Top Indian athletes take to the court as Wimbledon 2024 has kicked off

Wimbledon 2024 began earlier this week on July 1st, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz kicking off the competition with a match against Mark Lajal on Centre Court. The competition will last for two weeks, with the final taking place on July 14th.  

It’s a moment of pride for India as several Indian players step onto the prestigious courts of Wimbledon 2024. They are all set to compete in the two-week-long tournament, each with the potential to secure another title for India almost a decade after the last Indian winner. 

The Indian players this year are: 

• Rohan Bopanna—Bopanna will play in the men’s doubles tournament alongside Australian Matthew Ebden. The duo made it to the semi-finals the last time they played at Wimbledon and are looking to advance to the finals this year.  
• N.Siram Balaji – Balaji is also playing in the men’s doubles tournament and will partner with English player Luke Johnson. Their first game is later today against Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo.  
• Yuki Bhambri—Another doubles player, Bhambri, is joining forces with French player Albano Olivetti. Their first match is also later today against the Kazakhstani duo of Alexander Shevchencko and Alexander Bublik.  

Along with Alcaraz, legend Novak Djokovic will participate in the tournament in search of his eighth Wimbledon title. Last year, he did manage to make it to the final but lost out to the young Spaniard. Home favourite Andy Murray has withdrawn from the competition after undergoing back surgery.  

Over on the women’s side of the field, Markéta Vondroušová is looking to defend her championship, and two-time Grand Slam winner Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from the competition on the first day after suffering a shoulder injury.  

The tournament, a must-watch for all tennis enthusiasts, can be viewed on popular platforms like BBC One, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and Eurosport.