The Championships Are Underway

Join us as we recap the opening two days of Wimbledon 2026, where the Championships have already delivered five-set thrillers, major upsets, emotional moments, and plenty of Centre Court drama.

In this episode, we break down Jannik Sinner's opening-round scare, Novak Djokovic's return to Wimbledon, the biggest stories from the women's draw, and the players making an early statement on the grass courts of SW19.

From surprise exits to standout performances, we're covering all the biggest moments from Days One and Two and looking ahead to what could be an exciting first week at Wimbledon.

Welcome back to the Championships.

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Transcript

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For this episode of Also Called Is Travel Sponsored by Airello. If one is inspiring an extraordinary adventure, Airello makes traveling easier by giving you instant access to mobile data and more than 200 countries and readers. Whether you're traveling at all, you are exploring London or traveling anywhere around the world, Airello helps you stay connected without expensive roaming fees or hunting down a local synagogue. Download the Air Allo app before your next trip and travel tomorrow with Air Allo. And now let's get back to Wimbledon. The Grass Courts are officially in use. Center Court has already produced some drama, yes, emphasis on the drama. And as always, the opening days of Wimbledon have reminded us why this tournament is so special. So let's get into it. There is simply nothing quite like the first Monday and Tuesday at Wimbledon. The courts are pristine, the strawberries and cream are flowing, and suddenly the entire tennis world shifts to London. And already we've had five-set thrillers, emotional farewells, major upsets, and some of the sport's biggest stars being pushed harder than many expected. In the men's draw, world number one and defending champion Yannick Sinna survived one of the biggest scares of the opening round. Sinna defeated Keshmanovic in five sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 5-6-2, 6-3. After dropping both the first and third set, Cinna showed exactly why he is a defending champion, finding another level late in the match to advance safely. Novak Djokovic also had a difficult opener against China's Wu Yi Bing. Djokovic eventually prevailing 6'4, 5'7, 6'4, 6'4. It wasn't vintage Djokovic throughout, but the seven-time champion once again found his best tennis in the moments that mattered the most, probably because Stefan and Tara were in his box, his beautiful children, and screaming go dad. So that definitely would help and get you pumped up. Daniel Medvedev looked extremely comfortable defeating Marin Chilich, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3. That's interesting. I actually thought that that match was going to go a little bit longer. Um, Medy, obviously in fine form, but Chilich always, it's sort of hard to tell. Sometimes he'll bring a five-setter vibe, sometimes not. Today or Monday, not so much. Felix Ojer Aliasim also impressed with a straight sets victory over Alexander Shevchenko, 6'3, 6'1, 6'4. However, one of the biggest upsets came when Hubi Hercaraz defeated Kaspar 6'4-6276. Literally, literally, literally, very, very interesting. And I said literally three times there because I was definitely expecting that to be a five-setter. I was expecting deep, long points, and we just didn't get them. Day two, of course, on the men's side, delivered even more drama. Alexander Zwarev survived a difficult four-set battle against Battle James Alexander Blocks, definitely making it through. Matteo Berrettini defeated Stan Brinker in what may have been Brinker's final Wimberton appearance. Not me, it is producing one of the emotional moments of the opening week. We love Stan, especially here at Off the Court. We are big Stan the Man fans. We're big Matteo Berrettini fans as well. But it was when we found that that was the first round match, we were very, very disappointed because it meant that one of them had to vacate in the first round. And that's always hard to not make it past the first round of a major, especially when it is your final run like Stan. So long four-set battle, huge tie breaks, and some crazy points, like 16-18 or 16-18 in the final set, I believe. So crazy things like that. Taylor Fritz and Alex Dimino both advancing comfortably and continuing to look dangerous on the grass. Let's talk a moment about Taylor Fritz sporting a very similar outfit coming out as Roger from several, several years ago. And Taylor saying in a press conference that he didn't feel like he could lose after wearing such a vibey outfit. Of course, it was a custom Hugo Boss outfit. Novak Equally 2 wearing a really cool blazer. It's that men's blazer vibe at this year's Wimbledon. Obviously, we know Roger used to do it a lot. But yeah, it's definitely made a comeback appearance, which is sort of nice. The other upset for the day, Ben Shelton losing in four sets. Not sure what's happening. Had some great results on clay, not as many great results on grass. Hopefully he can flip it around and have a really good hardcourt season at the US Open. He's on home soil. But yeah, unfortunately, Benny Shelton, the number five seed, is out of the tournament. On the women's side, several title contenders made strong starts. Arena Sabalenka looking dominant in her opening match and immediately sending a message to the rest of the tournament. Coco Goff also progressed comfortably while Naomi Asaka advanced in straight sets. Naomi Asaka again wearing a pretty cool outfit. I will have to say though, my favorite female outfit so far is Amanda Anasomova and Marta Kostiak. I think Amanda's