Wimbledon 2023: British Tennis Stars Gear Up
As Wimbledon approaches, British tennis stars Jack Draper and Katie Boulter are gearing up for their respective tournaments this week. Fans can catch all the action live on the BBC.
Jack Draper’s Campaign at Queen’s Club
Jack Draper, the top-ranked male player in Britain, heads to Queen’s Club as the second seed after achieving a career-high ranking of fourth in the world. The 23-year-old returns to the venue where he reached the quarter-finals last year. He will be joined by two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, who recently showcased his remarkable skill with a comeback victory over Jannik Sinner in the final of the French Open.
In the singles draw at Queen’s, Draper is one of five British players, facing off against Jenson Brooksby from the United States in his opening match. Other British competitors at the tournament include Jacob Fearnley, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Billy Harris. The competition will also feature notable players like world number nine Holger Rune and Australian Alex de Minaur.
However, there will be some gaps in the draw as last year’s champion Tommy Paul, last year’s finalist Lorenzo Musetti, and multiple champion Matteo Berrettini have withdrawn due to injuries.
Additionally, reigning Wimbledon doubles champions Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara from Finland will participate alongside Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski, who were runners-up in the French Open.
Katie Boulter at the Nottingham Open
Meanwhile, Katie Boulter, currently ranked as the second-best female player in Britain, will be defending her title at the Nottingham Open. She will kick off her campaign against Lulu Sun, looking to replicate her success from last year when she defeated both Emma Raducanu and Karolina Pliskova back-to-back.
Joining her in Nottingham is compatriot Sonay Kartal, who has experienced a rapid ascent in the WTA rankings following her first tour title last September. Noteworthy young talent Hannah Klugman has been granted a wildcard entry; she will contest against fourth seed Yulia Putintseva. In an all-British first-round matchup, Harriet Dart will face Francesca Jones, while Mingge Xu will go up against Katie Volynets.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is also set to participate, making a noteworthy return from maternity leave using a protected ranking. Other strong contenders in Nottingham include Beatriz Haddad Maia, last year’s champion Leylah Fernandez, and last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist Lulu Sun.
Viewing Options
Fans eager to follow the action can access live coverage of the Queen’s Club competitions via the BBC Sport website, app, and BBC iPlayer. Radio commentary and updates will be available on BBC 5 Live, featuring tennis correspondent Russell Fuller. Coverage on BBC television will be provided on both BBC One and BBC Two throughout the week, with specific time slots for match action listed for each day.
Match Times
Queen’s Club (BST)
- Monday, 16 June: 13:00-18:00, BBC Two
- Tuesday, 17 June: 13:00-18:00, BBC Two
- Wednesday, 18 June: 13:00-18:00, BBC Two
- Thursday, 19 June: 13:00-18:00, BBC Two
- Friday, 20 June: 13:00-18:00, BBC Two
- Saturday, 21 June: 13:00-17:00, BBC Two
- Sunday, 22 June: 14:05-finish on BBC One, live radio commentary from 14:00 on BBC 5 Live and BBC Sounds
Nottingham (BST)
- Monday, 16 June: 11:00-20:00
- Tuesday, 17 June: 11:00-20:00
- Wednesday, 18 June: 11:00-20:00
- Thursday, 19 June: 11:00-20:00
- Friday, 20 June: 11:00-20:00
- Saturday, 21 June: 11:00-20:00
- Sunday, 22 June: 11:00-20:00
