Wimbledon 2018, RECAP: Day 1 - Relive all the action from first round featuring Roger Federer and Serena Williams
- The third Slam of the year gets underway at Wimbledon with big names in action
- Reigning champion Roger Federer beats Dusan Lajovic in straight sets
- Serena Williams made a winning return to SW19 against Arantxa Rus on Court 1
- Marin Cilic safely through in straight sets against Yoshihto Nishioka
- Sloane Stephens, the No 4 seed, knocked out in first round by Donna Vekic
- Debutant Harriet Dart pushes Karolina Pliskova all the way before defeat
- 19-year-old Katie Swan the first Brit into round two, beating Irina-Camelia Begu
- Cameron Norrie and Liam Broady beaten by Aljaz Bedene and Milos Raonic
One of the most eagerly-anticipated events of the sporting calendar got underway on Monday as the finest tennis players descend on Wimbledon for the third Slam of the year.
Though British fans will be disappointed by the injury withdrawal of Andy Murray, there is still a world class field in SW19 as always.
Day one highlights included defending champion Roger Federer, as well as Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic.
Relive the action from day one with ADAM SHERGOLD and JAMES DUTTON.
Well, that's all we've got time for today. Thank you for following a gorgeous opening day at Wimbledon. Always a success when they are still out playing beyond 9 o'clock in the evening.
We'll be back for more tomorrow. Some interesting match ups coming your way with Garbine Muguruza, Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep out on Centre.
On Court 1 we'll have Kyle Edmund, Petra Kvitova and Novak Djokovic. And there'll be plenty more on the outer courts for you to keep your eyes on.
Join us then, ta ra.
Former finalist Aggie Radwanska has overcome the spirited Elena-Gabriela Ruse. But No 5 seed Elina Svitolina is on the brink of an early exit. She's 5-0 down in the deciding set to Tatjana Maria.
Bedene serving for a place in the second round here. And he holds with ease. Fantastic game under that pressure. He holds to love, Cameron Norrie is out, and Aljaz Bedene into round two.
Lightning from Norrie, breezes his way to 40-0, and a forehand goes long from Bedene. He will now be made to serve it out.
New balls, will Bedene make them sing? First serve is big but he nets on the next point and it's 15-15.
Out wide, Norrie's block return lands beyond the baseline. Wild forehand from Norrie gives Bedene two game points. First one is saved, a generous net cord comes to Norrie's rescue.
Forehand long, and Bedene holds. Norrie must now serve to stay in the Championships.
Better from Norrie, good response to the last two games, clean hitting with his ground strokes and he races to 40-0. Double fault lets Bedene back in but Norrie slams a winner.
Forehand long from Norrie, and again... into the net this time. Ace down the line seals it, and Bedene holds after the break.
Norrie's just gone off the boil a little. Bedene with a big forehand and he's gone from 15 to deuce. Big serve from Norrie, deep overhead and Bedene nets. Forehand long and it's deuce again.
Oh, it's self-destruction from Norrie! Into the net and Bedene breaks. Oh dear. Has he got anything left in the tank now?
A hold to 15 for Bedene, now it's on Norrie to pose the questions.
Norrie on the attack with his forehand, into the net for a winner. He races to a 40-0 lead and Bedene nets. Norrie is asking more questions of his opponent and is looking better right now.
From nowhere Cam Norrie has two break points. Bedene saves the first with a big serve and again the second as Norrie floats a block return long. We have deuce.
Bedene injects some pace into his ground strokes and Norrie nets. Advantage. And Norrie goes long, that's a big hold. His serve came up for him right when he needed it to.
Cameron Norrie is serving first in this fourth set and hopefully that will suit him. He's taken to 30 but holds as Bedene nets.
Coca Vandeweghe's brave effort has come to an end. She did well to last as long as she did after suffering an ankle injury early on that severely impacted her mobility around the court. But it's Katerina Siniakova who will be in the second round.
Good body serve from Bedene and Norrie's return is swatted away for an easy hold. 1-0.
Great length from Bedene and Norrie lands a forehand long. The mini break goes against him once again. Good serve, Bedene goes long this time and it's 2-1.
Easy as you like for Bedene. His serve is holding true and he moves 4-1 to the good. Forehand into the tram lines and this is fast slipping away from him now. 5-1 to Bedene at the change of ends.
Norrie gets himself back in it, but Bedene can win it with these next two serves. 5-2. But that's a good response. Aggressive, into the net and a backhand volley winner from Norrie takes us to 5-3. Backhand into the net... 6-3.
One set point saved as Bedene's forehand hits the tramlines. 6-4. Double fault! What a way to go. Bedene now has a two set to one lead.
Norrie slaps a huge forehand to move to 40-15 and we're heading to a tie break here now, surely. We are as Bedene nets.
Bedene holds, a couple of tight shots from Norrie into the net and long. He's trying to up the ante, that much is clear right now.
Norrie with an ace but he lets Bedene back into it, a careless error and he has two set points to save. Which he does! A big serve out wide at 30-40 which Bedene can only net.
Bedene thought he'd hit a winner down the line for a third, but it's called out. That looked very close. And into the net! Norrie holds. Brilliant gumption.
No 5 seed Svitolina is in trouble, she's dropped the first set on Court 2. Elsewhere Aggie Radwanska is into a third and Coco Vandeweghe is going to the wire at 5-5 in the third.
Norrie moves up 0-15 but Bedene delivers an ace that kisses the T to tie it up. Follows with another ace down the middle. And Norrie goes into the net on the next two. Impressive serving!
Norrie not giving Bedene any invitations on his serve and holds to 15. Very comfortable on serve out there at the moment. For both players.
Into the net from Bedene and a cry of 'Come On' from Cam Norrie. Big wind up for the forehand return on second serve but he's hit it long. 15-15. And Bedene has turned it round now, an ace - that looked out by a distance - is upheld. And he holds.
Kick serve, second serve ace for Norrie and he holds to 15.
Another love hold for Bedene, he's looking strong on serve.
Poor judgement from Norrie as he lets a backhand from Bedene float past him and kiss the line. Norrie gets away with one as Bedene nets from a good opportunity in the centre of the court on the next point. Then a return into the net, 30-15 soon becomes 40-15 with a towering overhead. Long from Bedene and he's missed the chance to apply some pressure.
Both players serving well here, I write as Bedene double faults 40-0 up. But he holds to 15.
And that's an easy love hold for Norrie in response.
Bedene keeps the momentum up with a hold to 30 at the start of the third set.
Aggie Radwanska has slipped 4-1 down in the second set on Court 1.
The hobbling Coco Vandeweghe, meanwhile, has lost the second set and is now into a decider with Katerina Siniakova on Court 3.
No 5 seed Elina Svitolina is 5-2 down in the first to Tatjana Maria on Court 2.
Bedene misses the target and Norrie holds on his serve. 1-0. Big serve, long from Norrie and it's back level. And that's a lovely forehand winner into the corner. 2-1.
Forehand goes long from Norrie and Bedene has the mini break here. 3-1. Forehand goes long and Norrie keeps himself alive. 3-2.
Bedene with a big serve, Norrie's return is high and Bedene powers a winner. He moves 4-2 up at the change of ends. Still needs to land this next service point to keep hold of his advantage. Ace! 5-2.
Good running from Norrie, strong forehand that Bedene can only respond into the net with. 5-3. Long from Bedene and the pressure is back on him, 5-4.
Great length from Bedene and Norrie can only miscue a forehand wide into the tramlines. Two set points for Bedene. And he takes it! We're level at one set all.
Bedene has the chance to bury Norrie, but he lets the ball drop instead of backing his overhead. Norrie replies with a backhand winner and he has break point. Taken with a lob that hits the line! And we have tie break!
Norrie is wobbling all of a sudden, but at 15-40 his second serve comes to the rescue. Big kick and Bedene returns wide. Into the net! Thrilling rally that the Slovenian edges. A big net cord helped Norrie but a good reflex volley got Bedene back into the point and Norrie's reflexes aren't quick enough. He will now serve for the second set.
Comfortable hold for the Slovenian with a lovely winner that hits the tramline to seal it.
Immediate break back from Cam Norrie. And that's where we will head for our coverage now, with the score at 5-4 in the second to the British No 2.
The No 5 seed Elina Svitolina has gone 2-0 down in the opening set on Court No 2.
The No 32 seed Agnieszka Radwanska has claimed the first set on Court 1 6-3.
Cameron Norrie is a set up but he's got a fight on his hands in the second. He's 4-3 down now with Bedene serving.
Welcome back Stan Wawrinka! That's an unbelievable win, and his first ever against a top 10 player on grass. The world No 3 has cashed out in the first round, and his wait for Grand Slam glory goes on.
The 33-year-old has triumphed 1-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.
And that's it! Gael Monfils has claimed a straight sets win over compatriot Richard Gasquet with a 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 win in two hours and 21 minutes. The 23rd seed is out!
It's getting tight and niggly on Centre Court and we remain on serve in the fourth set as Wawrinka holds to go 3-2 up.
And in the Battle of the 'Brits', it's Cameron Norrie who draws first blood! He claims the first set over Aljaz Bedene 6-4.
