Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon due to shoulder injury
- Aryna Sabalenka pulls out of Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, casting doubts on her participation.
- The withdrawal overshadows early Wimbledon results as the focus shifts to Andy Murray's fitness decision.
- The All-England Club opens its doors for Wimbledon with Sabalenka's absence felt on the court.
In Wimbledon action, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz started his campaign with a 7-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over qualifier Mark Lajal on Centre Court. Alcaraz, who won the French Open recently, expressed nerves but managed to overcome his Estonian opponent. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka's participation remains uncertain as she struggles with readiness ahead of her first-round match with Emina Bektas. On the women's side, Maria Sakkari secured an early win over McCartney Kessler, emphasizing the open nature of the women's draw. Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud also emerged victorious in their matches. However, Sabalenka's withdrawal and Ekaterina Alexandrova's illness-induced exit have impacted the tournament's dynamics. Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner is set to face Yannick Hanfmann on Court 1, adding to the day's lineup of matches. The competition is heating up as players strive to advance in the prestigious tournament. The unpredictable nature of Wimbledon is evident as players navigate challenges and surprises on the grass courts. As the action unfolds, players like Swiatek face tough draws with former grand-slam champions in their path. Swiatek remains focused on her first-round opponent, Sofia Kenin, highlighting the importance of staying in the moment and maintaining physical readiness. With the tournament in full swing, players are adapting their strategies and approaches to excel on the iconic Wimbledon stage.