Wimbledon 2018: Brits Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund win on day two
Rafael Nadal and women’s champion Garbine Muguruza also progress
It was a good day for British tennis as both Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund secured their places in the second round at Wimbledon.
Konta, the 22nd seed, beat Natalia Vikhlyantseva 7-5, 7-6 (9-7), while Edmund won 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 against Alex Bolt.
Following her victory, 2017 semi-finalist Konta told the BBC: “It’s the first round of a Slam, there were definitely some nerves there. First rounds are always tricky. The conditions were tricky, breezy and gusty, it didn’t make it easy.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“I am playing these Championships independent of what happened last year. I am a little wiser this year, working hard to be here for a full two weeks.”
Edmund, who beat Bolt in just 103 minutes, said: “I’m just really happy to get through the first round at Wimbledon. There’s always that long preparation where there’s lot of build-up, lots of time to think, lots of anticipation. You’ve always got the media and that stuff to do.
“So to get the first round out of the way and play, I’m very happy. What a setting to do it - my first time on No.1 Court in singles and a tricky third set, but I guess it shows how well I was playing and thinking to win it 7-5.”
Konta plays Dominika Cibulkova in round two, while Edmund goes up against Bradley Klahn next.
Muguruza starts title defence well
World No. 3 Garbine Muguruza, the defending women’s champion, was “clinical” in her first-round victory against Britain’s Naomi Broady.
After beating Broady 6-2, 7-5 on Centre Court, the Spaniard said: “[It felt] incredible. It’s a beautiful court, I’m back and I’m thinking to win and actually enjoy it this time more.
“I knew she had a big serve and big shots and on grass it’s always difficult. The crowd was very fair and I really enjoyed it.”
Nadal, Zverev and Del Potro through
World No. 1 and second seed Rafael Nadal enjoyed a comfortable win against Dudi Sela. Spaniard Nadal beat the Israeli 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev beat James Duckworth 7-5, 6-2, 6-0, and fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro was a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victor against Peter Gojowczyk.
Seeds fall on day
A number of top seeds were knocked out at the All England Club today. Petra Kvitova (seeded 8) lost in the women’s first round, while in the men’s singles Dominic Thiem (7), David Goffin (10) and Fernando Verdasco (30) were also beaten.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Major League Baseball's shaky future in Tampa
The Explainer New questions arise about a troubled franchise after Hurricane Milton wrecked the Trop
By David Faris Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Global plastics summit starts as COP29 ends
Speed Read Negotiators gathering in South Korea seek an end to the world's plastic pollution crisis, though Trump's election may muddle the deal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Andy Murray: Britain's greatest sportsperson?
Talking Points Injury denies Scot a final singles appearance at Wimbledon but his place in history is assured
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Nick Kyrgios: a foul-mouthed bully or tortured genius?
Why Everyone’s Talking About The Australian has thrilled and appalled on his run to the Wimbledon final
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Novak Djokovic vs. Cameron Norrie: Wimbledon semi-final preview and predictions
feature Can the British No.1 stun the defending champ and reach Sunday’s final?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
What has Serena Williams been doing?
Why Everyone’s Talking About The tennis great made a surprise return to the court this week after a year away
By Richard Windsor Published
-
Wimbledon 2022: Friday’s order of play
feature British hope Norrie takes on defending champion Djokovic on Centre Court
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
‘Outright civil war’ in tennis as Wimbledon faces up to Putin
Talking Point Furious tennis authorities condemn ‘discriminatory and unfair’ ban of Russian and Belarusian players
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pants
Speed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
By The Week Staff Published