WIMBLEDON, LONDON — Day two of Wimbledon 2022 saw Rafael Nadal begin his quest for an incredible 23rd Grand Slam, having already triumphed at the Australian Open and French Open this year, with victory over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.
The 36-year-old is among the favourites to win the tournament despite ongoing problems with a foot injury and needed to overcome the world No.41 in four sets to win 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4.
The first match on Centre Court saw world No.1 Iga Swiatek extend her unbeaten run to 36 matches in all competitions with a victory over Croatian qualifier Jana Fett, while the second women's match on the show court was reserved for one of the all-time greats.
Serena Williams, making her first singles appearance in one day short of a year, almost had the fairytale return but Wimbledon debutant Harmony Tan beat her in a tie-break after three gruelling sets - 5-7 6-1 6-7 (7-10).
At 40 years of age and still chasing an incredible 24th career Grand Slam singles title, Williams battled courageously to win the second set but world No.115 Tan held her nerve when it mattered most in the deciding set tie-break to get the most impressive win of her career to date.
Serena Williams vs. Harmony Tan result
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serena Williams | 5 | 6 | 6 (7) |
| Harmony Tan | 7 | 1 | 7 (10) |
Serena Williams vs. Harmony Tan live recap, highlights from 2022 Wimbledon
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Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 (7-10 tiebreak) Harmony Tan
Williams' forehand is just out and Tan has her second match point and is on serve. Williams hits the net and Tan has done it! She's all smiles on Centre Court as she receives a warm hand-shake from Williams. What drama!
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 (7-8 tiebreak) Harmony Tan
Williams loses her footing playing a drop shot and the ball doesn't make it over the net. Tan hits a nice forehand winner to establish a two-point gap but has that quickly reduced.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 (6-6 tiebreak) Harmony Tan
What a time to play a drop shot to perfection! Williams draws level. She catches another at the net to take the lead and raises her leg in the air in celebration before Tan responds.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 (4-5 tiebreak) Harmony Tan
Tan gets her third consecutive point with another winner down the line. Williams then makes back to back unforced errors to fall behind.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 (4-2 tiebreak) Harmony Tan
Tan sends a forehand long before finally finding her rhythm with a delightful backhand down the line. Tan gets another, this time luring Williams to the net with a drop shot and then lobbing her.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 (3-0 tiebreak) Harmony Tan
Into the tie-break we go. Williams gets the opening two points, the second she slams a volley at the net and lets out a wild scream. An ace gives her a 3-0 lead.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 6-6 Harmony Tan
Williams hits a stunning backhand to get back to 30-30 but it takes a lot out of her. The American then misses an awkward backhand volley and Tan has match point. Williams hammers a volley home at the net to get to deuce. The crowd go wild as Tan can't return an easy shot and then Tan's lob goes long. Williams holds.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 5-6 *Harmony Tan
At 15-15, Tan's drop shot doesn't come off. She's soon level as Williams sends one wide. Williams gets her approach wrong on an easy shot in the middle of the court and her backhand shot goes well wide again. She responds with venom... an explosive backhand this time lands in. Tan sends Williams on a wild goose chase and puts one into the empty space to hold serve.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 5-5 Harmony Tan
The first point goes Tan's way but Williams levels instantly. 30-15 as Tan hits an easy forehand into the net. Tan's aggression catches Williams out at the next point and Williams can't return. The same instance follows as Tan gets break point. Williams makes the wrong decision to come to the net and Tan sends a forehand beyond her to get the break!
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 5-4 *Harmony Tan
Tan hits an impressive backhand down the line after losing the first point. A Tan error coupled with the sweetest of sliced drop shots, that has Williams celebrating on her knees, gives the American two break points. Williams makes a mess of the first but Tan finds the net and she gets it. Williams looks on the verge of tears as she sits down on her chair. She'll serve for the match.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 4-4 Harmony Tan
Tan gets to 15-15 just by chasing harder and putting Williams on the back foot. Williams finds the net to go 15-30 down and then lets out a bizarre scream as she levels, Tan firing long. The 24-year-old repeats her error twice more and Williams holds serve.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 3-4 *Harmony Tan
Williams is looking tired now but still has a powerful shot in her locker, just like the one she makes to get to 30-15. Tan exploits her tired legs though in the next point and again as she holds and now leads the match.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 3-3 Harmony Tan
The crowd are cheering Williams on as she heads to the base line... they know she's nearly at the finish line, but it's Tan who wins the opening two points. Tan gets to three break points. She gets it! She can hardly believe the cross-court winner she's hit herself right from the back of the court. Well then...
