By Erik Gudris | Sunday June 22, 2014
Opening Day at Wimbledon will feature high profile names and several must see matches on the outer courts, including one with Grigor Dimitrov.
Photo Credit: AP
A hopeful United Kingdom will focus all eyes on defending champion Andy Murray as he opens his Wimbledon title defense on Centre Court versus Belgian David Goffin. Yet plenty of tantalizing matches await fans on the outside courts. Here's a quick preview.
ATP: Federer Steps Down From Player Council
No. 11 seed Grigor Dimitrov v. Ryan Harrison, No. 1 Court
Dimitrov, who just won Queen's Club, is pegged as a dark horse contender for the title. He'll be looking to get off to a good start against American Ryan Harrison who qualified for the main draw. Though Harrison's struggles of late are well known, he's now working with new coach Jan-Michael Gambill. Though Dimitrov is the big favorite, Harrison loves a good fight and could make this a testing opener for the Bulgarian.
No. 14 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga v. Jurgen Melzer, No. 1 Court
A former semifinalist, Tsonga's results of late have been very up and down. Though his powerful game makes him a threat on grass, it's hard to know what to expect from the 29-year-old Frenchman these days. Melzer, who hit No. 8 in the rankings a few years ago, just reached the semis at Den Bosch. Though he's never beaten Tsonga in four tries, the Austrian could certainly make Tsonga work hard for a spot in the second round.
No. 18 seed Sloane Stephens v. Maria Kirilenko, Court 18
Stephens, who reached the quarters last year, will not take Kirilenko lightly despite the fact the Russian continues her comeback from recent injury. Kirilenko has the game to make this a three set battle.
Stat of the Day:
Murray is trying to become the first British man to defend a Wimbledon singles title since Fred Perry did so back in 1936.
Rain, Rain, Stay Away:
London's weather forecast for the fortnight could be the most watched thing aside from the tennis. Though the first few days are expected to be sunny, rain could invade the area by the middle weekend. This tweet from Wimbledon sums up everyone's hopes for the two weeks.
Complete order of play can be found here.