Tune in tomorrow for all the best updates from SW19
That’s all from me today folks. Some decent tennis today:
- Andy Murray through in straight sets
- Heather Watson survives three match points to win
- Laura Robson puts up a fight but exits
- Eugenie Bouchard out of touch against qualifier
- No3 seed Simona Halep the biggest scalp of the day
- Williams sisters will not play in doubles comp
Kevin Mitchell’s match report on the Murray win...
Andy Murray is through to the second round at Wimbledon – but he will be mildly concerned that, for 20 minutes against Mikhail Kukushkin on Centre Court, he utterly lost his way before winning 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4 in two hours and 12 minutes.
Partly, that was down to his opponent, ranked 59 in the world but still ambitious and owner of a wicked forehand. The world No3 will probably be most concerned about his erratic serving, winning only 19 of 32 at first attempt, Murray took a while to tame his aggression and his own game was a bit of a mess in the second set, where five breaks of serve broke up the rhythm of the exchanges.
Eugenie Bouchard asked whether she was aware if her black bra strap caused the umpire to issue a dress code violation
Nobody told me anything about my bra
Two British players currently remain on court, the Slovenian-born Aljaz Bedene and James Ward. Bedene won the first set against Radek Stepanek but is poised to lose the second, while Ward is locked at 4-4 in the first against Luca Vanni
Watson on her points penalty today:
She [the umpire] gave it to me for audible obscenity. She didn’t like me, that’s for sure.
That’s probably the upset of the Championships so far, given that Cepelova is ranked 106th in the world
Updated
Big scalp in the women’s singles. The No3 seed Simona Halep crashes out in the first round to Jana Cepelova, losing 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
HOME COMFORTS ＠ andy_murray mouths 'thank you' to the Centre Court crowd after easing through #Wimbledon http://t.co/6gZdLLd6Th
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2015
Andy Murray:
I missed about 10-11 first serves in a row so I gave him a chance to be aggressive. He made it very difficult for me. But I wasn’t surprised. He’s a tough player when he’s going for his shots.
There’s definitely work to be done but my opponent played very well. I was glad to get it done in three sets because it was very hot.
Centre Court rises to the 2013 champion, who never really had to get into top gear against Mikhail Kukushkin. There were a few tricky moments though, so all in all a good day’s work for Murray
Game, set, match Murray
Murray wins comfortably in straight sets, making light of the tough conditions to win 6-4, 7-6, 6-4
Murray is currently serving for the match...
Heather Watson on saving three match points:
I only thought for a second that it maybe wasn’t meant to be this time. But I said, No matter what, if she wants this match, she’s going a have to win it, I’m not going to give it to her. I just stuck in there. Before I knew it, it was now my turn to close the match
It’s 41C courtside on Centre
Our reporter Hugh Muir on swearing at Wimbledon...
Though it is hard to feel much sympathy for young, fit, idolised multimillionaires – or even just the young and fit – the modern tennis player may justifiably conclude that they cannot win. On Monday, anticipating Wimbledon, there was much debate about whether the sport has blanded out, and is now led by colourless automatons. A day later, the lament is different. OMG, they’re swearing.
And yes, on the opening day, they were swearing – four players pulled up and maybe facing disciplinary proceedings for potty-mouthed eruptions. For shame, one of them, Liam Broady, is British.
Either way, this is a bad defeat for the Canadian...
Nightmare run continues for Eugenie Bouchard, beaten 7-6, 6-4 by qualifier Ying-Ying Duan. Will drop at least out of top 20, maybe further
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) June 30, 2015
The BBC Tennis Twitter account seems to have deleted its tweet reporting that Eugenie Bouchard had been penalised for a dress code violation.
It’s 2-2 on serve between Murray and Kukushkin. We could be on for a very early finish here at SW19
And Bouchard, last year’s finalist, is beaten in straight sets by Ying Ying Duan, a qualifier from China
You cannot be serious? https://t.co/T2BhpCVrYv
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 30, 2015
So... @geniebouchard gets a dress code penalty for her bra strap showing. #Wimbledon Watch: http://t.co/HDH89f9d6P pic.twitter.com/GO6wBMaP5B
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) June 30, 2015
Laura Robson was upbeat after defeat:
There were so many positives from today that I can go back and work on. You know, I was the one hitting winners, but I was the one hitting unforced errors, as well. Just in terms of finishing points better, moving better, definitely serving better, it’s all things to work on and things to take into the next few much smaller tournaments.