Look at his face! Just look at his face!
The 16th seed in the women's draw, Coco Vandeweghe, has battled through injury to claim the opening set against Katerina Siniakova on a tie break out on Court 3.
Former runner-up at the All England Club Agnieszka Radwanskais in action now on Court 1.
She's up against 20-year-old Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse and has taken an early break to lead 2-0.
The No 8 seed Kevin Anderson is safely through with a routine win in straight sets over Norbert Gombos on Court No 12.
Out on Court 14 we have British No 2 Cameron Norrie in action. He's up against former Brit and now Slovenian again Aljaz Bedene. It's 3-2 to Norrie on serve.
Dimitrov claims the first point, forces Wawrinka out wide and he can only find the net. Unlucky miscue off the racket and it's a mini break for the Bulgarian. Sliced backhand from Dimitrov drops long and Stan is on the scoreboard.
Backhand drop shot, but the execution is poor and Dimitrov has let the mini break go. He can't locate his first serve at present. Doesn't need it there, backhand into the net from Stan.
Big serve down the T and a forehand down the line at the net. Good from Stan. 3-3. Savage forehand down the line from Wawrinka but it's just out. A good challenge from Dimitrov, he goes 4-3 up and has the mini break back.
But he loses it immediately with another unforced error. He's wasted some real opportunities in this set already. And a big forehand into the corner but it's missed the line. Suddenly Wawrinka in the driving seat.
Big forehand from Wawrinka and he has two set points! But it's a superb return from Dimitrov, hits the baseline and Wawrinka can only guide a backhand into the tramlines. But he gets it! Backhand winner down the line through the eye of a needle and Stan Wawrinka now leads by two sets to one!
He's saved two set points, and we're having tie break. Let's go...
And it's second set Monfils in the Battle of France on Court 2. He claims it 7-5 as we looked set for a tie break. But out on Centre, Stan Wawrinka is a hold of serve away from forcing one aginst Grigor Dimitrov.
An hour and 28 minutes and Serena Williams is into the second round at Wimbledon with a 7-5, 6-3 win. She had to dig deep and needed six match points in the end! But it's a winning return for the GOAT.
Grigor Dimitrov can't serve it out in the third set. We're back on serve at 4-5 to the Bulgarian.
KIERAN GILL: Wimbledon have now taken Monfils' 150mph serve off him and say it was an error by the speed-gun...
MIKE DICKSON: Great win for Katie Swan, she’s being coached at present by Argentine Diego Veronelli, who used to be in charge of Heather Watson at her peak when she nearly beat Serena Williams on Centre Court.
He’s a good operator. Williams struggling in the wind versus Arantxa Rus but has just broken back for 3-3.
We are back level on Court 1, Serena Williams brings us to 3-3 in the second set She leads having claimed the first 7-5.
A 6-2, 6-2 win for Katie Swan. That's a great result for the 19-year-old, and a first home win for Great Britain on day one.
Grigor Dimitrov has coasted into a 3-0 lead early in the third set. It's 1-1 over on Centre but the Bulgarian is making the early running in the latest set.
Serena Williams has been broken early in the second set on Court 1 after a contentious point had to be replayed. Rus got the rub of the green and rammed it home. She leads 2-1 after losing the first set.
Katie Swan is two games away from a big win here. She's broken to go 4-2 up over world No 36 Irina-Camelia Begu on Court 14.
All square on Court 2 in the second set. Gasquet breaks Monfils to bring us to 2-2.
33-year-old Stan Wawrinka hits back with a bang! He's claimed the second set on a tie break over Grigor Dimitrov. And Centre Court is right behind him.
And after claiming the first set on a tie break, Gael Monfils has the early break in the second.
Serena closes out the first set as Rus goes long. She raises her hands in celebration after claiming it 7-5.
KIERAN GILL: A serve of 150mph has been clocked on the No 2 Court by Gael Monfils! It's the fastest ever recorded by the statisticians at Wimbledon. It was previously Taylor Dent in 2010. Wow.
Gael Monfils saves two set points from Richard Gasquet and draws first blood on Court 2.
And that's remarkable, Katie Swan has claimed the first set 6-2 out on Court 14. Can she keep it up and become the first Brit into round two.
LAURA LAMBERT: Brit watch: 19yo Katie Swan up an early break against world No 36 Irina-Camelia Begu, leads 4-1. Has only lost two points on her serve.
A lovely drop shot volley from Grigor Dimitrov brings us back on serve on Centre Court. He now trails Stan Wawrinka 4-3.
Meanwhile Serena Williams is dialling up the volume on Court 1. Literally. She's 4-3 up in the first, and they are on serve also.
But she must be boiling underneath that long-sleeved top?!
Well, well. We have a game on our hands on Centre. Stan Wawrinka has broken Grigor Dimitrov to take a 4-2 lead in the second set.
Serena's early break did not last long, she's been broken back immediately. Worth bearing in mind how hot it is out there. Court-side temperature on No 1 just half-an-hour ago was 38.3C.
And in the battle of the old stagers on Court 17, the giant Croatian has won. The 39-year-old beats his 36-year-old opponent to reach the second round. It's now 15 years since he caused one of the all-time Wimbledon upsets to knock defending champion Lleyton Hewitt out at this stage. But he's still going. Incredible durability.
Great start from Serena. The 2016 champion has broken early to take a 2-0 lead on Court 1.
Well that was one-sided. Grigor Dimitrov breezes through the first set in just 23 minutes.
The GOAT Serena Williams is back at Wimbledon and she strides onto Court 1 ahead of her opening clash with Arantxa Rus.
She sat out last year's tournament due to her pregnancy and it's been tough going for her on her comeback so far on the tour this year. But Wimbledon is her arena, and we're expecting big things in this fortnight .
Grigor Dimitrov has the early break against Stan Wawrinka on Centre, and he's moved 3-0 up early on. The former Slam winner has a pretty lamentable record on grass and his ranking has tumbled over the last 12 months due to injury and poor form.
Flying the flag for France we have Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet in a mouth-watering first round match up. I'll be keeping a close eye on that for sure
Routine in the end for the 2016 semi-finalist after he was tested early on by Liam Broady.
Thanks to Adam for taking us through the first part of the opening day at SW19. JAMES DUTTON here now, and i will be going through all the action through to the close now.
Liam Broady is hurtling towards defeat on Court 1, and the slug fest between Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov on Centre has just begun...
The class and experience of 38-year-old Venus Williams has told in the end. Despite losing the first set, she fights back superbly to defeat Sweden's Johanna Larsson 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-1.
Mike Dickson: Hearing that Andy Murray is practising today about two miles away down at the All England Club-owned facility at Raynes Park. Katie Swan, managed by his agency, is soon to play against Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu.
All over very quickly on Centre Court for the second successive match today. Caroline Wozniacki, the No 2 seed, defeats Vavara Lepchenko just inside an hour 6-0, 6-3.
I'm afraid it's all going downhill pretty quickly for Liam Broady in his match with Milos Raonic, who has shrugged off the travails of the first set to lead 4-0 in the second with a double break of serve. The Brit really needs miracles from here.
Impressive resolve from 38-year-old Venus Williams, who has levelled up her first round match with Swede Johanna Larsson on No 2 Court. She takes the second set 6-2.
It was tightly-fought, but the Canadian Milos Raonic has taken the first set against Britain's Liam Broady on No 1 Court 7-5.
Such a formidable opponent, of course, with that massive serve.
Kieran Gill: A 139mph serve from Milos Raonic. Woof. The fastest of the tournament so far. What an arm he has on him.
The No 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki could not have been more dominant in that opening set as she smashes Varvara Lepchenko 6-0 to win the opening set.
That was very easy.
Riath Al-Samarrai: Roger Federer opened his Wimbledon defence with a straight sets destruction of Dusan Lajovic on Monday.
The eight-time champion crushed the Serbian 6-1, 6-3 6-4 in just one hour and 19 minutes to set up a straightforward second-round clash with either Lukas Lacko or qualifier Benjamin Bonzi.
Lajovic had briefly troubled Federer with an early break when they met in the second round here last year, but this encounter had no such drama.
It's all very simple for Caroline Wozniacki on Centre. Two breaks already against Varvara Lepchenko, playing on the court for the first time, and a 4-0 first set lead.
On serve so far between the big-hitting Milos Raonic and Britain's Liam Broady on No 1 Court. They're locked at 3-3 in the opening set.
Venus Williams goes a set down on No 2 Court to Swede Johanna Larsson. 7-3 the score in the tie break.
Laurie Whitwell: Venus Williams had two bad falls in that first set, first when returning Johanna Larsson’s serve and then when changing direction quickly, and will require all her efforts to avoid following up last year’s final place with a first round exit. At 38, victory from here would be impressive.
Next up on Centre Court and just getting started is Caroline Wozniacki's first round match against Varvara Lepchenko of the United States.
US Open champion Sloane Stephens crashed out in the first round of Wimbledon after a straight-sets defeat to Donna Vekic.
Stephens, who was also the runner-up at the French Open last month, was downed 6-1 6-3 by the unseeded Croatian.
It was a tough draw for the fourth seed as Vekic is a threat on the grass but Stephens put in an erratic display.
