Wimbledon LIVE: Tennis scores as Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz open tournament
Andy Murray shares information about his physical condition before making a decision about participating in Wimbledon.
The tennis tournament at Wimbledon is starting again, with players like Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz grabbing attention on the first day. Fans are also eagerly waiting to hear from Andy Murray about whether he will participate in singles matches in what could be his last time competing at the prestigious event.
Raducanu was supposed to play against Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round. However, Alexandrova had to withdraw due to injury at the last moment. Now, Raducanu will be facing lucky loser Renata Zarazua from Mexico, who is currently ranked 98th in the world, instead.
Murray is going to decide tonight if he will compete in the singles match after having surgery to remove a cyst on his spine. The two-time winner will be playing against Tomas Machac on Tuesday and has said he will make his decision after his last practice session.
The 37-year-old expressed his desire to experience the excitement on Centre Court once more and gain a sense of closure before retiring. Stay tuned for the latest updates and real-time scores from Wimbledon in today's live blog.
2024 Wimbledon: Alcaraz And Lajal Tie
The two players exchange shots with their forehands, but Lajal makes an error and hits the ball into the net. The score is now 0-15.
The tennis player from Estonia made a good serve and looked good to win the point, but then hit the ball out of bounds. Score is 0-30.
A powerful shot from Alcaraz lands right at Lajal's feet, leaving him unable to respond. The score is now 0-40, giving Alcaraz three break points.
Alcaraz hits a forehand shot that curves into the corner, and Lajal, running to reach the ball, hits his return shot too hard and it goes out of bounds.
Alcaraz quickly broke his opponent's serve and didn't drop a single point in the process!
Alex Pattle, 1st July 2024, 2:00 PM
Lajal Earns Break From Serve
Lajal is aiming to shake things up right from the start. In each of the three Alcaraz service games, the less favored player has been putting on the pressure, while managing to easily hold his own serve.
And it's fair to say that he deserves a rest, considering how fast and powerful his groundstrokes have been against the Spaniard. Despite Alcaraz showing glimpses of brilliance, it remains to be seen how the champion will bounce back from this early challenge.
Luke Baker at the main tennis court on July 1, 2024 at 1:58pm
Wimbledon 2024: Alcaraz Vs. Lajal
Alcaraz loses the opening point. Score is now 0-15.
The two players exchange shots, starting with backhands and then moving to forehands. Alcaraz hits a shot that goes too long. Score is now 0-30.
Alcaraz perfectly executes his forehand shot, hitting a winner across the court! Score is now 15-30.
He attempts to advance during a serve, but the backhand return is hit back with power and lands close to him in the service area. Alcaraz tries to hit a forehand half-volley over, but he misses. The score is now 15-40, which means there are two opportunities for a break of serve.
Alcaraz delivered an impressive crosscourt forehand once again, and this time he nailed the forehand half-volley perfectly! Beautiful shot. Score is now 30-40.
Lajal hit an amazing forehand that made Alcaraz run, but the defending champion's forehand pass was not accurate and went wide.
Here comes the unexpected success for the less favored team!
Alex Pattle wrote a blog on the first of July, 2024 at 1:57 PM.
Wimbledon 2024 Match: Carlos Alcaraz Vs Mark Lajal
Lajal starts the game with an unstoppable serve. The score is now 15-0.
Next, a strong serve lands inside the court, but his forehand shot goes past the corner. Or does it? He decides to challenge the call... and he was correct! It just grazed the line. The score is now 30-0.
A powerful serve was just hit, causing Alcaraz to lose his balance and he was not able to return the ball with his backhand. The score is now 40-0.
A quick exchange from the forehand side happens, and Lajal once again hits the ball into the corner! A fantastic hold without losing any points.
Alex Pattle on July 1, 2024 at 1:52pm
Fans Cheering For Both Players
The audience on Centre Court is very supportive and excited to watch Alcaraz play. They cheer loudly for him as he demonstrates his impressive skills, but they also show appreciation for a stunning cross-court return by Lajal that wins the point. The crowd gasps and applauds energetically in response.
The sneaky drop shot to defend his serve in the third game might indicate that Alcaraz is finally getting comfortable on the court after a slightly sluggish beginning.
Luke Baker plays on the main court at the tennis center on July 1st, 2024 at 1:50 PM.
Wimbledon 2024: Alcaraz Defeats Lajal
Alcaraz started off strong with a good serve to score 15-0, but Lajal's return was impressive on the following point. Lajal, the qualifier, made Alcaraz run with a backhand shot, leaving the Spaniard unable to respond. The score is now tied at 15-15.
