Back to Anisimova, she noted the challenges of facing a qualifier, acknowledging their recent match wins that boost their confidence. However, she expressed satisfaction with her own performance, stating, “It feels amazing to be back, all the great memories, and I’m trying to carry the vibes from last year, enjoying every day. Any distraction I can get is great for me, as grand slams are stressful, and you don’t just want to focus solely on tennis.”
What a remarkable victory for Swan, marking her as the first British player to advance to the second round. This win is a well-deserved reward for her struggles, frustrations, and doubts over the years. Next, she will face Day or Keys, with Day currently ahead 7-6, 2-1.
Swan quickly seized control of the rally, though she hesitated to finish, leading to some errors. However, Begu’s misstep gave Swan a crucial match point. Amidst the tension, another match caught attention as Paolini broke Montgomery, leveling their set at one each.
As the match progressed, Swan tightened her forehand but sent one long, bringing the game to deuce. Meanwhile, Montgomery managed to break back against Paolini, taking the lead at 6-0, 4-5. Begu then hit a precise winner to gain the advantage, but Swan’s powerful serve showcased impressive resilience as she reached match point once more.
Swan has faced considerable challenges due to injuries; not long ago, she was unranked and fighting to return to competition. Yet, here she is, serving with determination as Begu’s return goes awry, bringing her to a solid 15-0 lead. Soon, she reached 40-0, capitalizing on all the pain and suffering that brought her to this moment. Would she be able to close it out?
After a brief pause, Swan prepared to serve for the match.
Next up on court No. 3: Alex de Minaur (5) against Roman Andres Burruchaga.
On court No. 2, Otto Virtanen will face Ben Shelton (4).
We’ll conduct interviews shortly, but on court 16, Begu is serving to stay in the match against Swan, currently trailing 4-6, 3-5.
There’s no other way to put it: Grant’s performance was a dominating display, marking the most significant win of her career. Her next challenge will be against Gibson or Bouzkova, with Bouzkova currently leading 6-1, 1-3. Boulter, who triumphed over Rybakina at Queen’s, will surely feel disappointed, knowing she didn’t perform her best today.
In a commanding display, the previous year’s finalist and US Open contender proved her place at this level. Although her season has not unfolded as she hoped, her capabilities should not be underestimated. Next, she is set to meet Kenin or Marcinko, with Kenin leading at 7-6.
As the top matches near conclusion, Anisimova serves for the match against Gjorcheska at 6-3, 5-2. Meanwhile, Boulter struggles, down a set and double-break at 4-6, 2-5, while the 18-year-old qualifier Grant prepares to serve for her match.
With an eye on Anisimova and Boulter, I also plan to watch Paolini and Swan.
Anisimova is nearing round two, leading 6-3, 5-1 against Gjorcheska. Boulter, aiming to be the first British player to win a match at this tournament, trails Grant 4-6, 2-4. Montgomery is ahead of Paolini 6-0, 1-3, while Keys and Day are engaged in a first-set tiebreak. Sakkari leads Tauson 6-3, 4-3 with a break, and Majchrzak leads Tabilo 6-3, 3-4. In positive news for British players, Wendelken is ahead of Royer 6-4, 1-2, and Swan leads Begu 6-4, 3-2 with a break.
Let’s take a look at some latest scores before discussing where to focus our attention.
Welcome to Wimbledon 2026 – day two!
As anticipated, today presents a thrilling lineup of tennis matches, so let’s dive right in.
Kicking off the day, last year’s runner-up, Amanda Anisimova, is set to showcase her exceptional backhand while Katie Boulter also steps onto the court. Other notable players include Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys, and Donna Vekic, with Maria Sakkari’s match against Clara Tauson promising excitement.
When play begins on No. 1, Taylor Fritz will face Dusan Lajovic, originally set to battle the injured Jack Draper. On Centre Court, Iga Swiatek, the defending champion, will take on doubles expert Taylor Townsend.
However, the standout match of the day appears to be on No. 1, where former champion Elena Rybakina is drawn against Loïs Boisson, the surprise semi-finalist from last year’s French Open.
Adding to the excitement, first appearances for Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Eline Svitolina, Alex de Minaur, Marta Kostyuk, and the in-form Jakub Mensik are also on the cards. Jacob Fearnley is set to meet Alex Michelsen in what promises to be an epic five-set encounter. After injury, Arthur Fils returns, and Grigor Dimitrov, who faced misfortune last year, is back in action. Additionally, Flavio Cobolli will compete against Mariano Navone, and the day’s final match features a significant moment as the great Stan Wawrinka begins his last campaign against Mario Berrettini.
We have, however, saved the best for last: the Queen is making her return! After four years, Serena Williams, the seven-time champion and regarded as the greatest of all time, is back at age 44, ready to face Maya Joint for a spot in the next round.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting, affirming, and inspirational events happening today at SW19 and in these pages. It promises to be truly special. Here we go!
