LONDON — Defending men's champion Jannik Sinner opened play on Centre Court as the 2026 Wimbledon Championships got under way on Monday, following the tournament's long-standing tradition of giving the reigning men's singles champion the honor of launching the fortnight at the All England Club.
The world number one began his title defense against Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening match on Centre Court, with the day's schedule also featuring women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka against qualifier Teodora Kostovic and seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic facing China's Wu Yibing.
Sinner returns to southwest London seeking a second consecutive Wimbledon crown after capturing his maiden title at the All England Club in 2025. Tournament tradition reserves the opening Centre Court match for the defending men's champion, while the reigning women's champion opens play on Centre Court on the second day of the championships.
The Italian entered the tournament as the top seed and one of the favorites for the title. His first-round opponent, Kecmanovic, was aiming to upset the defending champion and advance beyond the opening round of the year's third Grand Slam tournament.
Elsewhere on the opening day's schedule, Sabalenka began her bid for a first Wimbledon singles title, while Djokovic started another campaign to add to his record Grand Slam tally. Court One featured Britain's Emma Raducanu against Antonia Ruzic, along with former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev taking on Marin Cilic.
The championships run from June 29 through July 12 on the grass courts of the All England Club. The men's and women's singles draws again feature many of the sport's leading players, although the tournament also opened with several notable absences due to injury and other withdrawals.
Play began across multiple courts under the traditional opening-day schedule, with first-round matches continuing throughout the grounds as players sought places in the second round. The tournament is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, when defending women's champion Iga Swiatek is expected to begin her title defense on Centre Court.
