Wide open women’s draw and Murray swansong in doubt – Wimbledon talking points

Wimbledon begins on Monday with Carlos Alcaraz bidding to retain his title and Andy Murray battling to be fit for one last hurrah.

Jack Draper leads the British challenge, while some absent star names have left a big gap.

Here, we look at what to expect over the next fortnight at SW19.

Novak Djokovic’s expected absence means that, for the first time this century, none of the ‘big three’ – the Serbian, Rafael Nadal or the retired Roger Federer – will participate at the Championships. With more than two decades of dominance coming to an end it will be down to young guns Alcaraz, world number one Jannik Sinner and, hopefully, Draper to provide the star quality. “I am not nervous at all about that with the new generation coming through and the wonderful players they are,” said All England Club chair Debbie Jevans.

Plans are in place to pay tribute to Andy Murray but his appearance is now shrouded in doubt following the injury he suffered at Queen’s Club. Plus, the two-time champion has yet to confirm whether, fitness permitting, this summer will be his final Wimbledon. Nevertheless, All England Club chiefs are “ready to go” with a farewell ceremony once they get the green light from the 37-year-old. “We’re clear about what we want to do but it’s really important that this is Andy’s call,” said CEO Sally Bolton. Murray is also entered in the doubles with brother Jamie so his ‘final appearance’ could theoretically be anywhere in the grounds rather than Centre Court.

Jack Draper: What. A. Week. ⚡️

The new British No.1 follows his Stuttgart Open title win by beating reigning #Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club ✨#Wimbledon | @jackdraper0 pic.twitter.com/6nGtXl5OOZ

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 20, 2024

Draper’s