The American had not played since that loss to Simona Halep in Paris and her ring-rust showed as Vekic dominated from the off.
She raced to the first set in just 26 minutes with two breaks of serve but found herself on the back foot when Stephens broke to lead 2-0 early in the second.
Stephens could not capitalise, though, as Vekic won six of the next seven games to complete the biggest Wimbledon scalp of her career after previous first-round exits to Venus Williams and Johanna Konta in the last two years.
'I am very happy to win today, it was a tough match,' Vekic said. 'I am really happy.
'I tried to go out there and be aggressive, I was struggling with my serve, it was windy, so I am happy to get through.
'I played all the tournaments on grass, I really enjoy playing on it and it helped me.'
A tight first set between Venus Williams and Johanna Larsson on No 2 Court. They're into a tie-break.
Adam Crafton: Liam Broady and Milos Raonic warming up now on Court One. Broady, 24, hails from Stockport near Manchester and is ranked 173.
It will be one of the great Wimbledon upsets if he can overcome Raonic but he did show battling qualities and emerging talent in the Davis Cup recently.
Raonic, who lost the 2016 Wimbledon final to Andy Murray, has, however struggled for consistency and fitness of late. He pulled of the French Open with injury and was then forced to retire from Queens.
Broady will be looking to stretch the Canadian early on in this one and ascertain just how fit Raonic is....
A nice little graphic of some of Federer's record and achievements here courtesy of Genting Bet.
A good start for American No 10 seed Madison Keys, who is through in straight sets against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-2.
Just one hour and 20 minutes needed by the defending champion Roger Federer to overcome the challenge of Dusan Lajovic on Centre Court.
The Swiss begins his chase of a ninth Wimbledon title with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory, to the delight of the crowd.
At the fourth time of asking in a ding-dong final game, Donna Vekic takes a match point and knocks the No 4 seed Sloane Stephens out of Wimbledon.
The Croatian wins the match on No 1 Court 6-1, 6-3.
Mike Dickson: The strange career of Sloane Stephens continues. The US Open champion and recent French Open finalist makes yet another early exit, beaten 6-1 6-3 by Donna Vekic, who is also the girlfriend of Stan Wawrinka . Her grass court preparation was contrastingly thorough to that of Stephens.
Adam Crafton: Upset on Court One, where Donna Vekic, ranked 55, has dumped out Sloane Stephens, the fourth ranked women’s player and finalist in the French Open. After a 6-1 success in the first set, the Croat then eased through the second at 6-3. It really was as resounding as the scoreline suggests, too.
No 2 Court right now sees Venus Williams, seeded No 9 at this Wimbledon, up against the Swede Johanna Larsson. On serve in the early stages of the opening set.
As reliably as night following day, Roger Federer serves out the second set 6-3 against Dusan Lajovic and his first round engagement is turning into a simple assignment on Centre.
Kieran Gill: The Roger Federer fans are out in force on Centre Court. 'GOAT,' reads one banner. 'All Hail King Fed,' reads another. The crowd are showing some sympathy to Susan Lajovic, mind. Not much he can do when Federer is in one of these sorts of indestructible moods.
Job done for the French No 17 seed Lucas Pouille, who defeats Denis Kudla of the United States 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 on Court 18 to book his second round place.
Roger Federer continues his canter towards the second round. He leads Dujan Lajovic 5-2 in the second set on Centre Court, having taken the opening set 6-1.
The Swiss on a roll as he defends his Wimbledon title.
All over out on Court 12 and the No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova, one of the best players on the circuit, will be feeling incredibly relieved.
She was pushed all the way by the British Wimbledon debutant Harriet Dart but finally got her game together to take the third set 6-1.
Dart a real prospect, however, and she deservedly takes the warm applause of the crowd who have really enjoyed her taking the former world No 1 all the way.
She must use this match as a springboard to far greater things in her career.
Another seed in the men's draw safely into the second round - the German Philipp Kohlschreiber defeats Russian Evgeny Donskoy 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 and the No 25 seed is throguh.
The final set just getting away from Britain's Harriet Dart, I'm afraid.
Karolina Pliskova has got her game together again and leads 4-1. Dart will have to produce something a little special to fight back again from here.
Trouble for the No 4 seed in the women's draw, Sloane Stephens, who has gone down 6-1 to Donna Vekic in the opening set of their match on No 1 Court.
The American with plenty of work to do if she is to remain in the tournament.
Into the third set of their match on Court 12 and Harriet Dart of Great Britain continues to thoroughly impress. She is testing former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova to the limit.
One set all,on serve at 2-1 to Pliskova in the deciding set.
Third seed Marin Cilic is safely through to the second round of Wimbledon after a straight-sets win over Yoshihito Nishioka.
The Croatian, beaten in last year's final by Roger Federer, got his campaign up and running with a routine 6-1 6-4 6-4 victory.
Japan's Nishioka, 22, is climbing back up the rankings following a serious knee injury suffered last year.
But he was no match for the power of Cilic, who took one hour and 46 minutes to wrap up the win.
As predicted, Roger Federer enjoying a pretty straightforward afternoon's work so far on Centre Court. Three breaks and he requires a mere 20 minutes to win the opening set against Dusan Lajovic 6-1.
Unlike everyone else at Wimbledon, the eight-time champion doesn't appear to have broken sweat.
Magdalena Rybarikova became the first seed of Wimbledon 2018 to lose as she was beaten by Sorana Cirstea.
The 19th seed, who reached the last four in Birmingham a fortnight ago, was downed 7-5 6-3 by the Romanian.
Yanina Wickmayer was the first winner of this year's tournament as she beat Mona Barthel.
The unseeded Belgian defeated Barthel 7-5 6-4 on Court 18 to become the first woman through to the second round.
Laurie Whitwell: Serena Williams is out on the practice courts ahead of her match later, third on Court No 1.
She is down hitting on a slightly obscured part of the warm-up area off limits to media - but she has allowed a Wimbledon TV crew two minutes of filming court-side.
‘Unusual on a match day,’ says an official.
No signs that injury is slowing her down... Harriet Dart serves out to take the second set 6-2 and level her first round match with Karolina Pliskova
Bright start by Roger Federer as he takes an early break against Dusan Lajovic out on Centre Court. 2-1 early in the first set.
A comfortable start to Wimbledon 2018 for the American Sam Querrey, who wraps up a 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Australia's Jordan Thompson.
Nice day's work for the No 11 seed and he can enjoy the rest of his day.
The good news is that Harriet Dart has returned to the court, with some strapping around her upper thigh. She leads 4-1 in the second set.
Can she maintain her momentum after that 10 minute delay?
The action about to get underway on Centre Court and it's the reigning Wimbledon champion Roger Federer to get the show court programme started as he has so often in the past.
He takes on the Serb Dusan Lajovic in his first round match today.
Mike Dickson: Big news from Centre Court in terms of sports business. Roger Federer has walked out wearing the clothes of Uniqlo, the Japanese manufacturers, confirming that he has split with Nike.
He is however, wearing his old shoes, which are obviously from a technical point of view the last thing you would want to change in a hurry.
A moment of concern for Harriet Dart as she slips making a return on the fresh grass and lands heavily on her knee. The trainer has been called to Court 12 and she will take a medical time out.
Given her strong position in the second set, let's hope she is able to continue.
Laura Lambert: Harriet Dart has taken a nasty tumble at 4-1, 15-15 in second set. She was moving to her left, left foot slipped and she went down badly. Was down for over a minute, and then returned to her chair visibly shaken.
She had her head in her hands and now has the trainer out. A medical timeout has been called. Tough as she was looking very good in second set.
A tighter second set for the No 3 seed Marin Cilic but he takes it 6-4 to lead Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka by two sets.
Another break for Harriet Dart, who now leads Pliskova 4-1 in the second set with a superb comeback in that last game.
Her Mum rises in the stand to take a photograph for a little souvenir and you can't blame her!
The perfect start to the second set for Harriet Dart, who broke Karolina Pliskova in the first game and then backed it up with a service hold in the second.
She is really doing herself a great deal of credit out there and then breaks Pliskova once again in the third game.
Great stuff!
Nadal gets his Wimbledon campaign underway against Israeli Dudi Sela tomorrow.
Sam Querrey continues to storm towards the second round. He needed just 21 minutes to take the first set against Jordan Thompson and last year's semi-finalist wrapped up the second set 6-4 in 31 minutes.
The American No 11 seed very much in control.
Pliskova using her experience in that tie-break to take the first set against British hopeful Harriet Dart.
But the first-timer at Wimbledon giving the Czech plenty of problems.
Laura Lambert: Uphill from here for Harriet Dart, who loses first set on a tiebreak (7-2) to Karolina Pliskova
21-year-old Londoner Harriet Dart currently in tie break to settle the first set against No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova.
Kieran Gill at Wimbledon: Wimbledon does not need Andy Murray to survive, CEO Richard Lewis has said.
Two-time All England Club champion Murray pulled out on the eve of the tournament because of his painful hip problems, despite indicating he felt fit a day earlier.
Lewis says it is disappointing not to have the Brit taking part but that Wimbledon is bigger than just one player and the SW19 show will go on.