Elias Ymer hints at brighter future for Sweden despite defeat with his victory over Karlovic earlier today...
Murray fights back to win the second set
He wins the tie break 7-3
Murray has been broken in the second set
A minor blip, or something more serious? Join Scott Murray on the game by game
Jacob Steinberg’s report on Heather Watson’s stunning win...
Heather Watson proved that quitting is not in her nature by keeping British hopes alive with a gnarled win over the gifted but erratic Caroline Garcia, the young Frenchwoman whose mental fragility continues to prevent her from making the most of a game which is so easy on the eye when it functions properly.
Meanwhile the 2014 finalist Eugenie Bouchard has lost the first set 7-6 against Ying-Ying Duan
Nadal is due to play Dustin Brown in round two. Here’s what the Spaniard said about his next opponent:
It is difficult to think about how the match is going to be. He’s not a usual player. Anything can happen. He beat me last year at Halle. It is a little bit different, the surface and everything.
It is a dangerous match. He’s a tough player. He won today against a good opponent like Lu. Probably he will come with good confidence. I going to try and be ready for it.
WATCH @andy_murray enters Centre Court to start his pursuit of another #Wimbledon title http://t.co/I5GLLvJxZj
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2015
Here’s Kevin Mitchell on Rafa Nadal’s earlier victory...
If his opponents imagine Rafael Nadal is a reduced force at Wimbledon because of his poor run of form on clay this summer, the Spaniard reminded them on Tuesday that the weapons that won him two titles are still functioning efficiently.
Nadal needed a routine win to get his game back in shape after crashing out in the French Open quarter-finals against Novak Djokovic, and he got it on day two here, beating the Brazilian left-hander Thomaz Bellucci 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in two hours and 10 minutes on a sweltering day on Court No1.
Confirmation that the Williams sisters have withdrawn from the women’s doubles
No reason was immediately given for Tuesday’s withdrawal, with the lucky losers Misaki Doi and Stephanie Vogt promoted to take the sisters’ place in the draw.
Roger Federer plays down heat today...
It was not hot. It was totally fine. It was perfect conditions, to be honest. It was nice. No clouds whatsoever. So it was straight on, just perfect playing conditions, to be honest. It was wonderful.
Match report from Roger Federer’s victory...
Roger Federer made a typically confident start to his quest for a record eighth Wimbledon title as he dismissed the world No88 Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.
The 33-year-old, seeded No2 this year and beaten by Novak Djokovic in last year’s final, was never troubled as he made it through to round two.
Federer set another record as soon as he stepped on to the court for what was his 63rd consecutive grand slam appearance, beating the mark he had shared with Japan’s Ai Sugiyama.
Andy Murray is of course on court and he has just won the opening set 6-4
Follow his match against Mikhail Kukushkin here with Scott Murray...
So far today Federer, Nadal and Watson have all advanced to the second round. Best performance, mind, was Petra Kvitova’s, the defending champion losing just one point on serve to beat Kiki Bertens in straight sets
Heather Watson:
Gosh she made me work. I felt the points were quite quick but I was getting tired because she was pushing me wide. I’m glad to get through it. I feel fit and healthy and just need to work on being more aggressive next time.
Game, set, match Watson!
Having survived three match points, Watson triumphs in great drama! She advances past the 32nd seed 1-6, 6-3, 8-6
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Both players’ serves have gone to pot. Three break points for Watson now - remember, no tie break in the deciding set. Can she capitalise? Garcia thwacks a backhand winner and suddenly it’s 30-40, but she goes long on the next point. Watson breaks back and has another chance to serve for the match...
Garcia breaks back! 6-6 in the final set and she’ll be kicking herself
She loses the first two opening points of the match, and seems to be having trouble with her feed...
Phenomenal effort from Watson, after surviving three match points she breaks Garcia’s serve to love. Real opportunity now...
Watson breaks!
Heather Watson survives three match points
Britain’s remaining lady holds serve against Garcia! It’s 5-5 in the last and that was brilliant from Watson, digging deep and targeting her opponent’s forehand
Britain’s women could both exit in quick succession here. Watson serving to stay in it
Laura Robson is out
After such a fine run two year’s ago, Robson falls 6-4, 6-4 to Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina
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Trying to figure out what Watson said to result in a points penalty, but she digs deep to hold serve and it’s 4-4 in the final set. That really was a crucial moment of this match and could have been decisive if she had lost because of the violation
Watson serving at 3-4 down in the third set and has to start the game 0-15 down due to a points penalty
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Game, set, match Federer
He beats Dzumhur 6-1, 6-3, 6-3
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Watson squanders two break points against Garcia and it’s 3-3 on serve in the third. Credit to Garcia for advancing to the net with aggression and purpose, even when down a break point
Here is Petra Kvitova discussing whether it was embarrassing to win her first-round match in just 36 minutes...
