Emma Raducanu Returns Strong, Eyes Wimbledon Redemption

Emma Raducanu will face Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of Wimbledon, while Andy Murray, if fit, will play Czech Tomas Machac. Murray, 37, had a back cyst operation recently and will decide at the last minute if he can compete. Novak Djokovic, also racing to be fit after minor knee surgery, will play Czech debutant Vit Kopriva. Djokovic and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz are on opposite sides of the draw, potentially setting up a rematch of last year’s final.

British number one Katie Boulter, seeded 32nd, faces German Tatjana Maria, a 2022 semi-finalist. Jack Draper, seeded for the first time, plays Swedish qualifier Elias Ymer and could meet Cameron Norrie in the second round. Murray plans to decide “as late as possible” if he can compete, aiming for a farewell Wimbledon appearance. He is training after his back surgery and hopes to play singles or, if not, compete in men’s doubles with his brother Jamie. The wildcard pairing faces Australians John Peers and Rinky Hijikata.

In other British matchups, Emma Raducanu returns after missing last year’s tournament due to injury, showing strong form with recent semifinal and quarterfinal appearances. Boulter might face Harriet Dart in the second round, while Dart starts against Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan. Sonay Kartal plays Romanian 29th seed Sorana Cirstea, and Heather Watson faces Belgian Greet Minnen.

Francesca Jones and Lily Miyazaki, both wildcards, will play Petra Martic and Tamara Korpatsch, respectively. Norrie, who reached the 2022 semi-finals, meets Facundo Diaz Acosta. Dan Evans faces Alejandro Tabilo, and wildcard Jacob Fearnley could face Djokovic. Another wildcard, Charles Broom, starts against Stan Wawrinka.

Top seed Iga Swiatek faces Sofia Kenin in her opening match, while American second seed Coco Gauff starts against compatriot Caroline Dolehide. Third seed Aryna Sabalenka faces American Emina Bektas.