‘We feel for Andy,’ Lewis said. ‘It’s tough. He’s been playing some decent tennis over the last couple of weeks and he must have been very close to playing.
‘I feel for him but he would be the first to say that the Championships are about more than one player. There are lots of great players in the men’s singles and the ladies’ singles.
‘Obviously it is disappointing but the show goes on. I’m sure we’re still going to have a great Championships.’
On whether the Brit being absent will have an impact, Lewis added: ‘It’s not just Andy – we had Jo Konta do very well last year, so it’s not just Andy.
‘From a domestic point of view there is a lot of excitement when a British player does well but we’re a global event. It’s not just Andy.
‘It’s a shame for him and we wish him well. I hope a year from now we are all talking about what a great decision he made and he’s 100 per cent fit and towards the top of the rankings and playing some great tennis.’
And Harriet Dart moves ahead 6-5 in the first set against the No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova.
She's matching the Czech stride by stride now and having saved a break point with a confident drop shot, she sends down an ace to take the game.
Great stuff by the British debutant.
Loud cheers as Harriet Dart breaks back to level the first set at 5-5 against Karolina Pliskova.
Laura Lambert, on court for us, describes conditions as 'boiling'. Can imagine on what is a 30C day at Wimbledon.
Lucas Pouille, the French No 17 seed, off to a good start in his first round match against American Denis Kudla. He takes the first set 6-3 out on Court 18.
Harriet Dart playing some nice shots now as she tries to claw back the early break she conceded to Karolina Pliskova. The British debutant has calmed the nerves and settled into the match.
However, the Czech No 7 seed too strong and she leads 5-3 in the opening set.
The American No 11 seed Sam Querrey also in no mood to hang around. He has taken the first set against Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2 on No 3 Court.
Kieran Gill: 6ft 6in Marin Cilic leads 5-0 in the first set against 5ft 7in Yoshihito Nishioka. Height advantage is certainly coming in handy on No 2 Court.
A tricky assignment for Britain's Harriet Dart over on Court 12 as she takes on the Czech No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova. And Dart is already a break down in the early stages of the opening set.
Meanwhile, the men's No 3 seed Marin Cilic has gained an early break against his Japanese opponent Yoshihito Nishikoka on No 2 Court.
Mike Dickson at Wimbledon: The first break of serve at Wimbledon has been won by Antonia Lottner, a little known German qualifier out on Court 4.
There is very little sign of World Cup fever having affected the crowds here, although the queue might be affected by England v Colombia tomorrow.
The glorious sunshine will have helped, and it will also probably help those players who are baseline orientated, such as Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem.
If you had to put your life on it Roger Federer starts as men’s favourite, although I would not be surprised if he were to be beaten in a semi-final by Marin Cilic in a reverse of last year’s final.
The women’s is as wide open as ever. I don’t see Serena Williams winning but have not got a firm alternative.
So many of the current crop seem to have weeks when they zone in or zone out. Petra Kvitova and Garbine Muguruza perhaps look the strongest candidates on paper.
Johanna Konta, the No 22 seed, gets her campaign underway against the Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva tomorrow.
Wimbledon 2018 is off and running...
Matthew Lambert: Katie Swan says it is a 'dream come true' to have Andy Murray in her corner at Wimbledon after she signed for his management company 77 in January.
The Scot may have pulled out of the Championships but, in Swan, he still has a horse in the race. The 19-year-old from Bristol, who faces world No 36 Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in the first round, said of Murray: 'He's such a nice guy. He seems willing to help with anything.
'I'm mentored by Andy, so, really it's a dream come true for me. It's really cool when I think about it.'
Plenty of spectators have already secured prime spots on the famous hill.
Laura Lambert: For someone who has always found the right words, it is unusual to find Barry Davies momentarily stumped.
But the 80-year-old is struggling to comprehend the fact that the next fortnight at Wimbledon will be his final job in broadcasting.
As will his millions of loyal listeners, for whom he has been the voice of sport for the past half-century, bringing 10 World Cups, 17 Olympic Games, more than 30 Wimbledons and countless Boat Races to life.
Mike Dickson: It is that time of year again, Wimbledon is upon us and we are rearing to go ahead of the season's pinnacle Grand Slam.
Andy Murray's withdrawal on Sunday will remain the big news heading into the Championships, which begin on Monday, but there are still some heavyweight players and clashes to look out for in the first round of matches.
Sportsmail have scoured the draw for both men's and women's events and picked out EIGHT matches you cannot afford to miss from the opening day.
My mouth is watering...
Wildcard
Age: 21 Ranking: 171
Best: Final qualifying round 2016.
Climbed to a career-high ranking after reaching the semi-finals at Surbiton.
1st round opponent: Karolina Pliskova (Cz) Age: 26 Ranking: 8
A demon server. Twin sister Kristyna is also in the draw.
Chance of Brit win: 1/5
There will be a flurry of activity on the outside courts at 11.30am. Here are a few highlights we'll be keeping tabs on for you.
On No 2 Court, the third seed in the men's singles draw, Marin Cilic of Croatia, begins his campaign against Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan.
American Sam Querrey, the No 11 seed this year, starts his Wimbledon against Jordan Thompson of Australia in No 3 Court.
British interest on Court 12 as Harriet Dart, the 21-year-old wildcard, takes on Czech player Karolina Pliskova in her first Wimbledon main draw experience.
Mike Dickson: Sitting across the table from you, Garbine Muguruza strikes a less intimidating figure than is surely the case when she is stationed at the other end of a tennis court.
At close quarters the defending Wimbledon champion is a 24-year-old of mixed Spanish-Venezuelan heritage with a love of music, a passion for fashion and a beatific smile.
Across the net she is the player who has refused to yield on the biggest stages and occasions to the likes of the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova, challenges from which others might have shrunk.
Matthew Lambert: Where most tennis players hustle in and out of press conferences in logoed-up training gear, Roger Federer strolled in on Saturday wearing a jacket and button-up shirt.
The king of the All England Club was holding court and it was not long before a journalist commented: ‘You look even more handsome than last year.’
In answer to her follow-up question of how he is feeling physically, at the ripe old age of 36, Federer grinned like a Cheshire Cat and replied: ‘Incredibly sexy.’
Mike Dickson: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have provided so many measures of their greatness and here is another one as Wimbledon starts: they can make time stand still.
It is simply astounding to think that they walk through the gates of the All England Club on Monday morning in much the same position that they were 12 years ago.
Just as in 2006, Federer is the top seed and defending champion, and Nadal is the second seed, fresh from winning the French Open. There was even a football World Cup going on at the time.
The gates will be opening shortly so this is the calm before the storm at Wimbledon!
Andy Murray may not be in action at Wimbledon, but there are a host of other British hopefuls who will be determined to make an impact in SW19.
Across both the men's and women's tournaments, it will be intriguing to see how the homegrown players fare.
Sportsmail's Matthew Lambert assesses how the British players could get on.
Judy Murray revealed Andy Murray will set his sights on being ready for the hard court season after his withdrawal from Wimbledon.
Murray has been out of action for 11 months following hip surgery and made a return last month at Queen's and Eastbourne.
But Wimbledon has come just too soon, with the 31-year-old unsure his body can cope with a five-set match at this point.
Judy Murray told BBC Breakfast 'Playing best of three sets is very different to best of five sets and of course you wouldn't want to put yourself into a situation where you couldn't complete the match or you won the first match but were not able to complete the next match.
'He's been out of the game for 11 months and it's all very new and you don't know how your body is going to react. It's not even how your body is reacting during the match, it's how you are the day after.
'After playing the two events and then practising to get ready, he just felt he wasn't ready for five sets just yet. The progress is all good but it's back to the drawing board and build up towards the hard court season.'
Mike Dickson: Andy Murray had come into the interview room on Saturday and made optimistic noises about playing at Wimbledon despite a long-term injury, only to pull out around teatime on Sunday on the eve of the tournament.
When he withdrew in 2007 — due to a wrist problem — you knew he still had a long career ahead of him that was likely to bring great success.
You could hardly feel the same way on Sunday when it emerged that he was, after all, going to miss what is now his fourth Grand Slam in succession.
Just to mark your card and help you plan your day, here's the order of play.
A reminder that play on Centre Court and Court No 1 gets underway at 1pm.
Play on all other courts starts at 11.30am.
If you're lucky enough to be heading down to Wimbledon today, or are planning to join the famous Queue for tickets later on, for goodness sake go prepared.
That means high strength sunscreen, bottles of water, sunhats, shades and whatever else you need to stay cool.
It's going to be roasting at SW19 and not only for today, but for the majority of the two weeks ahead.
If you hadn't noticed, Britain is in the grip of a pretty much unprecedented heatwave and it shows no sign of coming to an end.
So today, it's going to be sunny with temperatures nudging 30C. It'll be hard work for the players, especially on the uncovered outer courts.
And it could well get pretty hot and uncomfortable for spectators as well, so be prepared.
If you're an ice cream salesman, then you'll be quids in this week.
It is a highlight of the sporting calendar each and every year - two weeks of strawberries, champagne and top class tennis.
