Tennis fans are set to enjoy 21C highs at Wimbledon today as the tournament begins, with supporters flooding into the All England Club after some camped out for days.
Forecasters expect the competition to kick off with a sunny and mostly dry start in South West London as Carlos Alcaraz starts play on Centre Court this afternoon.
A festival atmosphere rivalling Glastonbury was in full swing as people queued for a ticket with Emma Raducanu headlining British hopes on the opening Monday. Fans have flown from as far away as the US and camped since Friday to be first in line.
This year, the famous Wimbledon queue – which has existed since 1927 – has become more commercialised with fans who have bought tickets held in an ‘activation’ zone with stalls run by sponsors such as Barclays and Vodafone.
It is now split into three sections – a welcome area housing the main queue line, a ticket purchase phase for payments to be taken, and then the ‘activation’ section with a big screen showing Centre Court and giveaways from Evian and Lavazza.
It comes after criticism of the queuing system at Wimbledon Park last year which saw people waiting for up to eight hours to get in amid stronger security with fuller bag checks and body searches as organisers tried to avoid disruptive protests.
Wimbledon officials said just after 9am this morning that the queue for day one was ‘very busy and to avoid disappointment we advise you not to travel to the grounds’.
While the weather today should be mostly dry, showers could move in tonight with a chance of downpours tomorrow and then throughout the opening week.
Also today David Beckham took his mother Sandra for a day out at Wimbledon and wore a luxury Hugo Boss suit after signing a big deal to be its global ambassador.
Spectators queue in Wimbledon Park ahead of day one of the Championships this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Police officers outside the grounds on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Bags are checked at the gates during day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Spectators arriving on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Spectators queue in Wimbledon Park ahead of day one of the Championships this morning
Spectators queue on Wimbledon Park Road ahead of day one of the Championships today
The first ticket holders enter on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Spectators rest as they wait in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
A sniffer dog works as spectators queue for the tennis in Wimbledon Park this morning
A person carries the flag of Palestine on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
(left to right) Sarah Gill, 38, and Sarah Gilchrist, 37, from Coleraine, Northern Ireland, have been queueing at Wimbledon since 5pm on Sunday, waiting to see Andy Murray play
Spectators walk into the grounds during day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Spectators queue in Wimbledon Park ahead of day one of the Championships this morning
Covers are removed on court number one on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
A spectator wearing the Union Flag observes the order of play board at Wimbledon today
The overnight queue for tickets today as tennis fans get ready for the start of Wimbledon
Wimbledon tennis fans this morning as they walk into the All England Club
Spectators rest as they wait in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Ground staff prepare the outside courts on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Spectators apply make up as they wait in the queue for the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators queue in Wimbledon Park ahead of day one of the Championships this morning
Spectators walk around the grounds during day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: ‘Looking ahead to Tuesday, it looks like there could be a couple of showers around the afternoon.
‘There will be some sunny spells between those showers and perhaps it’ll be a touch warmer, say 22C or 23C.
‘As we start to look a bit further ahead towards the middle of week, it looks like we’ll see dry cloud and maybe a spot of rain at times through Wednesday afternoon and into the start of Thursday.
‘Temperatures are still staying similar to average, so into the low 20s through the second half of the week. But we’ll have more detail on that a little bit closer to the time.’
Asked for her advice to Wimbledon spectators, she said: ‘Make sure you pack your raincoat and umbrella just in case, and also your sunscreen in case it’s hot. Maybe a hat, as well.’
The unsettled weather is being caused by a jet stream heading to the UK, Ms Glaisyer said, leading to low pressure over the country.
She said: ‘It’s quite a changeable picture at the moment, just due to the location of the jet stream.’
Reigning men’s champion Alcaraz starts play on Centre Court as he looks to retain his title in what has been called the most open tournament in 20 years.
The women’s singles will be as competitive as ever, with Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka among those playing on day one who will be looking to make it eight different winners in as many Championships.
David Beckham arrives at Wimbledon this morning wearing a luxury Hugo Boss suit
Fans have been draping the lawn of Wimbledon Park with Union Jacks and St George’s flags as they waited to get into the All England Club.