No, I don’t think so. I think it was nice. Unfortunately maybe for people it was a little bit quick. My parents came. The first 35 minutes, I have to say sorry to them.
Just had a stroll round the grounds here and all the punters seem to be having a ball. Pimm’s and Stella flowing in abundance, among the chinos and shades. No-one seems to have gone down from the heat, though, even if it is stifling
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Elsewhere Federer and Nadal are both cruising. Looks like Andy Murray is going to be on Centre pretty soon
Cheers Tom. So Heather Watson has resumed her match against Caroline Garcia with the score a set apiece, and it’s on serve at 1-1 in the third
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And with that, I’ll hand you back to James. Bye.
Meanwhile, here’s Simon Cambers’ report of Petra Kvitova’s thrashing of Kiki Bertens:
Federer wins the second set to go 2-0 up. Another break, another set. Simple. Andy Murray needs to get ready. Giles Müller is a break up on Rafa Nadal now.
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Dzumhur beats Federer at the net with a lovely whipped forehand down the line – he’ll savour the memory of that one (he says, slightly patronisingly) – but it’s the only point he wins off the serve, and it’s 5-3.
A couple of rare errors from Federer give Dzumhur a couple of points and a brief sniff but they’re promptly snuffed out as the Swiss holds. Dzumhur then shanks a couple of horrible double faults into the net to start the next game, and Federer has three break points before you know it. The Bosnian retrieves one of them with an ace down the middle but no others – it’s 4-3 to Federer.
Over on No1 Court, Nadal is now two sets up against Bellucci.
Updated
A blistering backhand from the back of the court completes another service hold to love for Federer, but Dzumhur is battling here, and holds again to go 3-2 up. Up in the commentary box, eco-warrior John Inverdale in the BBC commentary begins to sound audibly narked by the persistence of low-ish flying aircraft over the All England Club.
Meanwhile, Laura Robson is in a spot of bother: she’s lost the opening set to Rodina 6-4.
Updated
Dzumhur holds his first service game of the second set against Federer. Mind you, he managed to do that in the preceding set too. This time though, he manages to hold again for 2-1 after the former world No1 had zipped through another service game for the loss of a mere point.
It’s not so one-sided everywhere. Back on Court Two, Tsonga’s a break down against Müller at 0-2 in the fourth set, so this one could be headed for a decider.
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Breaking news:
Federer wins the first set 6-1. Flawless, almost effortless.
Updated
Dzhumur hadn’t been playing that badly in the first five games but he fell to pieces a bit in the sixth, conceding another break with two double-faults. Federer now leads 5-1, while out on Court Two Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has won the third set 6-4 against Giles Müller to go two sets to one ahead.
Another Briton falls: The British No5, Brydan Klein, has lost in straight sets to Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. And Federer has broken Dzhumur’s serve to lead 3-1 – Andy Murray could be on long before everyone’s left work at this rate, which will be a blow to the BBC’s ratings hopes.
Dzumhur also holds his first service game to 30, sealing it with a thumping ace. Back in the women’s draw, Kvitova’s has not been the most emphatic win of the day, Angelique Kerber hammering Carina Witthoeft 6-0, 6-0. Ouch.
Updated
The level of Federer-fandom at Wimbledon has almost reached self-caricaturing levels: a rasping male voice shouts out “Roger, I love you!” before he’s even served for the first point. Anyway, the Swiss holds to 30.
Updated
Back on Centre Court, Roger Federer’s first-round tie against Damir Dzumhur is about to start. Federer to serve.
Afternoon everyone, Tom Davies taking over while James enjoys a well-earned spot of lunch. Some latest scores on the doors for you: Rafa Nadal has won the first set against Tomasz Bellucci 6-4; Jo Wilfried-Tsonga has a fair old battle on his hands against Gilles Müller - it’s one set all after each of the first two sets went to a tiebreak, and 2-2 in the third; and meanwhile on Court No3, Laura Robson has just begun her match against Evgeniya Rodina, where it’s 2-1 to the Briton in the first set and thus far going with serve.
