Day 1 Today at Wimbledon

Disappointing summer holidays? Plenty of eastern promise which

never quite delivers. Then why not head south-west for the break of a

lifetime? Here at the All-England Club we cannot promise you love but

we do have sun, serves and strawberries. The night life is

buzzing and unlike last night when we missed the map of the net, it is

a good thing -- the back of the net. But up now 54 night of fun, fun,

fun. We may have bigger balls in The usual suspects return, there is

him and him and him and him. And her and her and her and her. They

are always together. And then there is him! Game, set and match, the

Wimbledon dream has come true. They would not be Wimbledon without

her and him. -- it would not be. Hello. Where is our pens?! Cutbacks.

You have no idea how bad things are. I have heard about the debt crisis

here. It is getting worse. Take care of us. Not too many Greeks on

the courts today. As sure as night follows day, our first highlights

the show follows the elimination of an England football team but at

least we qualify which has more than Serbia did. But they do have a

tennis player who is quite good. He is of is the thinking of an

alternative sporting option! A publicity stunt but it worked

because we are talking about it. Novak Djokovic seemed in a very

relaxed mood as he began the defence of his title because for

the disappointment of that defeat in Paris a couple of weeks ago this

at Wimbledon was a tournament which kick-started his amazing run of

last year that included three Grand Last time we saw him he was

defeated by Nadal in Paris. Juan Carlos Ferrero was No. 1 but that

was a lot of years ago. He has not played in a couple of weeks, moving

gingerly. Once he got... He was down a break but once they were cut,

that was the end of the match. -- When you are that flexible, you get

away with it! We have got some work to do in the gym. I think we do.

was just what the doctor ordered at the end of the day. I thought it

was a good start to his campaign. There has to be some disappointment

from just two weeks ago losing to Nadal but it was a great match. To

get down and break early, he then pretty much cruised. Is there any

mental Hanover from Paris do you think and losing the opportunity to

be the first man ever to hold or four titles at the same time?

opportunity comes around once-in-a- lifetime. This is why the

tournament is so interesting because you are not really sure how

he will react. Will he relax and play better? Or will he be bombed

out about the loss. The other point is that he has played a lot of

close matches. He has stepped it up. That takes its toll on you. That is

what I worry about. If we are being amateur psychologists here, he

seemed very chilled today. There could be a level of pressure that

is now off them. There was so much going into Paris and he tried so

hard to get through the well for some the match and he did not have

it all against Nadal and quite possibly he will be freer now.

is the difference between Djokovic on grass and clay? On clay, I think

it was a great effort to get to the final but always Nadal even Bjorn

Borg said a is the greatest ever to play. He can be a little appetite

earlier in the tournament. I think he is more vulnerable because the

has not played any matches. Early on he is vulnerable but as he gets

more intimate, he will be more difficult to beat. Final point on

the Djokovic and the Paris escapade, how sad way you to see the little

bit of history go? I was cheering for Djokovic. That was the one

thing that could put him in the same category as Federer and Nadal.

He could do something that those two could not achieve and probably

will not achieve. It will be very tough to see the a male players

hold for in a row again. You could see the sadness and disappointment

with him on court that day. I am not quite sure he deserve that as

yet compared to Nadal and Federer. Because? Federer has prize have

that chance and Nadal once. I am not sure he has... Is Nadal a great

player? And Federer? No doubt about it. Is Djokovic a great player?

is a great player but he is not as great yet. There are degrees of

greatness. He would have blown by some people that I am not going to

mention! Great, great players. Our ranking sq keep dropping. 28 out of

the last 29 titles between the three of them. This man has been as

perennial as the grass here, Federer. Playing Albert Ramos of

Spain ranked 43 in the world today although it is fair to say not on

grass. Federer cruise from the get go and so a comfortable on the

surface. Albert Ramos wanted to be on anything other than grass in

this match. This used to be worthy guys who came from Spain collected

pay cheques. They did not care about what happened at Wimbledon.