looks very, very classy. And Mata always brings a really high-level Wilson outfit to Wimbledon. This one's got like, if you haven't seen it, it's got like little florals, and it's of course it's all white, but it's got like florals and a lace moment, and it's just very gorgeous. So definitely check it out. Defending champion Iga Sviantec faced an early test against Taylor Townsend. She did drop the second set. Townsend's always giving everybody a run for their money, and I'm really hoping that at some point it sticks and she is able to progress because I think she's a wonderful player. Switch eventually came through though in three and pushing it through the match. Elena Rabukina survived a scare against Louise Besson before eventually advancing and recording her 300th career WTA victory. Obviously, Elena's looking in good form. Obviously, we had one a grandson this year already. Um one of the biggest stories of the day, though, came, of course, with Miss Serena Williams making her return back to the All England Club. I think it's so iconic. It's so amazing. I can't wait to see what she does with Venus in doubles that starts on Wednesday. Um, but she did drop the first set 6-3 against Maya joint. She then won the second 7-6 and then dropped the third 6-3. So although she's out, she did save two match points. Um, she's 44 years old, and I don't want to keep emphasizing on her age. But guys, you've got to remember Serena hasn't played a professional match in four years. So to be first round at Wimbledon to receive the wild card, to play an up-and-coming Aussie who is very, very good currently, um, and still save two match points in a packed house and a packed centre core atmosphere. Um, I think that's pretty iconic. I think she's still obviously an icon and the greatest female tennis player of all time, if not the greatest female athlete of all time. Um, but it was definitely one of the most talked-about matches of the tournament so far. Tension will now turn to her and Venus in terms of those two to see what they can produce in the doubles. Um, another shock saw Britain's Katie Bolter eliminated by teenage qualifier Tyra Grant, while eight-seed Elena Swittelina was also knocked out in a major upset. Um, that's always quite disappointing. I'm a big, um, I know we don't play favourites over here, but I am a massive Elena Svidelina fan. Um, so I'm definitely bummed about that. Uh 7, 5, 6, 2, we didn't even get three sets on that one, so uh, which is pretty disappointing. Obviously, Gail, her husband is not playing. He did not receive a wild card for this year's tournament, but we love and send our love to Gail Monfys, of course. Um, match of the tournament so far. A lot of people are saying the match of the tournament has to be between Yannick and Kashmovic, and a lot of that is just because of Yannick's ranking. He's defending champion. Um, but I would go as far as to say that it was Stan and Berratini. Um, nothing comes easy at Wimbledon, and the emotional moment of the tournament may definitely belong to Stan Rinka after his defeat to Mateo Barrini, the former Grand Slam champion, received a standing ovation from the crowd while doing a little uh final appearance there. So, for the British players and of course England in general, the opening days have been difficult for many British players. Several early exit have left home fans disappointed. Although there have been some positive performances. So Jacob Fernley, Katie Swan, Arthur Ferry, and Jean Chiniski. As the tournament move into the second round, those players still keep the British hopes alive. Um, heading into the next few days, keep your eyes on a couple of these guys. Obviously, Novak Djokovic, Arena Sabalenka will be in action again tomorrow. Alex Dimino, Coco Goff, Elena Rabakina, and Yannick Sinna. Um, several of your fan favorites did survive some pretty crazy scares for round three. So we are going to take a look at the order of play for tomorrow. We're also going to run through a couple of little uh day three. Hold on, sorry guys, day two. Um, so we're also going to take a little look at Amanda, so Amanda Anassimova making it through as well. Um, the match still to be finished. Hold on, sorry guys, there's a new update here. So Flavio Caboli has taken has uh taken the third set, and it looks like that match will be finished out tomorrow. That is a men's first round match between Navoni and Kaboli. Um Jakub Menzik also making it through, of course, Mata Kostiak. Another big um win came for Bublick against Kokonakis, um, Jasmine Paulini against Montgomery, Francis Tiafo's first round match against Atame still to be finished. Ayella and Zazura, Ayala making it through her first, uh making it through to the second round for the first time here at Wimbledon. Um, Madison Keys taking out days, Brandon Nakashima finishing it off with Pennington Jones being eliminated. Grigor Dimitrov also taking out the Australian Sweeney, but it is so good to just see Grigob back, especially after last year's uh disaster and injury. Um, it's so nice to see him back and winning, and we all saw what it meant to him when you watch um the post-match uh post-match vibe. Synego has also taken out Etchvery, Alnadi has been taken out by Hallis, Plinscova has taken out Valentova, Blinkova has taken out Straviskoza, Alexei Poprin has lost to Lehechka. Um James Duckworth has taken out Talon Griegsport in an interesting turn of events out there. Kimberly Burrell has made it through as well. Um we also got another match to be finished between Altima and Mulkin. They are a set of P. Uh no, Mulkin is two sets to one up. We also saw Kippson take out McDonald. Ayla Tomyanovich has lost in the first round as well, Sophia Kennan making it through, Mueller and Meertons and Roya