My colleague Tom Davies will be helming the blog for a short while...
Here’s Owen Gibson’s match report on Kyle Edmund’s defeat...
The British No3 Kyle Edmund failed to match his compatriot Liam Broady’s feat in reaching the second round, fading after a promising start to lose in straight sets to the Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.
A downcast Edmund faded badly after a tight opening set that Dolgopolov, who beat Rafael Nadal in the first round at Queen’s in the run-up to Wimbledon, eventually took on a tie break.
Next up on Centre is Roger Federer
A penny for Kiki Bertens’ thoughts right now. She was lucky to get a game
KVITOVA:
I think nerves are important, they have to be helpful. I like them. I was sick a few days ago but still played very well.
Quite remarkable performance from Kvitova. She lost just one point on serve in the entire match (a double fault), with the contest lasting 36 minutes!
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Game, set, match, Kvitova
The champion breezes through 6-1, 6-0
Double fault from Kvitova! Nooo!
I hope Roger Federer is ready, he’s on next...
Kvitova leads 5-0 and there is no doubt she is sailing into round two. They have been on court 31 minutes!
Poor Bertens
Another love service hold for Kvitova, this is astonishing! She leads 4-0 in the second
Updated
On Centre Court, they have only been playing 26 minutes but Petra Kvitova is 3-0 up in the second set!
Kyle Edmund is out
The Brit falls 7-6, 6-1, 6-2 to Dolgopolov
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Kvitova leads 2-0 in the second set, yet to lose a point on serve
Bertens is broken in the opening game of the second set. She looks up to her camp in despair
Lindsay Davenport:
Kvitova is at her best when she has time. You have to make her play defence
They are back out for the second set, and you get the feeling this could all be over very soon
Roy Hodgson in the Royal Box today
Updated
Kvitova takes the first set 6-1
The champion doesn’t lose a single point on serve in the opening set!
The Centre Court crowd are trying to encourage Bertens but the sympathetic applause is not masking the fact that Kvitova is giving her a schooling so far. The Czech leads 5-1
Kvitova 4-1 up in the opening set, yet to lose a point on serve!
Kvitova leads Bertens 3-0. Blistering start and two love games on serve for the champion
Updated
Over on Court Three, Edmund has received treatment for a shoulder problem as he looks to fight back from two sets down
Oh dear, poor old Bertens loses the opening seven points and she is broken immediately
Kvitova starts ominously. Remember how she battered Bouchard last year? Well, she holds to love in the opening game with some brutal hitting
For those wanting regular updates on Nadal v Bellucci, join Scott Murray on the game-by-game
Rafa Nadal is out on Court One for his match against Thomasz Bellucci
Rafael Nadal in numbers... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bB9QTz38Zw
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2015
Kyle Edmund has lost the second set to Dolgopolov 6-1. Big fightback needed now at 7-6, 6-1 down
Simon Cambers:
The colour was back in Petra Kvitova’s face on Sunday, good news for the Czech as she tries to become the only woman not named Williams to successfully defend the title at Wimbledon in the past 20 years.
As the world No2, the left-hander is the most likely woman, on paper and in reality, to stop Serena Williams from winning her fourth successive grand slam event. But, as she prepares to deal with the nerves that come with being the holder of the most prestigious title in the sport, Kvitova knows exactly how hard it will be to stop the American.
Meanwhile, we are about to see the reigning champion emerge on Centre Court. Petra Kvitova and Kiki Bertens are due out at any moment
Edmund is struggling now against Dolgopolov, he’s 3-1 down in the second set and with the Ukrainian about to serve...
Updated
An epic first set between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Muller on Court Two, the Frenchman clinching it with an ace to win a tie break 10-8
Over on Court 12 the young Swede Elias Ymer takes the first set against Ivo Karlovic on a tie break. The big Croatian hit 11 aces in that opener but Ymer returned brilliantly. He looks quite a player
Dolgopolov takes the tie break and leads Edmund
Edmund had a half-chance there at 4-4 but netted with a crosscourt forehand attempt. Got to take those chances at this level and he now finds himself a set down
Dolgopolov and Edmund go to a tie break in the opening set. Nothing separating them after 12 games
I have to congratulate the All England Club on banning selfie sticks this year. People who use those should never be allowed back through the gates. Never.
