Maria Sakkari opens Wimbledon against Clara Tauson as Tsitsipas eyes Djokovic clash

Maria Sakkari will open her Wimbledon campaign against Clara Tauson on Monday, the All England Club announced Friday, setting up a clash of contrasting styles in the first round of the 2026 Championships. The Greek third seed, ranked No 5 in the world, faces the 24-year-old Danish wildcard in a match that promises early fireworks on Centre Court. The draw, published Friday morning, places Sakkari in the upper half of the draw, where she could face former champion Ashleigh Barty in the quarterfinals if both progress as expected.

Sakkari’s path begins with Tauson, a hard-hitting baseliner who claimed her maiden WTA title in Lyon earlier this year. The Greek star, known for her aggressive baseline game and deep participation in the tour’s biggest events, will need to bring her best form to avoid an early upset. “The draw is always important, but at Wimbledon you have to win every match,” Sakkari said in a press conference Friday. “I’m focused on my own game and ready to start.”

Across the draw, Stefanos Tsitsipas faces a daunting second-round encounter with Novak Djokovic should he advance past Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the first round. The Greek second seed, seeded No 7, will open against Gaston on Tuesday before a potential clash with the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the second round. Tsitsipas, a two-time major finalist, has not beaten Djokovic since 2021 and will need to raise his level to challenge the Serb’s dominance on grass. “I know what it takes to beat Novak,” Tsitsipas said. “I’ve been close before, and I’ll be ready if the chance comes.”

The draw also brings Serena Williams back to Wimbledon for her first singles match in four years, facing 20-year-old Maya Joint in the opening round. The 44-year-old American, bidding to extend her record as the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam match, will take on the British wildcard in a match that could set the tone for her emotional return. Williams, who last played singles at Wimbledon in 2022, has not competed in a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open. “It’s a special moment for me,” Williams said. “I’m here to compete and enjoy the moment.”

Wimbledon’s tradition of strawberries and cream continues unabated, with organisers confirming they will serve two million portions during the fortnight, alongside 32,000 litres of Pimm’s and 190,000 glasses of champagne. The tournament also marks the return of the “double bagel” rule, where a player winning two sets 6-0 will receive a bonus prize, a nod to the Championships’ quirky history. With play beginning on Monday, the draw sets the stage for a fortnight of drama, nostalgia, and high-stakes tennis on the grass courts of SW19.