That has changed because of Nadal. This was a total mismatch. This is

exactly what you thought in the past when you played a guy who did

not want anything to do with grass. This is the type of opening you

cannot get any sort of an idea what kind of thing is in store for

Federer. I pick Federer. You like what you saw? I watched a little

bit of it but as ice-cool the developing I was not too concerned

-- as the score developed. Why have you gone for Federer? I think

physically it takes a lot for anyone to beat two out of the three

it much less three out of the four and I think on grass it is less of

an effort physically for him to have to beat Djokovic and Nadal. I

think he has got more variety to his game and this is his best

chance to win another major. He is more comfortable coming in.

Especially these early rounds, save some energy and then use that play

against possibly Djokovic in the semi-finals and we will see who

gets through... I could not agree more. Come on?! Get the but in!

is one of them coming in against Albert Ramos. He has got to

transfer in the matches. Can you mentally? I do not think he can

walk on against Albert Ramos and I do not think he believes that. He

needs to do that. He has got to be more aggressive to beat both of the

guys. 1999, Federer's first Wimbledon here. He lost in the

first round to? He lost two... Help me out. I have no idea. Shall I

tell you? Tell me. Novak. Venus Williams also played her first

Wimbledon and lost in the first round. I don't know. Lindsay

Davenport? The Polish player. Venus Williams, when you talk about great

players, people talk about how many years they will be playing. We know

all about her health problems. It was not a great start. Venus

Williams was not at her best. But certainly in the first set, it

seemed as though she was not quite with it. She seemed to slow from

what we are used to seeing. She did not look like she was all there.

Elena Vesnina was always going to be a tough match. Venus Williams

was lacking energy fast up that was the first set to Elena Vesnina of

Russia. Picking it up in the second set, it is 3-2 to the Russian.

Venus Williams needs to get back Just caught the edge of the

baseline. She has got such long arms and she jumps up so high for

the overhead shots, you do not know Much more alert on her toes and

altogether looking more comfortable Very nice indeed. I like the way

Elena Vesnina is quite light on her feet, almost jumping into the

She was going to rip that anyway but the serve came through too fast

A dangerous time for Venus Williams. Just taking a few extra moments to

compose herself because this is keep. She could really do with a

The second serve was punished. was good. That was really

absolutely the right thing to do. Such a big point, a tiny bit of

momentum going her way and with two points already won and how well she

That's a very rapidly became her 5- 2, and as we rejoin it, Venus and

aliens needs to win this service game otherwise she is out of

It's pretty good serve. Out wide. With that extra height and long

arms, she can angle off the ball well. I would challenge that. She

is not big unchallenging. -- on challenging. She likes to just go

She famously had the umpire called the wrong score on her here at

Wimbledon. She did not challenge The line judge was in the firing

line again. She was playing the Croatian player, who disappeared

from the game. She was a good Down-the-line. When Venus Williams

arrived to on the court, about an hour and a quarter ago, we wondered

how long she would last. She did not look as though she was

particularly happy. She is showing some late resistance. This is a

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Elena Vesnina has withstood the I would say Venus is a different

Venus Williams is in quite finished. -- is not quite finished. Elena

Vesnina needs some powerful serving to get involved in this particular

Well left. And a little help from What a volley! She took it off her

shoelaces and guided it into the corner of the court.

considering the score and the tension she must have, what a

Yes! A stunning ace down the centre. Her quicker serve after 110 miles

per hour. And Pearse Lally of Russia has a match point. --

It is over. A magnificent victory for Elena Vesnina from Russia. And

a smile for the umpire from Venus Williams as she bows out at the

first round stage of Wimbledon 2012. There is an inevitability about the

media always respond when a greater former champion finally leaves the

stage. We immediately start writing their obituary, saying it is the

end of an era, pending retirement. end of an era, pending retirement.

Rest assured, she is not going anywhere.

