The biggest surprise came in the men’s draw, where fourth seed Ben Shelton became the highest-ranked player to exit the tournament in the opening round. The American appeared to be cruising towards victory after taking a two-sets-to-one lead against Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen.  

However, Virtanen produced a remarkable fightback, saving a match point in the deciding-set tie-break before sealing a memorable 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6  victory. It was undoubtedly one of the finest wins of the Finn’s career and one of the standout results of the opening round. 

Second seed Alexander Zverev avoided a similar fate, although he was made to work hard by Belgium’s Alexander Blockx. The German was pushed all the way before relying on his experience to edge through 6-4, 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 and secure his place in the second round.

Taylor Fritz enjoyed a far smoother passage, beating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-3, while Australia’s Alex de Minaur also advanced comfortably with a straight-sets victory over Argentina’s Román Andrés Burruchaga. 

Former finalist Matteo Berrettini needed four hard-fought sets to overcome veteran Stan Wawrinka in what proved to be the Swiss star’s final Wimbledon appearance.

There was no shortage of drama in the women’s singles either. Defending champion Iga Swiatek survived a stern test from American Taylor Townsend, recovering after dropping the second set to claim a 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 victory and keep her title defence on track.

Amanda Anisimova was among the day’s most dominant performers, brushing aside Lina Gjorcheska 6-3, 6-2. Former champion Elena Rybakina also progressed despite being pushed by France’s Lois Boisson, while Jasmine Paolini safely negotiated her opening-round clash.

One of the biggest upsets in the women’s draw saw eighth seed Elina Svitolina knocked out by fellow Ukrainian Daria Snigur. Snigur produced an outstanding display to win in straight sets, becoming the first women’s top-10 seed to exit this year’s championships.

Centre Court also witnessed an emotional occasion as Serena Williams returned to Wimbledon singles competition at the age of 44. The seven-time champion delighted the crowd with glimpses of the brilliance that made her one of the greatest players in tennis history, but Australia’s 20-year-old Maya Joint eventually claimed a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 victory. 

Williams received a lengthy standing ovation after the match in recognition of her remarkable contribution to the sport.

The home supporters finally had reason to celebrate after a difficult opening day. Katie Swan secured Britain’s first singles win of the tournament, while Arthur Fery, Jacob Fearnley and Jan Choinski also booked their places in the second round. 

There was disappointment, however, for Katie Boulter, who suffered a straight-sets defeat to rising teenager Tyra Grant.

With the opening round now complete, attention shifts to Wednesday’s second-round matches, where the remaining contenders will be aiming to build momentum in their pursuit of one of tennis’ most prestigious titles.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh