Wimbledon has finally returned after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An opening day on Centre Court with a difference...A special moment as we say thank you to those who have played such an important role in the response to COVID-19#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/16dW1kQ2nr— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021
An opening day on Centre Court with a difference...A special moment as we say thank you to those who have played such an important role in the response to COVID-19#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/16dW1kQ2nr
First-round play begins on Monday, and the draw looks to be wide open.
Top-ranked Naomi Osaka previously announced she would not participate in the Grand Slam and Simona Halep recently withdrew from the tournament with a calf injury. No. 1 seed Ashleigh Barty is in the mix for Wimbledon after departing the French Open early with an injury, but her health is still a big question mark.
No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka is the first player to advance out of the first round, defeating Monica Niculescu 6-1, 6-4 in an early morning match on Monday. Sabalenka will look to make her first quarterfinal appearance at a major.
First win of The Championships 2021 belongs to @SabalenkaA ✅The No.2 seed defeats Monica Niculescu 6-1, 6-4#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/MIYHb7RaQZ— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021
First win of The Championships 2021 belongs to @SabalenkaA ✅The No.2 seed defeats Monica Niculescu 6-1, 6-4#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/MIYHb7RaQZ
All eyes will be on Serena Williams as she embarks on her quest to win her 24th Grand Slam title. Williams’ draw looks promising, and with several players injured, the 39-year-old has a solid shot at making a championship run.
Early-round matches begin on Monday and run through Saturday, with coverage beginning at 6 a.m. ET on ESPN.
The Round of 16 will start on July 5 at 8 a.m. and culminate with the semifinals on July 8 at 8 a.m. and the finals on July 10 at 9 a.m., all on ESPN.