By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Wimbledon begins on Monday, with defending champion Jannik Sinner chasing a fifth Grand Slam title against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović at the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
Sinner is the clear favourite this year, but the Italian may have to contend with the hot weather and his own lack of preparation as he seeks to defend his title.
After his second-round defeat at the French Open from a near-winning position when he cramped up in sizzling conditions, the 24-year-old skipped the warm-up tournaments ahead of the grasscourt slam.
Watch our reporter Kevin Rademeyer live from England.
Sinner will be followed by top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka against Teodora Kostovic and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic against Wu Yibing.
Djokovic has spent the last 2-1/2 years trying to capture a 25th major crown that would see him overtake Margaret Court.
Since he won his seventh Wimbledon title in 2022, the Serb has reached two finals and a semi-final at the All England Club.
Meanwhile Jack Draper has been forced to withdraw after suffering a relapse of the arm injury that has sidelined him for much of the past.
Draper said in a statement on Monday: “Devastated to share that I have had to withdraw from my first-round match due to a recurrence of my arm injury.
“There have been a lot of painful moments in the last 12 months but this one is definitely the absolute worst as there is no greater honour for a British player than playing at Wimbledon. I will continue to persevere through this. Thank you for the support!!”