and Schneider making it through, Sakari, Fernley and Philz, Kruger, Swan Emma Navarro taking out Paola Bedoza in a three-set epic, two hours and 21 minutes. And Australia's Talia Gibson falling to Boscova, Zuzu Berggs taking out Humbert, and Sasia taking out Bajelik. So let's take a little look at the matches to watch for day three is day three, Wednesday, the first of July. So on Center Court, we have Yannick Sinar taking on Borges, Barbara Grojavic taking on Mira Andreva, Mira coming off a great run, obviously Barbara being a former Wimbledon champion. That'll be one to watch. The one I'm excited for, though, is Djokovic taking on Sister Pass. That will be on the night session or afternoon night session at uh on center court. So that'll be very interesting to see, see how Novak has recovered from the last match. Sister Pass had a pretty decent match as well, so see how he has gone. Arena Savalenka will take on McCartney Kesla. Sierra will take on Goff, and Oja Aliasim will take on Prismic. That is on court number one. On court number two, we'll see Naomi Yasaka taking on Gasanova. Then the men's match between Cavoli and Kaboli and Navone will finish up. Then after that, you'll see Daniel Medvedev take on Merida. Then you'll also see after that Jessica Pagula in action. She made it through her first round match with not too many qualms. She'll take on Sorbez Tormo. Um, and then on the gentleman's single side after that match, you'll see an all-Spanish affair between Jodar and Karenabusta. On court number three, you'll see uh Americans Tommy Paul taking on S. Quan. They are first up on court number three. You'll see Zhang and Mochova, Dijong and Fonseca, followed by Bensik and Wang. Out on court 12, you will see Lorena Tion take on Fushcevic, then you'll see Tiafo and Atame finish up their match, Sinokova and Bartankova. These are all second-round matches now that I'm reading out, unless I'm saying it's too finish. Nakoshima and Straf, Maria and Jovic, Brooksby and Boost, Davidic Fokina and Marzaren, Alexandrova and Tarudua, Parry and Kalinskaya. And then, of course, we have the Gentlemen's Doubles on Court 4, Gentlemen's Doubles on Court 5, Gentlemen's Doubles on Court 6. Um, we have ladies' singles match Parks and Shmashaku on court eight, followed by Molkin and Altima to finish. And then we have Gentlemen's Doubles, Gentlemen's Doubles, Tanasi Kokanakis out in action on court 11 for the Aussies, court 14, you've got Hubi Herkaz and Ofna, Quinn and Moshizuki. You've got Dan Evans making his final appearance in the Gentlemen's Doubles, Arthur Rindekash is on on the singles, Vandershop and Daria Kazakina. So there is a lot of action for day three. I can't believe we are already in day three. This seems pretty crazy, but here we are. Um, what to watch next? Obviously, day three and four will see the second round completed. The pressure begins to build. The players know that reaching the second week is now within sight. Accept tougher matches, expect tougher matches, bigger crowds, and perhaps a few more upsets. I do definitely think we are going to get some more upsets. I can't see that not happening. Um, I definitely think that we are. We may even see it from a top seed. Um, we shall see how that happens. Um but before we get out of here, I just want to give a massive shout out to Air Allo. Thank you guys for sponsoring this episode. You guys can find out more about Air Allo in the description below and at the beginning and end of the show. Um, I'm still gonna stick with my predictions. I still think that that's gonna be valid. I think we're gonna see a very strong match today from Sabalenka. Um, I think we're gonna see a strong match from Novak. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the tournament shapes up. I think there is potential for so many people to go deep into the second week. I think Francis Chiafo is in amazing form, just won a title. Coming off, coming into here um at Harley and had, yeah, just such great form. So I think he's definitely one to watch. He's good on grass, he moves well. Um, Tommy Paul also one to watch. I would also keep your eye peeled on Jessica Pagula because I feel like a grand slam is looming for her. I feel like it's in in out there, shall I say? I feel like it's out there for her to take hold of. So whether that be here, US Open, or a future Grand Slam, but I definitely think she is capable of winning a Grand Slam. Um, so let's see how that progresses. Obviously, a lot of people had hoped that Serena would make it a little further in the draw. That's not the case, so we are sort of back to what it's been like for the last couple. Um, of course, also another massive upset, which we didn't get to before, but a French Open finalist, Maya Shalinska, has also lost her opening round. Um, so that was a little bit of a bummer for her. But I think she had such a good run at the French Open that was it gonna sustain, was it gonna stick, who knows? But it was such a good run for her. Um, and yeah, now she's out and can enjoy, I guess, the rest of her summer um before the next tournaments begin. Um, but yeah, enjoy your strawberries and cream, enjoy all the fun. Um thank you for listening and be sure to come back here in a couple days' time because we will have all of the updates from day three and four, all of the upsets. We're gonna talk more fashions because I'm sure there'll be more to see. I'm sure Naomi Yasaka will present something fun today. Um, and I can't wait to share that with you guys. So, and chat about it because it's fun. Keep in mind, stay updated also on all of our socials. We are doing real time score updates and live updates. So if you guys are excited about that, stay tuned there and we will see you guys in the next episode. Bye for now.