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Federer, Williams to open Wimbledon action tomorrow

Roger Federer begins his quest for a record-extending ninth Wimbledon men’s singles title when the 2018 tournament begins on Monday. 
The Swiss great, 36, opens against Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic on Centre Court from 17:30 IST. Seven-time champion Serena Williams, back at SW19 for the first time since giving birth, also plays on Monday against world number 107 Arantxa Rus.

British number ones Kyle Edmund and Johanna Konta both play on Tuesday, but compatriot Andy Murray has pulled out. The Scot initially looked set to feature after saying he was “most likely” to be fit enough to continue his comeback from almost a year out with a hip injury. The 31-year-old returned at Queen’s last month, losing to Nick Kyrgios.

Murray, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, then took a wildcard at Eastbourne. There he beat fellow three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka before losing to compatriot Edmund. However, he was concerned about his long-term fitness and felt Wimbledon simply came “too soon”. “It is with a heavy heart that I’ll be withdrawing from Wimbledon this year,” Murray said.

Williams missed last year’s tournament as she was pregnant with her first child. She returns amid controversy about whether she should have been seeded. The 36-year-old American has been given the 25th seed, a decision world number 32 Dominika Cibulkova – who has made way – described as unfair.

Williams, who has not lost a singles match at Wimbledon since 2014, has only played four events since returning after giving birth to daughter Alexis in September.

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