaraz can’t keep the rally going. 0-15.

Shrewd play from the world No 3 now, though. He wrongfoots Lajal, curling a forehand winner into the corner. 15-15.

Strong serve by Alcaraz for 30-15, then another big forehand for 40-15.

Brilliant drop shot from Alcaraz, from wayyyyyyy deep, and Lajal runs well but can’t flick his reply over the net.

Nice hold from the defending champion.

Lajal digs out the gutsiest of holds

That was the definition of a gutsy hold from Mark Lajal and the roar at the end of the game showed just how much it meant.

We enjoyed the point of the match on deuce when Alcaraz somehow stayed alive with brilliant defensive tennis before the men traded slices and groundstrokes from the baseline. The crowd were riveted and the loudest applause of the day came when Lajal moved ahead with advantage.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz* 5-5 Mark Lajal

*denotes next player to serve

Lajal is serving to stay in the set. Alcaraz tries a drop shot on the backhand, but he can’t clear the net. 15-0.

This time, it’s Lajal who can’t clear the net with a backhand – but from further back. 15-15.

Now Alcaraz wins a little duel at the net for 15-30. Good serve from Lajal, though, and Alcaraz’s desperate backhand drifts long. 30-30.

Another fine serve, and Alcaraz misses on the forehand on this occasion, finding the net only. 40-30.

A competitive rally follows, ending with a big forehand and smash from Alcaraz. Deuce – the first of the match.

Another competitive rally, the longest of the set, and eventually an Alcaraz forehand ends up in the net. Advantage Lajal.

Again Alcaraz puts a groundstroke in the net. Lajal with a crucial hold to keep this set alive!

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Mark Lajal*

Some really tidy play from Alcaraz as he moves to 30-0.

Really fun rally now: Lajal thinks he’s beaten Alcaraz with a forehand pass, but the Spaniard reacts well to keep the point going – only for Lajal to try the same pass and succeed this time! 30-15.

Strong hitting from both 21-year-olds, until Alcaraz drags a backhand into the tramlines. 30-30.

Now the world No 3 finds the chalk with a serve down the middle. Ace, and 40-30.

Powerful serve from Alcaraz, and Lajal is left scrambling. There’s the hold.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz* 4-4 Mark Lajal

New balls. Lajal sends up a puff of chalk with a serve, landing it deep, but his follow-up backhand goes into the net. 0-15.

This time, the Estonian chips a backhand into the net. That was a weak effort in all honesty. 0-30.

Better! Lajal puts his serve out wide, and Alcaraz’s reply is wide on the other side of the court. 15-30.

Now Lajal moves in on a forehand into the corner, before finishing the point with a deft volley. 30-30.

Alcaraz frames a forehand right up into the air! It lands.... wait for it.... wide, eventually! 40-30.

Very powerful forehand from Lajal, with Alcaraz’s reply barely clearing the net. And so Lajal moves in and nudges a half-volley over for a hold of serve.

Good response from the Estonian in this game.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 Mark Lajal*

Alcaraz serves out wide then pummels a forehand into the corner. Lajal tries to lob the ball back into play, but it lands wide – after some time! 15-0.

A backhand return from Lajal can’t beat the net. 30-0. Another backhand miss from the world No 262, this one long. 40-0.

Scorching forehand winner from Alcaraz this time, and he holds to love!

Since being broken two games ago, he hasn’t dropped a point.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz* 3-3 Mark Lajal

The pair trade forehands, before Lajal dumps a backhand into the net. 0-15.

The Estonian then finds the T with a promising serve, before stepping in on his forehand... only to hook it into the tramlines! 0-30.

A deep return from Alcaraz is right at Lajal’s feet, and he has no answer. 0-40 – triple break point.

Alcaraz curls a forehand right into the far corner, and Lajal – on the run – propels his reply long.

Alcaraz with an instant break-back, and to love no less!

Lajal deserves his break of serve

Lajal is determined to disrupt the script here early on. Each of the three Alcaraz service games have seen the underdog pile the pressure on, while he’s held his own serve with ease so far.

And you can’t say he doesn’t deserve that break, with the speed and depth of his groundstrokes consistently surprising and currently overwhelming the Spaniard. There are still plenty of flashes of Alcaraz’s brilliance that suggest he’ll turn this round but how will the champion respond to this early setback?

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 2-3 Mark Lajal*

Alcaraz gives up the first point. 0-15.

The pair then trade backhands, then forehands, with Alcaraz eventually firing long. 0-30.

Alcaraz gets this forehand right, though, whipping a crosscourt winner! 15-30.

He tries to move in on a serve, but the backhand reply is fizzed back and lands right at his feet in the service box... Alcaraz tries to flick a forehand half-volley over, but he can’t. 15-40 – double break point....

Another great crosscourt forehand from Alcaraz, and this time he gets the forehand half-volley right! Lovely. 30-40.

Lajal sends Alcaraz running with a fine forehand, and the defending champion’s attempted forehand pass is wide!!

There’s the break for the underdog!!