Some were playing tennis with nets and rackets brought from home, and revellers were unanimous in saying they would rather be pitching their tents in South West London than on Worthy Farm in Somerset for Glastonbury.
Linda Jacobs, a mother-of-two and tennis enthusiast who had flown all the way from Houston, Texas, to be in the queue, said it was like ‘a tennis festival’.
‘It’s like a festival – but without the drugs and sex and craziness,’ the 61-year-old, who was fourth from front in the queue, said. ‘It’s a very sophisticated festival.’
Ms Jacobs said a visit to Wimbledon had long been on her and her doubles partner’s bucket list, and that she was already considering returning next year.
‘We flew Thursday night and put up our tent at 1pm on Friday,’ she continued. ‘This is like a dream come true. For us, this has been on our bucket lists for years.
‘Wimbledon is like Mecca for tennis fans. I’ve been to the US Open but it’s nothing like this. We thought if we we’re going to do it, we’d go and do it well. It’s like a tennis holiday. It has been such a lovely experience.
‘Everybody is enjoying it and everybody’s a tennis lover. It’s a really nice community. We brought our rackets and have played on the grass – it’s just such fun.’
Despite bringing camping gear on their flights – which cost $650 (£512) for one way – Ms Jacobs and her doubles partner also have a room at the Marriot Hotel in Kensington.
‘We’ve had a hotel this whole time as well, just in case,’ she explained. ‘And so we can take showers. Our idea is to go for Centre Court. We will get the afternoon tea that they do and fly back Thursday.
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Spectators arrive on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Spectators arrive on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Spectators arrive on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Fans wait in the queue on the first day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
(left to right) Christine Small, 63, from Peterhead, and daughter Lorna Kennedy, 40, from Dundee, have been queueing at Wimbledon since 9am on Sunday, waiting to see Murray play
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Tennis fans rest as they wait in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators walk around the grounds during day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
A view outside of Centre Court ahead of day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Spectators arrive on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
The first ticket holders enter on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
A person carries the flag of Palestine on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators walk around the grounds during day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans rest as they wait this morning to get into the Wimbledon Championships in London
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Ground staff prepare the outside courts on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Tennis fans get into the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in London today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
A protest banner hangs on a resident’s fence near the All England Club this morning
A sniffer dog works as spectators queue for the tennis in Wimbledon Park this morning
A general view outside of Centre Court on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
‘Unfortunately we won’t get to see much of London or England other than this park, but we’ll come back. I would come back just for this camping experience.’
Blase Walton, the racket manager of David Lloyd in Basildon, Essex, arrived at the park at 8am on Friday morning to be first in line in the queue for Wimbledon tickets.
The 41-year-old has come with a crew of more than 20 staff and members from the leisure club, but was woken up at 1am by park rangers who told him to move his tent on his first evening.
‘I’ve done it two years in a row,’ the father-of-three said. ‘We have a nice little community down here. It’s really nice. I get tickets on a regular basis but here you talk about tennis all the time.
‘It was a bit tricky though, because we were not meant camp here on Friday. The park rangers came down and woke us up at 1am, but we managed to stay.’
A stall holder prepares to sell hats outside the All England Club in London this morning
Spectators in the queue on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Line judges are briefed ahead of day one of the Wimbledon Championships this morning
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Fans wait in the queue on the first day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Wimbledon tennis fans in the queue this morning to get into the All England Club
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
A member of Wimbledon ground staff is seen painting lines ahead of play during day one today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Tennis fans get into the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in London today
Ground staff prepare the outside courts on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A woman protests the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds in London this morning
The covers are removed from court one ahead of the Wimbledon Championships this morning
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
A spectator keeps warm in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Ground staff prepare the outside courts on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators rest as they wait in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
A member of ground staff waters flowers on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
The first ticket holders to enter pose for a photo on an archway made of tennis balls today
Ground staff prepare the outside courts on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators rest as they wait in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
A man dressed as a strawberry against a proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
Ms Jacobs said she moved her tent to public land until she was allowed to camp in the queue after being told off by some local residents who weren’t happy about her camping in the park.