Alcaraz made a great serve, but Lajal couldn't hit the forehand accurately. The score is now 30-15.
Both players are making strong shots. Lajal uses a backhand slice to lure Alcaraz in, then attempts to lob him. However, Alcaraz successfully executes a smash shot. The score is now 40-15.
Alcaraz made a mistake on his serve by hitting two faults in a row - one went wide and the other hit the net. The score is now 40-30.
Alcaraz secures the game with a trademark drop shot - his first one of the match!
Alex Pattle July 1, 2024 1:48 PM
Wimbledon 2024: Alcaraz Vs Lajal Tied
Lajal successfully hits a second serve, and Alcaraz's backhand return has good speed and distance on it. Because of this, Lajal's own backhand shot goes out wide. The score is now 0-15.
Alcaraz hit a forehand shot with the ball bouncing high towards him, and he sends it deep into the court. The score is now 15-15.
Alcaraz delivered an impressive backhand return, showcasing his agility as he positioned himself before hitting the ball deep into the corner. Unfortunately, Lajal was unable to return the shot, giving Alcaraz a score of 15-30.
Lajal hits his first serve too far, but his second serve is good. Alcaraz misses a forehand shot. The score is now 30-30.
Great play by Lajal as he quickly advances towards the net, forcing Alcaraz to make a move. Unfortunately, Alcaraz's backhand pass doesn't quite clear the net, giving Lajal the advantage at 40-30.
Lajal had a strong serve and Alcaraz's forehand didn't quite make it over the net.
An opportunity for the little guy!
Alex Pattle wrote a blog on July 1, 2024 at 1:45 PM.
Alcaraz Beats Lajal At Wimbledon 2024
*indicates the player who will serve next
Let's get started. Alcaraz will begin serving.
He successfully scores a point with his first serve but misses the second one. Lajal returns a powerful backhand shot, causing Alcaraz to hit his own backhand shot out of bounds. The score is now 0-15.
Once again, Alcaraz makes a mistake with his second serve. He follows it up with another error on his backhand, hitting the ball into the net. The score is now 0-30.
For the third time in a row, Alcaraz misses his first serve. However, after he hits his second serve, Lajal hits a forehand shot that goes out of bounds. The score is now 15-30.
The next point was a bit longer, with both players hitting the ball back and forth. Unfortunately, Lajal hits the ball too hard and it goes out of bounds. The score is now tied at 30-30.
Amazing shot in the opposite corner, creating a cloud of chalk for a winning point. The score is 40-30.
And there it is! Alcaraz makes a strong comeback in the first game!
Blog Post: Today, I wanted to share some thoughts on a topic that has been on my mind recently. As I was reflecting on the current state of the world, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by all the challenges we are facing. From climate change to social injustice, it seems like there is no shortage of problems that need to be addressed. Despite the gravity of these issues, I am hopeful that we can overcome them if we work together. It will require us to come together as a global community and take action to create positive change. Each one of us has a role to play in making the world a better place, whether it's through small acts of kindness or larger efforts to advocate for justice. In times of uncertainty, it's important to remember that we are not alone. By supporting each other and standing together, we can build a brighter future for all. Let's continue to strive for progress and make a difference in the world, one step at a time.
Carlos Alcaraz Receives Standing Ovation
The men's singles final at Wimbledon last year, which featured Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, was an incredible display of tennis skill. Alcaraz captured the hearts of the Wimbledon crowd with his remarkable win.
As the current title holder, he gets the privilege of starting the matches on Centre Court on the first day, and he was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome as he stepped out with his opponent Mark Lajal. He even got a standing ovation, which he definitely earned as a popular player from Spain.
Is he able to continue his previous success on the grass courts of SW19 from last year against an opponent who seems to be no match for him?
Luke Baker is talking about something important in a blog post that he wrote on July 1, 2024 at 1:35 PM.
Wimbledon 2024 Update: Andy Murray
Here's some news from another part of the All England Club, shared by our colleague Kieran Jackson. He has been observing Andy Murray's practice game against Kyle Edmund.
"Murray and Edmund pause with the score at 6-3 2-0. Murray is now practicing his forehands and backhands repeatedly with coach Jonny O'Mara - could this be the ultimate challenge for his back?"
Blog Post by Kieran Jackson on July 1, 2024 at 1:34 PM