Wimbledon has a special place even among the Slams of tennis, an event with a glittering history and so much more to be made.
With London basking in a pretty much unheard of heatwave at the moment, we're anticipating two glorious weeks in SW19.
And while British fans will naturally be disappointed that Andy Murray hasn't made it, we have a superb first day line up.
Roger Federer, Serena and Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic, Richard Gasquet... just some of the big draws in action today.
Your best chance of keeping up to date with all the action as well as seeing all the best pictures and expert analysis from our correspondents in the thick of the action.
Just stay right here with me...
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James Dutton
Host commentator
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Adam Shergold
Host commentator
Well, that's all we've got time for today. Thank you for following a gorgeous opening day at Wimbledon. Always a success when they are still out playing beyond 9 o'clock in the evening.
We'll be back for more tomorrow. Some interesting match ups coming your way with Garbine Muguruza, Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep out on Centre.
On Court 1 we'll have Kyle Edmund, Petra Kvitova and Novak Djokovic. And there'll be plenty more on the outer courts for you to keep your eyes on.
Join us then, ta ra.
Former finalist Aggie Radwanska has overcome the spirited Elena-Gabriela Ruse. But No 5 seed Elina Svitolina is on the brink of an early exit. She's 5-0 down in the deciding set to Tatjana Maria.
Bedene serving for a place in the second round here. And he holds with ease. Fantastic game under that pressure. He holds to love, Cameron Norrie is out, and Aljaz Bedene into round two.
Lightning from Norrie, breezes his way to 40-0, and a forehand goes long from Bedene. He will now be made to serve it out.
New balls, will Bedene make them sing? First serve is big but he nets on the next point and it's 15-15.
Out wide, Norrie's block return lands beyond the baseline. Wild forehand from Norrie gives Bedene two game points. First one is saved, a generous net cord comes to Norrie's rescue.
Forehand long, and Bedene holds. Norrie must now serve to stay in the Championships.
Better from Norrie, good response to the last two games, clean hitting with his ground strokes and he races to 40-0. Double fault lets Bedene back in but Norrie slams a winner.
Forehand long from Norrie, and again... into the net this time. Ace down the line seals it, and Bedene holds after the break.
Norrie's just gone off the boil a little. Bedene with a big forehand and he's gone from 15 to deuce. Big serve from Norrie, deep overhead and Bedene nets. Forehand long and it's deuce again.
Oh, it's self-destruction from Norrie! Into the net and Bedene breaks. Oh dear. Has he got anything left in the tank now?
A hold to 15 for Bedene, now it's on Norrie to pose the questions.
Norrie on the attack with his forehand, into the net for a winner. He races to a 40-0 lead and Bedene nets. Norrie is asking more questions of his opponent and is looking better right now.
From nowhere Cam Norrie has two break points. Bedene saves the first with a big serve and again the second as Norrie floats a block return long. We have deuce.
Bedene injects some pace into his ground strokes and Norrie nets. Advantage. And Norrie goes long, that's a big hold. His serve came up for him right when he needed it to.
Cameron Norrie is serving first in this fourth set and hopefully that will suit him. He's taken to 30 but holds as Bedene nets.
Coca Vandeweghe's brave effort has come to an end. She did well to last as long as she did after suffering an ankle injury early on that severely impacted her mobility around the court. But it's Katerina Siniakova who will be in the second round.
Good body serve from Bedene and Norrie's return is swatted away for an easy hold. 1-0.
Great length from Bedene and Norrie lands a forehand long. The mini break goes against him once again. Good serve, Bedene goes long this time and it's 2-1.
Easy as you like for Bedene. His serve is holding true and he moves 4-1 to the good. Forehand into the tram lines and this is fast slipping away from him now. 5-1 to Bedene at the change of ends.
Norrie gets himself back in it, but Bedene can win it with these next two serves. 5-2. But that's a good response. Aggressive, into the net and a backhand volley winner from Norrie takes us to 5-3. Backhand into the net... 6-3.
One set point saved as Bedene's forehand hits the tramlines. 6-4. Double fault! What a way to go. Bedene now has a two set to one lead.
Norrie slaps a huge forehand to move to 40-15 and we're heading to a tie break here now, surely. We are as Bedene nets.
Bedene holds, a couple of tight shots from Norrie into the net and long. He's trying to up the ante, that much is clear right now.
Norrie with an ace but he lets Bedene back into it, a careless error and he has two set points to save. Which he does! A big serve out wide at 30-40 which Bedene can only net.
Bedene thought he'd hit a winner down the line for a third, but it's called out. That looked very close. And into the net! Norrie holds. Brilliant gumption.
No 5 seed Svitolina is in trouble, she's dropped the first set on Court 2. Elsewhere Aggie Radwanska is into a third and Coco Vandeweghe is going to the wire at 5-5 in the third.
Norrie moves up 0-15 but Bedene delivers an ace that kisses the T to tie it up. Follows with another ace down the middle. And Norrie goes into the net on the next two. Impressive serving!
Norrie not giving Bedene any invitations on his serve and holds to 15. Very comfortable on serve out there at the moment. For both players.
Into the net from Bedene and a cry of 'Come On' from Cam Norrie. Big wind up for the forehand return on second serve but he's hit it long. 15-15. And Bedene has turned it round now, an ace - that looked out by a distance - is upheld. And he holds.
Kick serve, second serve ace for Norrie and he holds to 15.
Another love hold for Bedene, he's looking strong on serve.
Poor judgement from Norrie as he lets a backhand from Bedene float past him and kiss the line. Norrie gets away with one as Bedene nets from a good opportunity in the centre of the court on the next point. Then a return into the net, 30-15 soon becomes 40-15 with a towering overhead. Long from Bedene and he's missed the chance to apply some pressure.
Both players serving well here, I write as Bedene double faults 40-0 up. But he holds to 15.
And that's an easy love hold for Norrie in response.
Bedene keeps the momentum up with a hold to 30 at the start of the third set.
Aggie Radwanska has slipped 4-1 down in the second set on Court 1.
The hobbling Coco Vandeweghe, meanwhile, has lost the second set and is now into a decider with Katerina Siniakova on Court 3.
No 5 seed Elina Svitolina is 5-2 down in the first to Tatjana Maria on Court 2.
Bedene misses the target and Norrie holds on his serve. 1-0. Big serve, long from Norrie and it's back level. And that's a lovely forehand winner into the corner. 2-1.
Forehand goes long from Norrie and Bedene has the mini break here. 3-1. Forehand goes long and Norrie keeps himself alive. 3-2.
Bedene with a big serve, Norrie's return is high and Bedene powers a winner. He moves 4-2 up at the change of ends. Still needs to land this next service point to keep hold of his advantage. Ace! 5-2.
Good running from Norrie, strong forehand that Bedene can only respond into the net with. 5-3. Long from Bedene and the pressure is back on him, 5-4.
Great length from Bedene and Norrie can only miscue a forehand wide into the tramlines. Two set points for Bedene. And he takes it! We're level at one set all.
Bedene has the chance to bury Norrie, but he lets the ball drop instead of backing his overhead. Norrie replies with a backhand winner and he has break point. Taken with a lob that hits the line! And we have tie break!
Norrie is wobbling all of a sudden, but at 15-40 his second serve comes to the rescue. Big kick and Bedene returns wide. Into the net! Thrilling rally that the Slovenian edges. A big net cord helped Norrie but a good reflex volley got Bedene back into the point and Norrie's reflexes aren't quick enough. He will now serve for the second set.
Comfortable hold for the Slovenian with a lovely winner that hits the tramline to seal it.
Immediate break back from Cam Norrie. And that's where we will head for our coverage now, with the score at 5-4 in the second to the British No 2.
The No 5 seed Elina Svitolina has gone 2-0 down in the opening set on Court No 2.
The No 32 seed Agnieszka Radwanska has claimed the first set on Court 1 6-3.
Cameron Norrie is a set up but he's got a fight on his hands in the second. He's 4-3 down now with Bedene serving.
Welcome back Stan Wawrinka! That's an unbelievable win, and his first ever against a top 10 player on grass. The world No 3 has cashed out in the first round, and his wait for Grand Slam glory goes on.
The 33-year-old has triumphed 1-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.
And that's it! Gael Monfils has claimed a straight sets win over compatriot Richard Gasquet with a 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 win in two hours and 21 minutes. The 23rd seed is out!
It's getting tight and niggly on Centre Court and we remain on serve in the fourth set as Wawrinka holds to go 3-2 up.
And in the Battle of the 'Brits', it's Cameron Norrie who draws first blood! He claims the first set over Aljaz Bedene 6-4.
Look at his face! Just look at his face!
The 16th seed in the women's draw, Coco Vandeweghe, has battled through injury to claim the opening set against Katerina Siniakova on a tie break out on Court 3.
Former runner-up at the All England Club Agnieszka Radwanskais in action now on Court 1.
She's up against 20-year-old Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse and has taken an early break to lead 2-0.
The No 8 seed Kevin Anderson is safely through with a routine win in straight sets over Norbert Gombos on Court No 12.
Out on Court 14 we have British No 2 Cameron Norrie in action. He's up against former Brit and now Slovenian again Aljaz Bedene. It's 3-2 to Norrie on serve.