Tori Alun-Jones, who works as a housekeeper for Center Parks, had travelled from Warminster on the Wiltshire-Somerset border to get in line for the tenth year in a row.
‘It’s all worth it,’ the 34-year-old, who travels across the world watching tennis, asserted. ‘You always make friends and enjoy it. It’s our own little Glastonbury.
‘I’ve made friends in the queue who I stay in touch with – we even went to the Davis Cup together. We got here about 4pm yesterday. It’s really quiet and they have strict rules.
‘I’m here for a week and a half – I’ve taken two weeks off work. I’ve got a friend at Glasto who’s coming to join the queue today.’
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
The first ticket holders wait to enter on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
A woman protests the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds on day one this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
The Championships Wimbledon logo on a water feature is pictured this morning
Spectators walk around the grounds during day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
A member of ground staff waters flowers on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A man dressed as a strawberry against a proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
A member of ground staff waters flowers on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Ms Alun-Jones, who is around 50th in the queue, explained that at the end of each day she would pick up her tent again and get back in the queue for the following day’s tickets.
A screen been put up at one end of the queue for the first time this year and joins food vans, a water station and toilet facilities to accommodate campers.
On who she hopes to see this year, Ms Alun-Jones added: ‘Jack Draper is my favourite at the moment, and Katie Boulter.’
Tickets for each day – of which there are around 500 – can be obtained by queuing up until the quarter final stage. Tickets for the first day at Centre Court are expected to cost around £85, and get more expensive each day.
Moira Demaree, a Brit living now living in Cincinnati in America, flew over after regretting never having been to Wimbledon when she lived here.
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Campaigners protest against the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A sign at a bus stop in Wimbledon today for the campaign against the proposed expansion
Ground staff prepare Centre Court before the start of play at Wimbledon today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Spectators play tennis in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A sign in Wimbledon this morning for the campaign against the proposed expansion
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A spectator in the queue on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
A general view of Court Ten as Centre Court can be seen in the background this morning
A member of ground staff waters flowers on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Campaigners protest against the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Campaigners protest against the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A member of the ground staff is seen painting lines ahead of play during day one today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A view of the gates of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London today
A view outside of Centre Court ahead of day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
The 56-year-old mother-of-one, who works as a teaching assistant, said: ‘I moved to the States 16 years ago but always regretted not going to Wimbledon.
‘I was visiting friends and they said, ‘Why don’t you come a week early and come to Wimnbledon?’ I’m super excited.’
Mothers Ariane and Emma travelled on the train from Sherbourne in Dorset to join the queue with their daughters and hope to cheer on British players whilst waving their Union Jack flag.
Emma said: ‘We got here around an hour ago, and I’m hoping we should be able to get in the 500. We’re only here for tomorrow, and have been having a debate about whether to go for First Court or Centre Court.
‘First Court has a really epic lineup tomorrow, but Radacanu and Alcaraz are on Centre Court. Nothing beats watching a Brit play on Centre Court and we even have a flag.’
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Courts are prepared ahead of the Wimbledon Championships in South West London today
Spectators apply make up as they wait in the queue for the Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A woman walks past a banner protesting the proposed expansion of the grounds today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Ariane added: ‘Usually we have tickets, but we didn’t get the ballots this year so we are slumming it.’
Britons were also hoping they might be able to see Andy Murray play what would surely be his last Wimbledon.
Ray Wheeler, part of the David Lloyds Basildon crew, was soaking in the party atmosphere by cracking open his first beer at midday.
‘I’ve been to Wimbledon seven or eight times, but this is my first time camping,’ the 61-year-old cab driver said. ‘It’s a bit of a festival atmosphere.’
Some Murray fans have been queuing since Saturday for the chance to see the British star play.
The two-time former champion has yet to confirm whether he will even take part after struggling with a back problem at Queen’s Club which led to weakness in his right leg, resulting in him undergoing surgery last weekend to remove a spinal cyst.
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators rest as they wait in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
A view outside of Centre Court ahead of day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A general view of the outside of Court Ten as Centre court is pictured in the background today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
A member of the ground staff is seen painting lines ahead of play during day one today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London this morning
On Thursday, Murray rated it unlikely that he would be able to play singles, with an appearance in doubles alongside his brother Jamie more probable, but he gave a more upbeat assessment at a press conference yesterday.
