WIMBLEDON 2023 - Week 1

Surface: Grass
Draws: Singles 128, Doubles 64, Mixed Doubles 32

Right in the middle of the tennis season, Wimbledon is here in all it's traditions combined with a formal and classical display of tennis action. The players all have one goal and that is to win - a game at a time and most often than not just making the next shot. We can talk about the OHBH, (I see you @Prime Thiem) 2HBH, net play and volley, but the game doesn't vary. What is different about Wimbledon is that there is a marked difference in the atmosphere; playing in the green turf dressed in all-white apparel, Wimbledon is all about the "British Aura" to which over the years each player and certainly each champion has contributed.

Changes in 2023....

As Big Ben tolls the hour reminding us that time is fleeting we note that this year two major changes and an adjustment? have been implemented. Sometimes tradition has to be set aside.

1. Per the Guardian reporting Wimbledon is introducing artificial intelligence-powered commentary to its coverage this year, available on the Wimbledon app and website. Game, set and chatbot.

2. Also as reported by the Guardian Wimbledon organizers relaxed its strict all-white kit rule. This is the first year women will be able to wear coloured undershorts - well you know why. Traditions are hard to change that's for sure. Eye roll. Did someone remind them that this is 2023?  Guardian article

3. After having been banned last year because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this year Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to take part.

This was taken from an article in the NY Times on artists who honor Wimbledon with their artistic interpretation of the tournament. Yulia Brodskaya, who specializes in paper quilling, built a three-dimensional aerial map of the Wimbledon grounds in 2015. The colorful piece consists of more than 1,000 paper strips that have been rolled, curled, folded and twisted into easily recognized images, including flowers on the grounds and Serena Williams with the women’s trophy.

NY Times  article

Ladies

Martina Navratilova - Nine time Wimbledon Champ..

This is the 129 edition for the women.

Most titles: Martina Navratilova with 9.

Unfortunately this will be the last tournament for Anett Kontaveit. Although she is still relatively young an ongoing back problem is forcing her to retire.

Defending champion: Elena Rybakina who defeated Ons Jabeur.

Top 20 seeds (in order of seeding): Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Caroline Garcia, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, Petra Kvitova, Barbora Krejcikova, Daria Kasatkina, Veronika Kudermetova, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Belinda Bencic, Liudmila Samsonova, Karolina Muchova, Jelena Ostapenko, Karolina Pliskova, Victoria Azarenka, Donna Vekic

Wildcards: British players Katie Boulter, Jodie Burrage, Harriet Dart, Sonay Kartal, Katie Swan, Heather Watson, plus Elina Svitolina, Venus Williams

Protected ranking: Margarita Betova, Jaqueline Cristian, Daria Saville, Sara Sorribes Tormo, Barbora Strycova

Withdrawals: Amanda Anisimova, Simona Halep, Anna Kalinskaya, Danka Kovinic, Ajla Tomljanovic, Alison Van Uytvanck

Singles Draw

Doubles Draw

Mixed Doubles

OOP

Some traditions simply live on....This year, the All England Club has – despite rocketing inflation and production costs – kept the price at £2.50 a punnet - a small square basket used for the transportation of fruit.

GENTLEMEN

Roger Federer - Eight time Wimbledon Champ

This is the 136th edition for the men.

Most titles: Roger Federer with 8. If Novak Djokovic wins this year he will tie that record.

Defending champion: Novak Djokovic who beat Nick Kyrgios.

Top 20 seeds (in order of seeding): Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune, Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Cameron Norrie, Borna Coric, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur, Tommy Paul, Hubert Hurkacz, Francisco Cerundolo, Alexander Zverev, Roberto Bautista Agut.

Wildcards: British players Liam Broady, Jan Choinski, Arthur Fery, George Loffhagen, Ryan Peniston, plus Arthur Fils, David Goffin, Sebastian Ofner

Protected ranking: Jeremy Chardy, Hugo Dellien, Lloyd Harris, Guido Pella, Milos Raonic, Jiri Vesely

Withdrawals: Pablo Carreno Busta, Marin Cilic, Jack Draper, Karen Khachanov, Filip Krajinovic, Gael Monfils, Rafa Nadal, Gael Monfils

Singles Draw

Doubles Draw

Mixed Doubles

OOP

The iconic Fortnum & Mason. Established in 1707. I simply love that clock!!

@Hartt:   You, JoJo and I are having tea!! Thank you!