Wimbledon 2026 Opens With Sinner Defending Title and Djokovic Returning to Centre Court

Wimbledon 2026 kicked off Monday, June 29, at the All England Club in London, with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner opening Centre Court as defending champion against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.

The Italian will be followed by top women’s seed Aryna Sabalenka, who faces Teodora Kostovic in her first-round opener. Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, seeded seventh, then takes to the grass against China’s Wu Yibing. The tournament runs until July 12.

Sinner Starts Title Defence Without His Greatest Rival

Sinner claimed his first Wimbledon title in 2025, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final. The Spaniard won the two editions before that, making the All England Club something of a personal rivalry between the two men. But Alcaraz will not be in London this year. The two-time champion withdrew with a wrist injury, leaving the top half of the draw more open than it has looked in years.

That absence does not make Sinner’s path straightforward. Second seed Alexander Zverev, who won Roland Garros earlier this month, occupies the other end of the draw and is the most significant threat remaining. Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime is also in action on Day 1, with the Canadian widely tipped to go deep into the second week.

Djokovic Chases a Record Eighth Title at 39

At 39, Djokovic arrived in London looking to win a record eighth Wimbledon singles title, which would take him clear of Roger Federer’s mark of seven. His opening match against Wu Yibing gives him a relatively comfortable entry into the draw. But Djokovic and Sinner are in the same half of the bracket, which means if both progress, they could meet before the final.

British Hopes and a Day to Watch

British interest centres on Jack Draper, the men’s sixth seed, who is making his return from arm and knee injuries. Draper, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 last year before his setbacks, opens against sixth seed Taylor Fritz on Court No. 1. Emma Raducanu also plays on Day 1.

Women’s third seed Mirra Andreeva, who won Roland Garros earlier this year, and Coco Gauff, ranked seventh, are among the other high-profile players beginning their campaigns across the first two days of play.

Wimbledon 2026 runs from June 29 to July 12. All matches are broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN in the United States.