london, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic barely had to break sweat to make winning starts at Wimbledon as their injury-hit opponents retired hurt from their first round matches today.
Federer was already well on top at the start of his 19th All England Club campaign when Alexandr Dolgopolov was forced to quit with an ankle injury.
The world No. 3 was leading 6-3, 3-0 on Centre Court when the Ukrainian limped off. Federer will face either Dusan Lajovic of Serbia or Greek qualifier Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the last 32.
Djokovic was leading 6-3, 2-0 when Slovakian world No. 47 Martin Klizan retired after just 40 minutes on Centre Court due to a calf problem. The 30-year-old Serb will face Adam Pavlasek of the Czech Republic for a place in the last 32.
Kerber wins
World No. 1 Angelique Kerber saw off American qualifier Irina Falconi 6-4, 6-4 in 87 minutes on Centre Court. Milos Raonic advanced to the second round with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) win against Jan-Lennard Struff. Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro defeated Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Australia’s Bernard Tomic said he had lost his “respect” for tennis following his lacklustre 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Mischa Zverev. Richard Gasquet slumped to a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 loss against Spain’s David Ferrer.
Expecting
Luxembourg’s Mandy Minella is playing at Wimbledon while four and a half months pregnant, as the 31-year-old prepares to join Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka as a tennis mum. Minella lost to Italian veteran Francesca Schiavone but she caught the eye with her loose-fitting dress covering a small bump. “Wimbledon is my last tournament this season,” Minella said.
The world No. 82 posted a picture on her Facebook account, showing husband and coach Tim Sommer kneeling in front of her on a Wimbledon court, kissing her stomach.