Dimitrov claims the first point, forces Wawrinka out wide and he can only find the net. Unlucky miscue off the racket and it's a mini break for the Bulgarian. Sliced backhand from Dimitrov drops long and Stan is on the scoreboard.
Backhand drop shot, but the execution is poor and Dimitrov has let the mini break go. He can't locate his first serve at present. Doesn't need it there, backhand into the net from Stan.
Big serve down the T and a forehand down the line at the net. Good from Stan. 3-3. Savage forehand down the line from Wawrinka but it's just out. A good challenge from Dimitrov, he goes 4-3 up and has the mini break back.
But he loses it immediately with another unforced error. He's wasted some real opportunities in this set already. And a big forehand into the corner but it's missed the line. Suddenly Wawrinka in the driving seat.
Big forehand from Wawrinka and he has two set points! But it's a superb return from Dimitrov, hits the baseline and Wawrinka can only guide a backhand into the tramlines. But he gets it! Backhand winner down the line through the eye of a needle and Stan Wawrinka now leads by two sets to one!
He's saved two set points, and we're having tie break. Let's go...
And it's second set Monfils in the Battle of France on Court 2. He claims it 7-5 as we looked set for a tie break. But out on Centre, Stan Wawrinka is a hold of serve away from forcing one aginst Grigor Dimitrov.
An hour and 28 minutes and Serena Williams is into the second round at Wimbledon with a 7-5, 6-3 win. She had to dig deep and needed six match points in the end! But it's a winning return for the GOAT.
Grigor Dimitrov can't serve it out in the third set. We're back on serve at 4-5 to the Bulgarian.
KIERAN GILL: Wimbledon have now taken Monfils' 150mph serve off him and say it was an error by the speed-gun...
MIKE DICKSON: Great win for Katie Swan, she’s being coached at present by Argentine Diego Veronelli, who used to be in charge of Heather Watson at her peak when she nearly beat Serena Williams on Centre Court.
He’s a good operator. Williams struggling in the wind versus Arantxa Rus but has just broken back for 3-3.
We are back level on Court 1, Serena Williams brings us to 3-3 in the second set She leads having claimed the first 7-5.
A 6-2, 6-2 win for Katie Swan. That's a great result for the 19-year-old, and a first home win for Great Britain on day one.
Grigor Dimitrov has coasted into a 3-0 lead early in the third set. It's 1-1 over on Centre but the Bulgarian is making the early running in the latest set.
Serena Williams has been broken early in the second set on Court 1 after a contentious point had to be replayed. Rus got the rub of the green and rammed it home. She leads 2-1 after losing the first set.
Katie Swan is two games away from a big win here. She's broken to go 4-2 up over world No 36 Irina-Camelia Begu on Court 14.
All square on Court 2 in the second set. Gasquet breaks Monfils to bring us to 2-2.
33-year-old Stan Wawrinka hits back with a bang! He's claimed the second set on a tie break over Grigor Dimitrov. And Centre Court is right behind him.
And after claiming the first set on a tie break, Gael Monfils has the early break in the second.
Serena closes out the first set as Rus goes long. She raises her hands in celebration after claiming it 7-5.
KIERAN GILL: A serve of 150mph has been clocked on the No 2 Court by Gael Monfils! It's the fastest ever recorded by the statisticians at Wimbledon. It was previously Taylor Dent in 2010. Wow.
Gael Monfils saves two set points from Richard Gasquet and draws first blood on Court 2.
And that's remarkable, Katie Swan has claimed the first set 6-2 out on Court 14. Can she keep it up and become the first Brit into round two.
LAURA LAMBERT: Brit watch: 19yo Katie Swan up an early break against world No 36 Irina-Camelia Begu, leads 4-1. Has only lost two points on her serve.
A lovely drop shot volley from Grigor Dimitrov brings us back on serve on Centre Court. He now trails Stan Wawrinka 4-3.
Meanwhile Serena Williams is dialling up the volume on Court 1. Literally. She's 4-3 up in the first, and they are on serve also.
But she must be boiling underneath that long-sleeved top?!
Well, well. We have a game on our hands on Centre. Stan Wawrinka has broken Grigor Dimitrov to take a 4-2 lead in the second set.
Serena's early break did not last long, she's been broken back immediately. Worth bearing in mind how hot it is out there. Court-side temperature on No 1 just half-an-hour ago was 38.3C.
And in the battle of the old stagers on Court 17, the giant Croatian has won. The 39-year-old beats his 36-year-old opponent to reach the second round. It's now 15 years since he caused one of the all-time Wimbledon upsets to knock defending champion Lleyton Hewitt out at this stage. But he's still going. Incredible durability.
Great start from Serena. The 2016 champion has broken early to take a 2-0 lead on Court 1.
Well that was one-sided. Grigor Dimitrov breezes through the first set in just 23 minutes.
The GOAT Serena Williams is back at Wimbledon and she strides onto Court 1 ahead of her opening clash with Arantxa Rus.
She sat out last year's tournament due to her pregnancy and it's been tough going for her on her comeback so far on the tour this year. But Wimbledon is her arena, and we're expecting big things in this fortnight .
Grigor Dimitrov has the early break against Stan Wawrinka on Centre, and he's moved 3-0 up early on. The former Slam winner has a pretty lamentable record on grass and his ranking has tumbled over the last 12 months due to injury and poor form.
Flying the flag for France we have Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet in a mouth-watering first round match up. I'll be keeping a close eye on that for sure
Routine in the end for the 2016 semi-finalist after he was tested early on by Liam Broady.
Thanks to Adam for taking us through the first part of the opening day at SW19. JAMES DUTTON here now, and i will be going through all the action through to the close now.
Liam Broady is hurtling towards defeat on Court 1, and the slug fest between Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov on Centre has just begun...
The class and experience of 38-year-old Venus Williams has told in the end. Despite losing the first set, she fights back superbly to defeat Sweden's Johanna Larsson 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-1.
Mike Dickson: Hearing that Andy Murray is practising today about two miles away down at the All England Club-owned facility at Raynes Park. Katie Swan, managed by his agency, is soon to play against Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu.
All over very quickly on Centre Court for the second successive match today. Caroline Wozniacki, the No 2 seed, defeats Vavara Lepchenko just inside an hour 6-0, 6-3.
I'm afraid it's all going downhill pretty quickly for Liam Broady in his match with Milos Raonic, who has shrugged off the travails of the first set to lead 4-0 in the second with a double break of serve. The Brit really needs miracles from here.
Impressive resolve from 38-year-old Venus Williams, who has levelled up her first round match with Swede Johanna Larsson on No 2 Court. She takes the second set 6-2.
It was tightly-fought, but the Canadian Milos Raonic has taken the first set against Britain's Liam Broady on No 1 Court 7-5.
Such a formidable opponent, of course, with that massive serve.
Kieran Gill: A 139mph serve from Milos Raonic. Woof. The fastest of the tournament so far. What an arm he has on him.
The No 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki could not have been more dominant in that opening set as she smashes Varvara Lepchenko 6-0 to win the opening set.
That was very easy.
Riath Al-Samarrai: Roger Federer opened his Wimbledon defence with a straight sets destruction of Dusan Lajovic on Monday.
The eight-time champion crushed the Serbian 6-1, 6-3 6-4 in just one hour and 19 minutes to set up a straightforward second-round clash with either Lukas Lacko or qualifier Benjamin Bonzi.
Lajovic had briefly troubled Federer with an early break when they met in the second round here last year, but this encounter had no such drama.
It's all very simple for Caroline Wozniacki on Centre. Two breaks already against Varvara Lepchenko, playing on the court for the first time, and a 4-0 first set lead.
On serve so far between the big-hitting Milos Raonic and Britain's Liam Broady on No 1 Court. They're locked at 3-3 in the opening set.
Venus Williams goes a set down on No 2 Court to Swede Johanna Larsson. 7-3 the score in the tie break.
Laurie Whitwell: Venus Williams had two bad falls in that first set, first when returning Johanna Larsson’s serve and then when changing direction quickly, and will require all her efforts to avoid following up last year’s final place with a first round exit. At 38, victory from here would be impressive.
Next up on Centre Court and just getting started is Caroline Wozniacki's first round match against Varvara Lepchenko of the United States.
US Open champion Sloane Stephens crashed out in the first round of Wimbledon after a straight-sets defeat to Donna Vekic.
Stephens, who was also the runner-up at the French Open last month, was downed 6-1 6-3 by the unseeded Croatian.
It was a tough draw for the fourth seed as Vekic is a threat on the grass but Stephens put in an erratic display.
The American had not played since that loss to Simona Halep in Paris and her ring-rust showed as Vekic dominated from the off.
She raced to the first set in just 26 minutes with two breaks of serve but found herself on the back foot when Stephens broke to lead 2-0 early in the second.
Stephens could not capitalise, though, as Vekic won six of the next seven games to complete the biggest Wimbledon scalp of her career after previous first-round exits to Venus Williams and Johanna Konta in the last two years.
'I am very happy to win today, it was a tough match,' Vekic said. 'I am really happy.
