Aryna Sabalenka Withdraws From 2024 Wimbledon

Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion and currently ranked third in the world, has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, as confirmed by the tournament organizers.

As a result, Russian lucky loser Erika Andreeva will take her place in the draw and will play against American qualifier Emina Bektas in the opening round.

Sabalenka had previously reached the semi-finals at the All-England Club twice.

In June, she had also advanced to the last 16 of the French Open.

Varvara Gracheva

Gracheva wins first match at Wimbledon 2024

Meanwhile, France’s Varvara Gracheva emerged victorious in the opening match of the 2024 Wimbledon tournament on Monday, defeating Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine with a score of 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour.

Gracheva, who hails from Russia and is currently ranked 70th in the world, displayed a dominant performance by breaking her opponent five times on Court 5, despite the cloudy skies.

Tsurenko, ranked 59th in the world, committed 20 unforced errors, while Gracheva only had eight.

In the next round, Gracheva will be up against either Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine or Nadia Podoroska of Argentina.

Wimbledon 2024 commenced on July 1 and is set to conclude on July 14 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London.

The singles finals are scheduled for Sunday, July 14, while the doubles finals will take place on Saturday, July 13.

Wimbledon, also known as The Championships, Wimbledon, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments globally, held annually at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London.

This Grand Slam event is the third of the year, following the Australian Open and the French Open, and preceding the US Open.