20:28
Williams-Tan 1-2
Strong, but very lucky point for Tan: With Williams’ serve and 0:15, she catches one in a very unconventional way and surprises the former number one in the world with the backhand stop return winner. It was definitely not planned that way. Williams, on the other hand, does better this time, taking her service game through to 30 after a few serve winners and a double fault. The fans cheer.
20:24
Williams 0-2 Tan
There are still a few slight mistakes too many for the 40-year-old. Also on serve tan she chases two backhand crosses powerfully behind the baseline. Once again the audience is cheering on their darling, maybe that gives her some self-confidence. In any case, Tan first gets two balls, then she slips away as a result of a good Williams forehand. Fortunately, she survived the brief moment of shock unscathed – and shortly afterwards got the 2-0 with a service winner.
20:20
Williams 0-1 Tan
It’s not going well for Williams. She makes a double fault and another rather avoidable mistake before loud cheers erupt after her first point – a service winner. But Tan stays cool, forces her opponent to make a mistake on the volley with a powerful forehand cross. Break!
20:17
Williams 0-0 Tan
Let’s go, on her comeback, the 23-time Grand Slam winner starts with her own serve – and starts with a simple backhand mistake. 0:15.
20:08
It’s about to start
Rafael Nadal defeats Francisco Cerúndolo in a hot four-round fight and advances to the next round. For us this means: Center Court will be free, so the women’s match will continue in a few minutes.
18:28
The outsider as a favorite
Purely by name, her opponent Harmony Tan is a clear outsider. However, since she is not only almost 1100 places ahead of the American in the world rankings, but is also in the rhythm of the game, she also goes into the action as a favorite in a way. Most recently, she prepared for Wimbledon in two different tournaments: In s’-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, she went home straight away in the first round. In Gaiba, Italy, she only dropped out in the semi-finals.
18:20
delay
Because the Center Court will be occupied for some time, our match will also start with some delay. Of course, we’ll be there again in time when we serve.
18:12
Bad memories
A year ago, Williams slipped in the first round match here on Center Court with a score of 3: 3 in the first set against Aliaksandra Sasnovich – a thigh injury including a long injury break were the consequences. She is now returning to the tour for the first time in singles, and she is going straight to what is probably the most historic tennis stage in the world. All eyes should be on how the now 40-year-old presents herself physically and playfully.
17:45
Hi!
Hello and welcome to the first round at Wimbledon! Serena Williams celebrates her long-awaited comeback on the sacred lawn today. Her opponent is Harmony Tan from France, serve is expected to be around 6:15 p.m.