'I tried to go out there and be aggressive, I was struggling with my serve, it was windy, so I am happy to get through.
'I played all the tournaments on grass, I really enjoy playing on it and it helped me.'
A tight first set between Venus Williams and Johanna Larsson on No 2 Court. They're into a tie-break.
Adam Crafton: Liam Broady and Milos Raonic warming up now on Court One. Broady, 24, hails from Stockport near Manchester and is ranked 173.
It will be one of the great Wimbledon upsets if he can overcome Raonic but he did show battling qualities and emerging talent in the Davis Cup recently.
Raonic, who lost the 2016 Wimbledon final to Andy Murray, has, however struggled for consistency and fitness of late. He pulled of the French Open with injury and was then forced to retire from Queens.
Broady will be looking to stretch the Canadian early on in this one and ascertain just how fit Raonic is....
A nice little graphic of some of Federer's record and achievements here courtesy of Genting Bet.
A good start for American No 10 seed Madison Keys, who is through in straight sets against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-2.
Just one hour and 20 minutes needed by the defending champion Roger Federer to overcome the challenge of Dusan Lajovic on Centre Court.
The Swiss begins his chase of a ninth Wimbledon title with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory, to the delight of the crowd.
At the fourth time of asking in a ding-dong final game, Donna Vekic takes a match point and knocks the No 4 seed Sloane Stephens out of Wimbledon.
The Croatian wins the match on No 1 Court 6-1, 6-3.
Mike Dickson: The strange career of Sloane Stephens continues. The US Open champion and recent French Open finalist makes yet another early exit, beaten 6-1 6-3 by Donna Vekic, who is also the girlfriend of Stan Wawrinka . Her grass court preparation was contrastingly thorough to that of Stephens.
Adam Crafton: Upset on Court One, where Donna Vekic, ranked 55, has dumped out Sloane Stephens, the fourth ranked women’s player and finalist in the French Open. After a 6-1 success in the first set, the Croat then eased through the second at 6-3. It really was as resounding as the scoreline suggests, too.
No 2 Court right now sees Venus Williams, seeded No 9 at this Wimbledon, up against the Swede Johanna Larsson. On serve in the early stages of the opening set.
As reliably as night following day, Roger Federer serves out the second set 6-3 against Dusan Lajovic and his first round engagement is turning into a simple assignment on Centre.
Kieran Gill: The Roger Federer fans are out in force on Centre Court. 'GOAT,' reads one banner. 'All Hail King Fed,' reads another. The crowd are showing some sympathy to Susan Lajovic, mind. Not much he can do when Federer is in one of these sorts of indestructible moods.
Job done for the French No 17 seed Lucas Pouille, who defeats Denis Kudla of the United States 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 on Court 18 to book his second round place.
Roger Federer continues his canter towards the second round. He leads Dujan Lajovic 5-2 in the second set on Centre Court, having taken the opening set 6-1.
The Swiss on a roll as he defends his Wimbledon title.
All over out on Court 12 and the No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova, one of the best players on the circuit, will be feeling incredibly relieved.
She was pushed all the way by the British Wimbledon debutant Harriet Dart but finally got her game together to take the third set 6-1.
Dart a real prospect, however, and she deservedly takes the warm applause of the crowd who have really enjoyed her taking the former world No 1 all the way.
She must use this match as a springboard to far greater things in her career.
Another seed in the men's draw safely into the second round - the German Philipp Kohlschreiber defeats Russian Evgeny Donskoy 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 and the No 25 seed is throguh.
The final set just getting away from Britain's Harriet Dart, I'm afraid.
Karolina Pliskova has got her game together again and leads 4-1. Dart will have to produce something a little special to fight back again from here.
Trouble for the No 4 seed in the women's draw, Sloane Stephens, who has gone down 6-1 to Donna Vekic in the opening set of their match on No 1 Court.
The American with plenty of work to do if she is to remain in the tournament.
Into the third set of their match on Court 12 and Harriet Dart of Great Britain continues to thoroughly impress. She is testing former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova to the limit.
One set all,on serve at 2-1 to Pliskova in the deciding set.
Third seed Marin Cilic is safely through to the second round of Wimbledon after a straight-sets win over Yoshihito Nishioka.
The Croatian, beaten in last year's final by Roger Federer, got his campaign up and running with a routine 6-1 6-4 6-4 victory.
Japan's Nishioka, 22, is climbing back up the rankings following a serious knee injury suffered last year.
But he was no match for the power of Cilic, who took one hour and 46 minutes to wrap up the win.
As predicted, Roger Federer enjoying a pretty straightforward afternoon's work so far on Centre Court. Three breaks and he requires a mere 20 minutes to win the opening set against Dusan Lajovic 6-1.
Unlike everyone else at Wimbledon, the eight-time champion doesn't appear to have broken sweat.
Magdalena Rybarikova became the first seed of Wimbledon 2018 to lose as she was beaten by Sorana Cirstea.
The 19th seed, who reached the last four in Birmingham a fortnight ago, was downed 7-5 6-3 by the Romanian.
Yanina Wickmayer was the first winner of this year's tournament as she beat Mona Barthel.
The unseeded Belgian defeated Barthel 7-5 6-4 on Court 18 to become the first woman through to the second round.
Laurie Whitwell: Serena Williams is out on the practice courts ahead of her match later, third on Court No 1.
She is down hitting on a slightly obscured part of the warm-up area off limits to media - but she has allowed a Wimbledon TV crew two minutes of filming court-side.
‘Unusual on a match day,’ says an official.
No signs that injury is slowing her down... Harriet Dart serves out to take the second set 6-2 and level her first round match with Karolina Pliskova
Bright start by Roger Federer as he takes an early break against Dusan Lajovic out on Centre Court. 2-1 early in the first set.
A comfortable start to Wimbledon 2018 for the American Sam Querrey, who wraps up a 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Australia's Jordan Thompson.
Nice day's work for the No 11 seed and he can enjoy the rest of his day.
The good news is that Harriet Dart has returned to the court, with some strapping around her upper thigh. She leads 4-1 in the second set.
Can she maintain her momentum after that 10 minute delay?
The action about to get underway on Centre Court and it's the reigning Wimbledon champion Roger Federer to get the show court programme started as he has so often in the past.
He takes on the Serb Dusan Lajovic in his first round match today.
Mike Dickson: Big news from Centre Court in terms of sports business. Roger Federer has walked out wearing the clothes of Uniqlo, the Japanese manufacturers, confirming that he has split with Nike.
He is however, wearing his old shoes, which are obviously from a technical point of view the last thing you would want to change in a hurry.
A moment of concern for Harriet Dart as she slips making a return on the fresh grass and lands heavily on her knee. The trainer has been called to Court 12 and she will take a medical time out.
Given her strong position in the second set, let's hope she is able to continue.
Laura Lambert: Harriet Dart has taken a nasty tumble at 4-1, 15-15 in second set. She was moving to her left, left foot slipped and she went down badly. Was down for over a minute, and then returned to her chair visibly shaken.
She had her head in her hands and now has the trainer out. A medical timeout has been called. Tough as she was looking very good in second set.
A tighter second set for the No 3 seed Marin Cilic but he takes it 6-4 to lead Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka by two sets.
Another break for Harriet Dart, who now leads Pliskova 4-1 in the second set with a superb comeback in that last game.
Her Mum rises in the stand to take a photograph for a little souvenir and you can't blame her!
The perfect start to the second set for Harriet Dart, who broke Karolina Pliskova in the first game and then backed it up with a service hold in the second.
She is really doing herself a great deal of credit out there and then breaks Pliskova once again in the third game.
Great stuff!
Nadal gets his Wimbledon campaign underway against Israeli Dudi Sela tomorrow.
Sam Querrey continues to storm towards the second round. He needed just 21 minutes to take the first set against Jordan Thompson and last year's semi-finalist wrapped up the second set 6-4 in 31 minutes.
The American No 11 seed very much in control.
Pliskova using her experience in that tie-break to take the first set against British hopeful Harriet Dart.
But the first-timer at Wimbledon giving the Czech plenty of problems.
Laura Lambert: Uphill from here for Harriet Dart, who loses first set on a tiebreak (7-2) to Karolina Pliskova
21-year-old Londoner Harriet Dart currently in tie break to settle the first set against No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova.
Kieran Gill at Wimbledon: Wimbledon does not need Andy Murray to survive, CEO Richard Lewis has said.
Two-time All England Club champion Murray pulled out on the eve of the tournament because of his painful hip problems, despite indicating he felt fit a day earlier.
Lewis says it is disappointing not to have the Brit taking part but that Wimbledon is bigger than just one player and the SW19 show will go on.
‘We feel for Andy,’ Lewis said. ‘It’s tough. He’s been playing some decent tennis over the last couple of weeks and he must have been very close to playing.
‘I feel for him but he would be the first to say that the Championships are about more than one player. There are lots of great players in the men’s singles and the ladies’ singles.
‘Obviously it is disappointing but the show goes on. I’m sure we’re still going to have a great Championships.’
On whether the Brit being absent will have an impact, Lewis added: ‘It’s not just Andy – we had Jo Konta do very well last year, so it’s not just Andy.