It's been a busy morning at the All England Club... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/3sgoXTlaPD
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2015
4-4 between Edmund and Goldopolov in the opening set. Could go either way you get the sense...
It’s all pretty calm across SW19 at the moment, everyone waiting for Murray later this afternoon...
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Thanks Harry
I fancy Andy Murray to do well at Wimbledon. He’s on the other side of the draw from Djokovic and I can only see 1 of those two winning it.
— Harry Redknapp (@Redknapp) June 30, 2015
Immediate break back for Edmund! 2-2 in the opening set on Court 3
Did you know that 79 people were treated for heat stroke on the afternoon that Andy Murray won Wimbledon in 2013? Presumably a lot of over-zealous Pimm’s drinking on the hill
Edmund is then broken in the next game, can he respond?
Two break points for Edmund in Dolgopolov’s opening game, but the Ukrainian just holds
Edmund starts with an ace and survives a break point in his opening game to hold serve
FFC800 describes the heat rule allowing a break for ladies and girls as “blatant sexism”. Post any other views below the line please...
Other matches currently underway include Jo-Wilfried Tsonga v Gilles Muller and Dustin Brown v Yen-Hsun Lu
Edmund, 20, is ranked 101 in the world, while Ukrainian Dolgopolov is 70th.
It will be interesting to see how Kyle Edmund gets on today against Alexandr Dolgopolov. They’re first on court three and it’s a big challenge for Edmund, the young Brit
Here’s today’s order of play, things due to get going soon
Quite right Geoff. It is the British contingent down here who seem to be making a fuss about the weather (mostly us reporters). For the majority of players this is nothing, but I still think tomorrow could be interesting in the conditions.
Geoff Foley below the line comments...
“Blistering heat? I get that SW19 is humid when it gets above 25, but seriously. I had the pleasure of sitting at Melbourne Park in 44C heat last year. Now that’s hot.”
Meanwhile, if temperatures eclipse 30C tomorrow, women can request heat breaks between the second and third sets of their matches. It’s only for the ladies and girls, though.
The forecast for Wednesday states temperatures may reach the mid-30s, potentially setting a record at the championships since such information was first formally recorded 10 years ago. The highest temperature was 33C on 27 June 2011.
If that figure is eclipsed this week, players in the women’s and girls’ competitions will be permitted a break between the second and third set of matches that go the distance. Organisers will take a heat-stress index if the temperature rises above 30.1C and players can then take a break if they request it. The heat rule has never been used at the championships before.
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Heat warning!
It’s bleedin’ hot!
Owen Gibson reports...
The All England Lawn Tennis Club has warned spectators and players to take measures to combat temperatures expected to easily exceed 30C (86F) on Tuesday.
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Let’s not forget we have a one-set showdown today between Heather Watson and the No32 seed Caroline Garcia. Watson lost the first set 6-1 yesterday but fought back to take the second 6-3 before play was suspended for bad light. They are second today on court 12
Some interesting stuff in this morning’s papers following Broady’s remarkable victory yesterday. Much of it is family related, given he is still estranged from his father, Simon, who disapproved of his son’s return to the LTA a few year’s back.
Here’s Simon Cambers’ match report from his win over Marinko Matosevic...
Broady is guaranteed a cheque for at least £47,000 after his 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win, which amounts to almost three-quarters of his career earnings. He said the money would be used to help him continue his quest to climb the rankings and would enable him to do so in greater comfort
Play starts on the outside courts at 11.30am
The gates are open and the spectators are abound...
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Preamble
The sun is out and the feelgood factor has already filtered through SW19 this week. Andy Murray begins his Wimbledon campaign today but Liam Broady’s five-set comeback on Monday has got the ball rolling before Britain’s No1 has even shown his face on Centre Court.
Murray is last on Centre today, starting a tournament than many believe he is favourite to win. Certainly he’s in excellent form but, first and foremost, he has to negotiate safe passage into round two against Mikhail Kukushkin, the world No59.
Both players, each coached by women, will have to cope with the blistering heat across south west London. It’s forecast to be even hotter on Wednesday, but by the time Murray and Kukushkin emerge this evening temperatures are set to reach 28C.
First up on Centre we have the reigning champion and No2 seed Petra Kvitova versus Kiki Bertens before Roger Federer plays Damir Dzumhur. It’s an action-packed day elsewhere as Rafa Nadal, Laura Robson, Tomas Berdych and Eugenie Bouchard all play in round one.
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