I don't get upset at myself anymore. I stayed positive. Wimbledon has

been a wonderful torment for me. I will continue to work on my game

and my health. Come back and try to play better. You now have the

doubles to focus on? It is so important for me because I had not

played doubles in a long time and Serena and I would like to defend

our Championship at the Olympics. I am definitely going to focus, if I

can, to get the title. Will we see you back here next year? A row

would love to come back. How much are her health issues

leading to those kind of performances? It is the reality and

the battle she will face every day, every match and every practice. It

is sad when you saw her out there, she is so far from 100%. He she

does want to be back at the top but she is also back Best past 30 years

old. I really felt bad. She has been so bad here. It is an

incredible difference. I don't know what impact the disease has on what

is happening. Maybe the doctor is saying in six months and you will

be OK and you will be able to play up to your abilities for what your

ages. There is people like Martina Navratilova he was in her mid-30s

when she last won it. But she can come back and be a dangerous

opponent. For you to be a former champion and not to be able to come

back and play at your usual level,? I had that for many years. No where

is the pleasure? As you get all the, you realise how lucky you are to

have a job and to be able to do something like this. Deep down,

because in some ways we're champions, you talk yourself into

thinking it the right set of circumstances took place, maybe you

could win. If they media for still her unlike doubt the other players?

We saw from Pete Sampras -- Pete Sampras, a year ago into his last

tournament, his ankle was suffering, but he had a great last year.

Plenty more matches taking place. At the moment on Centre Court,

Heather Watson is playing. For Heather Watson is playing. For

Sharapova started like a rocket. The world No. 1 was fantastic

against Rodionova. Other people must be thinking, watch out. 18 of

the first 20 points was just cruising through the opening set.

She was hitting the ball Bay, serving well. She has improved so

many things about her game, fitness, forehand, serve, she is looking

like the favourite. It is her movement. She was sliding. She is

proving herself now. She was just one of many leading contenders in

action on this opening day. It could be a four-night of putting

names to faces, faces to names. Agnieszka Radwanska is the world No.

Li Na is not what you call a Wimbledon's celebrity. Book there

is room for that to change. It is a contented tonight in her household.

Sam Stosur is big down Under but she could also be a Wimbledon force

and phase. She won the US Open last year, and she beat Paola Suarez is

no Barrow. Remember Sabine Lisicki? She

reached last year's semi-finals. There was a winning smile for five

rounds last year. Angelique Berber is seeded No. 8. Maybe this is a

name to note after this straight sets victory. They may be new to

you, but how much longer? So, is the women's draw wide-open?

I don't think wide-open. Sharapova, Serena. I could not agree with her

more. I don't see a whole lot happening. Obviously early rounds

become unpredictable. His Sam Stosur contender? Not yet, she has

never been to the second week. There is a positive sign she won

this match the way she did, but she has to improve it leaps and bounds

on grass. Let's move on to talk about the British challenge. For so

long it has been Andy Murray for the men, but we need somebody to

back him up. His Oliver Golding that a man? Once upon a time on the

West End stage, his dream came true against Andreev. He did play a very

well. He lost in four sets, but maybe he is a man for the future.

This is the summer when everybody wants to be British. On court 17 at

the moment so we have the latest British tennis player. Herceptin --

Johanna Konta. She is a new Brits. She only became

British last month, she is our of Hungarian descent. She is playing

the American. At the general consensus is she could be a top 100

player as long as she gets over We will keep you up-to-date with

that. Donning of about Venus Williams, someone who said that

unequivocally this is her last appearance at Wimbledon, Kim

Clijsters. She was playing today and for a British cadet least she

will be more remembered for her Mixed Doubles. Was this going to

beat Kim Clijsters's last-ever appearance at Wimbledon? Enormously

popular, a huge reception she It is a grey night, I have to say.

I do not think we will have a fantastic sunset. Here we are in

the first set. The Serbian is about On the right there, working with

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Jelena Jankovic's backhand is known for its weight and depth. The best

part of her game and her biggest asset. A strong serve but not

compared to the top players in the world. Even when she was number one.

