Wimbledon 2026 kicks off: Sinner defends, Alcaraz absent, Serena makes emotional return
Wimbledon 2026 has begun without its biggest pre-tournament favourite Carlos Alcaraz, sidelined by a wrist injury. Jannik Sinner defends his title on the lawns of the All England Club.
The 2026 Wimbledon Championships got underway on June 29 at the All England Club in London, opening with one of the tournament's biggest storylines already resolved before a single ball was struck: Carlos Alcaraz, twice a Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn due to tenosynovitis in his right wrist.
Sinner defends on Centre Court
In the absence of Alcaraz, world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner carries the weight of expectation. He made life difficult for himself in round one, needing five sets to see off Miomir Kecmanović (4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3), but came through to preserve his title defence.
Djokovic chasing an eighth crown
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic returned with familiar ambition, seeing off Wu Yibing in four sets (6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4) in a composed first-round performance. A potential Sinner vs Djokovic final on Centre Court already has tennis fans dreaming.
Women's draw: Sabalenka and Swiatek lead, Serena returns
Aryna Sabalenka cruised through her opener 6-2, 6-3, while Iga Swiatek battled through 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 against Taylor Townsend. The match that captured the world's attention, however, was Serena Williams' first grand slam appearance since the 2022 US Open — an emotional rollercoaster that ended in a three-set defeat to Maya Joint.
Key numbers
The Championships run from June 29 to July 12, 2026. Singles champions will each receive £3.6 million in prize money — a 20% increase on 2025.
