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Wimbledon 2022: Emma Raducanu wins center court debut, Andy Murray starts with victory
Serena Williams was denied a stunning comeback on her Wimbledon return and her first singles match in 12 months as Harmony Tan won an epic three-set under the Center Court roof.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Williams, whose last match 364 days ago came in a first-round loss on center court with a hamstring tear, struggled from a set down but had no answer to the tenacity and brilliance of number Tan one of the world 115 from France.
The drama reached its climax in an exceptional deciding tiebreak in the final set, with the scores tied at 6-6 in the third. Tan displayed stellar tennis to oust the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who still put in a remarkable performance after being a full year away from the top of the sport.
Previously, Rafael Nadal marked his Wimbledon return with a win over Francisco Cerundolo for the first time since 2019, but it was far from easy for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Nadal headed for a comfortable win before Cerundolo fought his way back by winning the third set. Nadal stared at being dragged into a third set but he broke back in the fourth before quickly sealing a 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4 win in over three and a half hours.
Follow all the action from day two live, including the latest results, reactions and analysis from the All England Club
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
Great interview after the game too.
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 11:06 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
The moment Harmony Tan wrote her name in Wimbledon folklore.
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:57 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
Our first report is here from the entertainment madness of the evening.
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:55 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
Harmony Tan – an instant Wimbledon legend.
“When I saw the draw, I was really scared. Because it’s Serena Williams, she’s a legend and I was like, ‘Oh my god, how can I play and if I could win a game or two that would be really good for me!’
“I want to thank everyone today and my team and my coach Natalie Tauziat who also played against Serena. Thank you for being with me.”
(Getty Images)
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:51 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
Wow. It’s hard to remember such an intense and exciting first-round match at Wimbledon.
There will be many more reactions to come as I am about to be kicked out of Center Court. Somehow it’s almost 11pm!
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:43 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
Harmony Tan’s first Wimbledon appearance and she beat Serena Williams.
“Wow, just wow,” she says.
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:38 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan – Game, Set and Match!
An exceptional match, an incredible third set, a simply stunning ending!
It was a stunning fight but Serena Williams is eliminated from Wimbledon – an immense performance by Harmony Tan to claim victory in three hours and 11 minutes on Center Court.
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:36 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-7 Harmony Tan
Williams senses a chance to get into the net, but the drop shot misses! It goes into the net and Tan leads 7-6.
to serve Williams. Great depth on the backhand, but Tan just won’t give up. She lasts before sending a stunning backhand down the line!
Two points away for Tan. She had a chance with the forehand pass, but it hit the post! Williams then goes for the backhand down the line, it’s wide! 9-7
Matchpoint Tan. That excitement in the rally and Williams nets!
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:33 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 Harmony Tan
As the players switch, Williams ends up on the mini break. It’s a decent serve, but Tan’s response is stunning! She lands the forehand winner down the line! 4-3
Brown back on serve. Patience from both players, but Williams pulls a tired forehand wide! Back level at 4-4.
Oh no, the momentum turned again when a forehand from Williams went long. She stops the series of tan points at five with a perfect drop shot and then an even better volley at the net! 6-5 Williams and a bang!
But no, a shot from Williams at the baseline drifts long. Back level at 6-6. Players switch ends again.
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:27 p.m
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 Harmony Tan
We’ve reached the end as the game hits three hours of gameplay!
First to 10 wins, and Serena hits the net and tucks away the volley to take a 1-0 lead!
Another approach from Williams into the net, with the same result! The forehand jumps past Tan!
And an ace! 3-0 Williams! Back to Tan’s serve – but momentum has swung. A bakchand drifts long. 4:0!
Tan responds, the winner withdraws a point. 4-1
Williams to serve again. Barely a whisper in the middle. Great answer from Tan and a better dropshot! Williams gets it but Tan saves the volley! 4-2!
Jamie BraidwoodJune 28, 2022 10:23 p.m