Jelena Jankovic thinking briefly about whether she would ask for a

check on that. I think her second thought was because the side's line

person put his hands together to mean good and then changed his mind.

Jelena Jankovic is also known for her great defensive skills, great

Kim Clijsters connecting perfectly, a quick shoulder turn and moves for

poured through the return of serve. You talked about the fact that this

will be Kim Clijsters's last Wimbledon, I think this will put

more pressure on her because you know it is your last opportunity.

She has got an early opportunity Even though Kim Clijsters has not

played that much this year, you feel that if she were to get a few

matches under her belt, she has the Twice a semi-finalist here, 2003

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Took all the pace out of the shot. Just look for the placement. Nice

top spin on the ball, got below the level of the ball and brushed up

Almost got away from her, suddenly stretching for it. When it went up,

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I think Jelena Jankovic have An important early break of the

18th seed's serve, and here is Kim Clijsters again on the Serbian's

serve, hammering that down the line to take the opening set by six

games to two. The job half done, here we are in the second set with

the Belgian leading 5-4 and Jelena Not a pro for Jelena Jankovic --

I have never seemed Jelena Jankovic's forehand break down so

badly. Some credit to Kim Clijsters because she is driving them deep

She came back from love-30 in her last service game. It is looking

The match she looked like winning a few moments ago and then came the

doubt. Now she has three match Game, set, match Kim Clijsters.

When I play my best tennis, I am still capable of beating a lot of

good players, I believe that. As long as I have that, I feel I can

beat a lot of players. My next round will be tough but I am going

to go for it and focus on myself and tried to be the best I can be.

When you have announced this is the last throw of the dice, does that

make it easier or harder? I never did that so I am not sure. It has

been so many roller coaster rides far her already. Stopping and

starting. What she has become play since she came back, I would not

put anything past her. She is one of my all-time favourites. Athletic

Lee, she is the one of the best I have ever seen on a tennis court. I

wanted to go out with a bang. think there is a little bit of

relief. She has been playing for a couple of years but in the back of

her mind still wanting to have a second child and be with her family

but still accomplishing so much. I think she is totally apiece with it

but is fully committed to the US Open. I think she is playing here

and she is OK with it. She has an inner peace. They are still playing,

the clouds are darkening. It is getting quite dark. Let us check in

on the two British players who are still out there. On court 17, 6-52

Cristina Michel and a break but Johanna Konta has a break. That

could have some way to go. What is happening with Heather Watson on

Centre Court? She is 4-1 up and the crowd are chanting. They break

point for Heather Watson. Can we tempt fate here? Is this match

point? It is hard to say! Down the line! I like her chances. To a

match that we were not expecting. I listen to the radio coming in today

and Pat Cash said that if anyone was going to upset the applecart

today it was going to beat Tomas Berdych. He was playing Ernests

Gulbis of Latvia who is quite a material player. This was match

point to the man from Latvia -- quite a material player. It went to

Hawk-Eye... Hawk-Eye ever-reliable. Therefore, we found ourselves in a

third-set tie-break with the lack be and already having won the first

He has missed a couple of forehand Ollie's. But he made no mistake

there. If any coach ever tells you to just put your racket out because

something good could happen, that is what Berdych did on that return.

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Just sliced it gently but placed it We are back on serve. He Berdych

had a taste of his own medicine. big serve, but looks -- look where

the ball drops. Do you think they should be looking to serve and

volley a bit more, it has been only three times between them. I think

all the guys should mix it up a little more. However, they have

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Problem is, the ball comes back so Radially serving above 130, as he

There is nothing you can do. Absolutely nothing. And no one can

touch that. Another exquisite serve, Could not have played the point any

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The upset is Gulbis's. The number six seed in the men's draw is out.