He said he expects to decide this evening whether or not he will make a final appearance.
Tennis fan Catherine, from Belgium, is first in the queue to see Murray play, and has been there since 10am on Saturday.
‘I’ll be very happy and sad at the same time, because I know it’s probably going to be the last time,’ she said.
The 33-year-old said she has been a fan of Murray for the last 20 years.
‘I’ve been a fan for a long, long time – since he started really.
‘So I really like him, like his playing style.
‘The way he behaves on court was really appealing because I was quite similar myself.’
A detailed view of the Gentlemen’s Doubles’ order of play board ahead of day one today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators pack up their tent in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Spectators apply make up as they wait in the queue for the Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Campaigners protest against the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Scottish mother and daughter Christine Small, 63, from Peterhead, and Lorna Kennedy, 40, from Dundee, have been queuing to see Murray since 9am on Sunday.
‘He feels like one of our own,’ Ms Small said.
‘He’s done so well and he’s just been so good for the sport.
Ms Kennedy said seeing him will be ’emotional’.
‘I don’t actually care if he just walks out and plays two games and says ‘I’m done’, I’ve been able to cheer him one last time on Centre Court and that would be enough,’ she said.
She said she and her mother feel they understand Murray because he is Scottish.
‘We’re Scottish, so we get him,’ she said.
‘He’s really dry, he’s really funny, but he’s also an advocate for women’s tennis.’
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Courts are prepared ahead of the Wimbledon Championships in South West London today
Tennis fans wait in line this morning on day one of the Wimbledon Championships in London
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators carrying hot drinks back to the queue for the Wimbledon Championships today
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
A member of ground staff waters flowers on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
She added he is a ‘good role model’.
Sarah Gilchrist, 37, and Sarah Gill, 38, from Coleraine, Northern Ireland, have been queuing since 5pm on Sunday.
Ms Gilchrist said she is not sure if Murray will really retire.
‘We’ve heard this before, so we’ll have to wait and see it to believe it,’ she said.
‘He said this before, a few years ago at the Australian Open.
‘But I think it could be his time this year to hang up his racket.’
Raducanu is one of seven Britons in action on the opening day.
Heather Watson will be the first on court, taking on Greet Minnen at 11am, while Liam Broady, who reached the third round 12 months ago, takes on Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A spectator in the queue on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Ball boys and ball girls exercise on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A Wimbledon steward looks on during day one of The Championships this morning
People protesting against Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Fans walk to courts ahead of the first matches of the Wimbledon tennis championships today
Spectators in the queue on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Spectators pack up their tent in the queue on day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A banner protesting against the proposed expansion of the Wimbledon grounds today
A view outside of Centre Court ahead of day one of the Wimbledon Championships today
Staff prepare the order of play board before the start of play at Wimbledon this morning
Flowers are pictured ahead of the Wimbledon Championships in South West London today
A view of the gates of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London today
A person at Southfields station with hair in the style of a Slazenger tennis ball today
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies ahead of Wimbledon this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
A steward is pictured with his blazer lapel decorated with Wimbledon badges today
The Championships Wimbledon logo on a water feature is pictured this morning
Court signage is pictured before the start of play at the All England Club this morning
Members of ground staff prepare the court ahead of play during day one of Wimbledon today
Charles Broom’s Wimbledon debut comes against three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka on Court Two.
Yuriko Miyazaki plays Tamara Korpatsch, Arthur Fery also has German opposition in Daniel Altmaier and Sonay Kartal will look for her first Wimbledon singles win at the third attempt against 29th seed Sorana Cirstea.
Meanwhile protests were held today against Barclays, one of the tournament’s sponsors, relating to controversies over its links to fossil fuels and companies supplying arms to Israel.
But a Barclays spokesperson said: ‘We are proud of our partnership with Wimbledon. Like many other banks, we provide financial services to companies supplying defence products to the UK, Nato and its allies.
‘We are also financing an energy sector in transition, including providing $1trillion of sustainable and transition finance by 2030 to build a cleaner and more secure energy system.’
