LADIES DAY AT WIMBLEDON! RAIN CAN'T DAMPEN GREAT START FOR BRIT WOMEN
The rain may have poured down at SW19 yesterday, but it could not dampen the record-breaking start for British women.
Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart won their first round matches on day two of Wimbledon to join compatriots Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartal and Lily Miyazaki in the second round.
It is the best display for the nation’s female stars at the event for more than 35 years – the last time five British women made it past the first round was in 1987.
The country’s top two players, Ms Boulter who is British No 1 and Ms Dart who is ranked second, both sealed their victories in straight sets yesterday.
But their success means an all-British clash now awaits them in the second round, with the friends scheduled to face each other on Thursday.
Ms Boulter, 27, said: ‘Playing a Brit in the UK on the grass is never an easy draw and I’m expecting an absolute battle. We’ve played a few times before, but for me it’s about playing the ball and not the person.’
The home favourite, who is seeded for the first time at SW19, earned a 7-6, 7-5 victory over 2022 semi-finalist Tatjana Maria, helped by chants of ‘let’s go Katie, let’s go’. Earlier in the day Ms Dart, who lost a close encounter to Ms Boulter in Nottingham last month, had comfortably beaten China’s Zhuoxuan Bai 6-4 6-0 in one hour and 18 minutes.
But there was disappointment for Fran Jones. The 23-year-old took her first set against Petra Martic but was hindered by cramp and eventually lost 6-3, 1-6, 2-6.
For the British men, No 1 Jack Draper secured his place in the second round with a thrilling five-set win on Centre Court last night. The 22-year-old, seeded 28th, stormed to victory over qualifier Elias Ymer, having replaced Sir Andy Murray, who pulled out of the men’s singles due to injury.
The youngster was cheered on by his proud grandfather Chris Entract, brother and agent Ben and mother Nicky as he took the match in five sets 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
But his victory means he will face fellow Briton Cameron Norrie, the 2022 semi-finalist, who secured a three-set victory against Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta.
British wild card Jacob Fearnley, 22, won in straight sets over Alejandro Moro Canas – but now faces a second-round tie with Novak Djokovic. Elsewhere, Billy Harris, Paul Jubb, Jan Choinski and Henry Searle all lost their matches, while play was suspended for Dan Evans, who was down 6-2, 3-3 to Alejandro Tabilo.
Off court, the focus was on celebrity spectators including actress Rebel Wilson. The 44-year-old Hollywood star turned heads in a colourful trouser suit with striking flower motifs.
Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl, 55, and his wife Jordyn Blum were in the royal box alongside Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon.
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