What a performance. Many congratulations, you are

telling me already not your best win? You don't have to tell the

nation all my secrets. It is one of my biggest wins. I am glad I did

not show in the end, as usual. It is progress. Interesting you should

use the word, choke. You showed great mental strength. You kept it

all together, how did you do that? And I am very well known for mental

strength, ask around. I wish all post-match interviews

well as entertaining. Very rarely you will get anything out of any

player. It's a was self-deprecating, truthful. He got a lot of people,

including me, it is the best match I have ever seen him play. I have

always a wandered about him, under- achieving. He is living the life

and not digging deep enough. It was an incredible effort. Three serves

and volleys. It there was and three, it was erode. Your verdict on that

is? Verdict on that is? There were no serve-and-volley is in the match.

There was no serve-and-volley back in the day. I cannot believe I am

hearing this. And cannot believe I am saying it. What else has

happened in the men's game? Booted out of the Queen's finals

for bringing blood Sue a lines man's leg, David Nalbandian was

knocked out by Janko Tipsarevic sq in round one today but not before

he became Tajik above the height of the net. I have never seen the net

being led down at the end of this set. A let-down in every way for

Nalbandian. He was swept off court where the Queen's incident a

followed him to the press conference.

I think people understood it wasn't a good thing that I did. I was very

unlucky as well. This play is no shrinking violets. The Russian held

it together enough to vanquish Donald Young. Richard Gasquet was

so run a tea personified as Tobias Kamke was not. Gasquet goes on.

John Isner had the epic of a match at Wimbledon two years ago and went

the distance again today. But he lost this one to an unlikely

Colombian. Burns by Alejandro Falla. You think Nicolas Mahut is on court

at the moment. A few moments ago on Centre Court, Heather Watson at

match point. That is a fantastic victory. Not just hard earned, but

emphatic and making a statement on the Centre Court. That happened in

the last couple of moments. She is overjoyed, understandably.

Centre Court, how good is that? am so pleased. It was tough for not

knowing when we would be on and waiting for a whole day. But it

worked out very well. I am happy with that. Also it is my first

singles win at Wimbledon, including juniors. I am so pleased. Yes, I

will be looking forward to my next match. At the video no way you were

going at the end of the match? I had no idea, I was lost in the

moment. It is fantastic. It was a lovely smile from you when you won

the 9th break point in the 6th game of the second set. You look like

you were a bit aggrieved? We had a few long games. Will we were both

at playing well and there wasn't much each of us could do. We just

kept going back and forth. I think she got the last long game. I was

pleased to get this one. I had nearly all of the break points, so

I was pleased and relieved. Andrew Castle and Virginia Wade

commentating for the BBC Four stock many congratulations.

Can we get a second British player into the second round? This is

Johanna Konta, British recently but nonetheless she is red white and

blue. She is up against Christina McHale from the USA. I mentioned

Nicolas Mahut who is playing Paolo They might call it quits because it

is quite dark. Nuoro is one apiece against Mona Barthel. We have been

enjoying the Men's Singles between Almagro and Olivier Rochus. Just to

see her Libya Rochus at 5-5 has got to be inspiring to any kids under

six foot. I keep waiting for this seven for a man to arrive. The Best

Almagro is 10 in the world the so this is a good match. He is 17

inches shorter than John Isner. am disappointed at Isner. He is the

argument for a 5th set tie-breaks. That match at the French took so

much out of him and he did not prepare and play it any warm-ups.

It is too bad because he is one of the most dangerous men in the draw.

Johanna Konta or an Christina McHale and now 7-7, maybe we'll be

talking about that on Thursday it will stop this is the line-up

We will be talking about Lleyton Hewitt against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

And Victoria Azarenka, who Lindsay Davenport summarily dismissed as a

contender for stocks I did not dismiss, I just did not mention.

You cut us of to go to Heather Watson. Andy Murray, is he a

contender? The distance maybe a little bit larger than he would

like from the top three. But this is his best bet, the crowd gets