The 2026 Wimbledon Championships kicked off with a star-studded lineup on Centre Court as top seeds and former champions began their quests for glory. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner opened proceedings, followed by women's top seed Aryna Sabalenka, and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the afternoon session.
Sinner Starts Strong
Jannik Sinner, the defending men's champion, wasted no time asserting his dominance on Centre Court. The Italian dispatched his first-round opponent in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in just under two hours. Sinner, who won his maiden Wimbledon title in 2025, showcased his powerful groundstrokes and improved net play, converting 5 of 9 break points.
According to tournament officials, Sinner's victory marked his 15th consecutive win on grass, extending his streak to the longest active run on the surface. The 24-year-old will face a qualifier in the second round.
Sabalenka Cruises Through
Aryna Sabalenka, the women's top seed and two-time Australian Open champion, began her campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win over a qualifier. The Belarusian fired 10 aces and won 85% of her first-serve points, demonstrating her power on grass.
Sabalenka, who reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2024 and 2025, expressed confidence after the match. According to the 28-year-old, "I feel really good on grass this year. I've worked hard on my movement and it's paying off." She will next face a British wildcard.
Djokovic Eyes Record
Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian legend, took to Centre Court in the afternoon seeking his eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie Roger Federer's record. Djokovic faced a tricky opponent in a big-serving left-hander but prevailed 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-2 in a match that featured several extended rallies.
Djokovic, who missed last year's tournament due to injury, showed no signs of rust. He saved all three break points he faced and converted 4 of 7, improving his first-round record at Wimbledon to 18-0. According to his coach, Djokovic's fitness and focus are at peak levels.
Other Notable Matches
On the outer courts, several seeded players advanced, including women's No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who defeated a qualifier 6-0, 6-2, and men's No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who overcame a slow start to win in four sets. Defending women's champion Marketa Vondrousova also progressed, beating a German wildcard 6-3, 6-4.
However, there were upsets as well. Men's No. 8 seed Taylor Fritz fell in five sets to a French qualifier, while women's No. 10 seed Maria Sakkari lost to a lucky loser from the US. The tournament's first day saw attendance reach a record 42,000 spectators, according to the All England Club.
Looking Ahead
Day two will feature the remaining first-round matches, including women's No. 3 Coco Gauff and men's No. 4 Daniil Medvedev. The tournament runs until July 12, with the men's and women's singles finals scheduled for the second weekend.
Wimbledon 2026 has introduced a new retractable roof for Court 1, allowing play to continue during rain. The innovation was welcomed by players and fans alike, as light showers delayed play on outer courts for 45 minutes in the afternoon.