*denotes next server

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz* 2-2 Mark Lajal

Lajal gets up and running with an unanswerable serve. 15-0.

Now a good one down the T, but his forehand into the corner is just long – or is it? He’ll challenge this one... and rightly so! It caught the line. 30-0.

Massive serve now, sending Alcaraz off balance, and the Spaniard is unable to get anything on a backhand. 40-0.

A brief forehand battle ensues, and Lajal again finds the corner! A great hold to love.

The crowd appreciating both players

This is a fair Centre Court crowd. They’re clearly here to see Alcaraz and are suitably appreciative when he shows off the power, touch and athleticism that makes him one of the world’s best players but a thunderous Lajal cross-court return winner off an Alcaraz second serve is also greeted with gasps, oohs and loud applause.

The disguised drop shot to hold serve in the third game there may just be a sign that Alcaraz is starting to properly find his feet after a slow-ish start.

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 Mark Lajal*

Alcaraz with a fine serve as he moves to 15-0, but Lajal’s return is a great one on the next point; the qualifier sends Alcaraz out wide with a backhand, and the Spaniard has no answer. 15-15.

Another fine serve by Alcaraz, however, and Lajal’s forehand is off target. 30-15.

Positive hitting from both men now. Lajal draws Alcaraz in with a backhand slice, before trying to lob the world No 3. But Alcaraz puts away the smash. 40-15.

Double-fault from Alcaraz – one serve wide, one in the net. 40-30.

Alcaraz seals the hold with a signature drop shot – his first of the day!

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz* 1-1 Mark Lajal

Lajal finds a second serve, and Alcaraz’s backhand return has nice pace and depth on it. As such, Lajal’s own backhand is dragged wide. 0-15.

Alcaraz then whips a forehand with the ball bouncing right up at him, and he arches it long. 15-15.

Great backhand return from Alcaraz, who moves his feet well to set it up, before sending it deep into the corner. Lajal can’t make the return. 15-30.

Lajal nudges a first serve just long, but his second effort is better, and Alcaraz frames a forehand well wide. 30-30.

Good one-two punch from Lajal, who moves to the net and puts Alcaraz under pressure. The defending champion’s attempted backhand pass can’t beat the net. 40-30.

Another good serve from Lajal, and Alcaraz’s forehand is low in the net.

A hold for the underdog!

Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Mark Lajal*

*denotes next player to serve

Here we go. Alcaraz to serve first.

He finds the net on his first serve but makes his second. Lajal pushes back a central backhand, and Alcaraz’s own backhand is shoveled into the tramlines. 0-15.

Another fault by Alcaraz, who again makes his second serve. Another backhand costs him, this one going into the net. 0-30.

A third successive fault on the first serve, but after Alcaraz makes his second serve, Lajal propels a forehand long. 15-30.

A slightly longer rally ensues on the next point, and again Lajal goes long with a groundstroke. 30-30.

Brilliant serve in the far corner, producing a puff of chalk for an ace. 40-30.

And there’s the hold! A good little comeback within the first game for Alcaraz!

Carlos Alcaraz gets a standing ovation

Last year’s men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon was a great a tennis match as you’ll ever see. And the Wimbledon crowds have clearly taken Alcaraz into their hearts after his astonishing victory.

As defending champion, he has the honour of opening up proceedings on Centre Court on the opening day and he just received a rapturous reception as he walked out alongside opponent Mark Lajal. A standing ovation, in fact. Well deserved for the likeable Spaniard.

Can he now pick up where he left off on the SW19 grass last year against a, frankly, overmatched opponent?

Wimbledon 2024 - Andy Murray update

An update from elsewhere at the All England Club, courtesy of our own Kieran Jackson, who has been watching Andy Murray’s practice match against Kyle Edmund:

“Murray and Edmund stop at 6-3 2-0. Murray is now just going through some repetitive forehands and backhands with coach Jonny O’Mara - will this be the final test of his back?”

Wimbledon 2024 – Alcaraz vs Lajal imminent

Alcaraz and Lajal have arrived on Centre Court, with their warm-up beginning now.

Estonia’s Lajal is just 21, like his Spanish opponent here, and is ranked 262nd in the world. Lajal’s career-high ranking is 191.

In contrast, Alcaraz is currently ranked third in the world, and is of course a former No 1 with three grand slams to his name.

Most recently, Alcaraz won the French Open this month, adding to his 2023 Wimbledon and 2022 US Open crowns.

Wimbledon 2024 – Alcaraz vs Lajal imminent

Our intrepid reporter Luke Baker is making his way to Centre Court, where Carlos Alcaraz is about to begin his title defence against Mark Lajal.

Luke will have a report from that match later this afternoon, but in the meantime, we’ve got you covered with live updates right here.

So, don’t go anywhere!

Wimbledon 2024 - Andy Murray update

Murray wins the practice set 6-3. With a body in pain, boy can he still compete.

Asked by his team if he wants to spend the last 20 minutes playing games or a 10-point tiebreak, he’s in no doubt: “Games.”

They’ll get about halfway through set two...