‘From a domestic point of view there is a lot of excitement when a British player does well but we’re a global event. It’s not just Andy.
‘It’s a shame for him and we wish him well. I hope a year from now we are all talking about what a great decision he made and he’s 100 per cent fit and towards the top of the rankings and playing some great tennis.’
And Harriet Dart moves ahead 6-5 in the first set against the No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova.
She's matching the Czech stride by stride now and having saved a break point with a confident drop shot, she sends down an ace to take the game.
Great stuff by the British debutant.
Loud cheers as Harriet Dart breaks back to level the first set at 5-5 against Karolina Pliskova.
Laura Lambert, on court for us, describes conditions as 'boiling'. Can imagine on what is a 30C day at Wimbledon.
Lucas Pouille, the French No 17 seed, off to a good start in his first round match against American Denis Kudla. He takes the first set 6-3 out on Court 18.
Harriet Dart playing some nice shots now as she tries to claw back the early break she conceded to Karolina Pliskova. The British debutant has calmed the nerves and settled into the match.
However, the Czech No 7 seed too strong and she leads 5-3 in the opening set.
The American No 11 seed Sam Querrey also in no mood to hang around. He has taken the first set against Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2 on No 3 Court.
Kieran Gill: 6ft 6in Marin Cilic leads 5-0 in the first set against 5ft 7in Yoshihito Nishioka. Height advantage is certainly coming in handy on No 2 Court.
A tricky assignment for Britain's Harriet Dart over on Court 12 as she takes on the Czech No 7 seed Karolina Pliskova. And Dart is already a break down in the early stages of the opening set.
Meanwhile, the men's No 3 seed Marin Cilic has gained an early break against his Japanese opponent Yoshihito Nishikoka on No 2 Court.
Mike Dickson at Wimbledon: The first break of serve at Wimbledon has been won by Antonia Lottner, a little known German qualifier out on Court 4.
There is very little sign of World Cup fever having affected the crowds here, although the queue might be affected by England v Colombia tomorrow.
The glorious sunshine will have helped, and it will also probably help those players who are baseline orientated, such as Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem.
If you had to put your life on it Roger Federer starts as men’s favourite, although I would not be surprised if he were to be beaten in a semi-final by Marin Cilic in a reverse of last year’s final.
The women’s is as wide open as ever. I don’t see Serena Williams winning but have not got a firm alternative.
So many of the current crop seem to have weeks when they zone in or zone out. Petra Kvitova and Garbine Muguruza perhaps look the strongest candidates on paper.
Johanna Konta, the No 22 seed, gets her campaign underway against the Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva tomorrow.
Wimbledon 2018 is off and running...
Matthew Lambert: Katie Swan says it is a 'dream come true' to have Andy Murray in her corner at Wimbledon after she signed for his management company 77 in January.
The Scot may have pulled out of the Championships but, in Swan, he still has a horse in the race. The 19-year-old from Bristol, who faces world No 36 Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in the first round, said of Murray: 'He's such a nice guy. He seems willing to help with anything.
'I'm mentored by Andy, so, really it's a dream come true for me. It's really cool when I think about it.'
Plenty of spectators have already secured prime spots on the famous hill.
Laura Lambert: For someone who has always found the right words, it is unusual to find Barry Davies momentarily stumped.
But the 80-year-old is struggling to comprehend the fact that the next fortnight at Wimbledon will be his final job in broadcasting.
As will his millions of loyal listeners, for whom he has been the voice of sport for the past half-century, bringing 10 World Cups, 17 Olympic Games, more than 30 Wimbledons and countless Boat Races to life.
Mike Dickson: It is that time of year again, Wimbledon is upon us and we are rearing to go ahead of the season's pinnacle Grand Slam.
Andy Murray's withdrawal on Sunday will remain the big news heading into the Championships, which begin on Monday, but there are still some heavyweight players and clashes to look out for in the first round of matches.
Sportsmail have scoured the draw for both men's and women's events and picked out EIGHT matches you cannot afford to miss from the opening day.
My mouth is watering...
Wildcard
Age: 21 Ranking: 171
Best: Final qualifying round 2016.
Climbed to a career-high ranking after reaching the semi-finals at Surbiton.
1st round opponent: Karolina Pliskova (Cz) Age: 26 Ranking: 8
A demon server. Twin sister Kristyna is also in the draw.
Chance of Brit win: 1/5
There will be a flurry of activity on the outside courts at 11.30am. Here are a few highlights we'll be keeping tabs on for you.
On No 2 Court, the third seed in the men's singles draw, Marin Cilic of Croatia, begins his campaign against Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan.
American Sam Querrey, the No 11 seed this year, starts his Wimbledon against Jordan Thompson of Australia in No 3 Court.
British interest on Court 12 as Harriet Dart, the 21-year-old wildcard, takes on Czech player Karolina Pliskova in her first Wimbledon main draw experience.
Mike Dickson: Sitting across the table from you, Garbine Muguruza strikes a less intimidating figure than is surely the case when she is stationed at the other end of a tennis court.
At close quarters the defending Wimbledon champion is a 24-year-old of mixed Spanish-Venezuelan heritage with a love of music, a passion for fashion and a beatific smile.
Across the net she is the player who has refused to yield on the biggest stages and occasions to the likes of the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova, challenges from which others might have shrunk.
Matthew Lambert: Where most tennis players hustle in and out of press conferences in logoed-up training gear, Roger Federer strolled in on Saturday wearing a jacket and button-up shirt.
The king of the All England Club was holding court and it was not long before a journalist commented: ‘You look even more handsome than last year.’
In answer to her follow-up question of how he is feeling physically, at the ripe old age of 36, Federer grinned like a Cheshire Cat and replied: ‘Incredibly sexy.’
Mike Dickson: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have provided so many measures of their greatness and here is another one as Wimbledon starts: they can make time stand still.
It is simply astounding to think that they walk through the gates of the All England Club on Monday morning in much the same position that they were 12 years ago.
Just as in 2006, Federer is the top seed and defending champion, and Nadal is the second seed, fresh from winning the French Open. There was even a football World Cup going on at the time.
The gates will be opening shortly so this is the calm before the storm at Wimbledon!
Andy Murray may not be in action at Wimbledon, but there are a host of other British hopefuls who will be determined to make an impact in SW19.
Across both the men's and women's tournaments, it will be intriguing to see how the homegrown players fare.
Sportsmail's Matthew Lambert assesses how the British players could get on.
Judy Murray revealed Andy Murray will set his sights on being ready for the hard court season after his withdrawal from Wimbledon.
Murray has been out of action for 11 months following hip surgery and made a return last month at Queen's and Eastbourne.
But Wimbledon has come just too soon, with the 31-year-old unsure his body can cope with a five-set match at this point.
Judy Murray told BBC Breakfast 'Playing best of three sets is very different to best of five sets and of course you wouldn't want to put yourself into a situation where you couldn't complete the match or you won the first match but were not able to complete the next match.
'He's been out of the game for 11 months and it's all very new and you don't know how your body is going to react. It's not even how your body is reacting during the match, it's how you are the day after.
'After playing the two events and then practising to get ready, he just felt he wasn't ready for five sets just yet. The progress is all good but it's back to the drawing board and build up towards the hard court season.'
Mike Dickson: Andy Murray had come into the interview room on Saturday and made optimistic noises about playing at Wimbledon despite a long-term injury, only to pull out around teatime on Sunday on the eve of the tournament.
When he withdrew in 2007 — due to a wrist problem — you knew he still had a long career ahead of him that was likely to bring great success.
You could hardly feel the same way on Sunday when it emerged that he was, after all, going to miss what is now his fourth Grand Slam in succession.
Just to mark your card and help you plan your day, here's the order of play.
A reminder that play on Centre Court and Court No 1 gets underway at 1pm.
Play on all other courts starts at 11.30am.
If you're lucky enough to be heading down to Wimbledon today, or are planning to join the famous Queue for tickets later on, for goodness sake go prepared.
That means high strength sunscreen, bottles of water, sunhats, shades and whatever else you need to stay cool.
It's going to be roasting at SW19 and not only for today, but for the majority of the two weeks ahead.
If you hadn't noticed, Britain is in the grip of a pretty much unprecedented heatwave and it shows no sign of coming to an end.
So today, it's going to be sunny with temperatures nudging 30C. It'll be hard work for the players, especially on the uncovered outer courts.
And it could well get pretty hot and uncomfortable for spectators as well, so be prepared.
If you're an ice cream salesman, then you'll be quids in this week.
It is a highlight of the sporting calendar each and every year - two weeks of strawberries, champagne and top class tennis.
Wimbledon has a special place even among the Slams of tennis, an event with a glittering history and so much more to be made.
With London basking in a pretty much unheard of heatwave at the moment, we're anticipating two glorious weeks in SW19.
And while British fans will naturally be disappointed that Andy Murray hasn't made it, we have a superb first day line up.
Roger Federer, Serena and Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic, Richard Gasquet... just some of the big draws in action today.
Your best chance of keeping up to date with all the action as well as seeing all the best pictures and expert analysis from our correspondents in the thick of the action.
Just stay right here with me...
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