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 3-2 *Harmony Tan
Williams gets unlucky with the ball bouncing over the net but Tan hits a decisive forehand winner en route to picking up another game and keeping the pressure on.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 3-1 Harmony Tan
Williams salutes the crowd as her whipped double-handed forehand from a tight angle lands on the line to go 30-15 up. Tan then finds the net before Williams picks the corner with a neat backhand.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 2-1 *Harmony Tan
Tan looks to answers from her coaches as she falls two points behind. She's soon level but then double faults to set up break point for her opponent. Williams hits a forehand beyond the base line but gets a second break point with an overhead smash at the net. This one she does get courtesy of Tan's unforced error.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 1-1 Harmony Tan
Williams hits a winner at a speed of 105mph to go 30-15 up. A follow up drop shot doesn't come off and Tan levels. Williams aces again and an unforced error from Tan ends the game.
Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 0-1 *Harmony Tan
Tan hits an ace to go 30-15 up and never looks in danger of being broken throughout the opening game of this deciding set.
*Serena Williams 5-7 6-1 Harmony Tan - WILLIAMS WINS SECOND SET
At 30-30 Williams hits an ace down the middle to get set point. She serves wide this time and Tan can't return it over the net. Into the deciding set we go!
Serena Williams 5-7 5-1 *Harmony Tan
Tan's looking a little flustered but does enough to hold. Will she be able to withstand Williams' serve to stay in the set?
*Serena Williams 5-7 5-0 Harmony Tan
Did say watch out Tan... Williams opens with an ace. Tan hits a backhand beyond the baseline to go 15-40 down and Williams is on course for a bagel as she sees out the game with another ace.
Serena Williams 5-7 4-0 *Harmony Tan
Williams isn't showing too much emotion right now despite getting another break. She looks focused. She's now on serve with new balls... watch out Tan.
*Serena Williams 5-7 3-0 Harmony Tan
Tan's hungry to get the instant break back and gets herself two opportunities. A big overhead smash at the net from Williams saves one of them and a deft drop shot the other. Some incredible reacts at the net from Williams eventually leads to another break point for Tan but the 40-year-old responds well. Williams holds.
Serena Williams 5-7 2-0 *Harmony Tan
It'll shock absolutely nobody that Williams isn't going down without a fight. A lovely forehand down the line gets her break point but she's not quick enough off the ground to get to Tan's drop shot, deuce. A cross-court forehand winner gives Williams another opportunity but she can't capitalise. Third time lucky? Nope, Tan hits a controlled forehand winner. Williams gets a fourth, this time she is quick to the drop shot and plays one over from a tight angle only to be stopped in her tracks again at break point. A fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth deuce follow with little to separate the pair and a fifth break point goes begging for Williams. Then finally, after 12 deuces and seven break points in a game totalling just over 20 minutes, Tan crashes one into the umpire's chair and Williams has the break.
*Serena Williams 5-7 1-0 Harmony Tan
A hold of serve to love for Williams as she has Tan running everywhere. The perfect response for the American.
Serena Williams 5-7 *Harmony Tan - TAN WINS FIRST SET
Williams takes the opening two points but an overhit forehand lets Tan back into it. At 30-30 Tan's sliced backhand doesn't come off and Williams has break point but Tan denies her. The Frenchwoman then hits a stunning cross-court forehand to take the opening set.
They've now decided to close the roof with light fading so there will be a 10-minute delay.
*Serena Williams 5-6 Harmony Tan
Williams attempts a drop shot of her own but can't keep it in the lines and falls 15-30 behind. Tan then ducks for cover as her lobbed effort is met with force by Williams' racket but the ball goes beyond the base line. Tan gets the break at an important time, a forehand winner goes beyond her opponent's reach.
Serena Williams 5-5 *Harmony Tan
Williams is annoyed at herself for reaching a drop shot but failing to steer the ball over the net as Tan goes 40-15 up. She has no chance of reaching the next drop shot though, the back spin taking it away from the American and Tan holds.
*Serena Williams 5-4 Harmony Tan
Williams barely breaks a sweat as she holds to love. Pressure is now on Tan to hold serve and stay in the first set.
Serena Williams 4-4 *Harmony Tan
Tan is given the runaround on several points but chooses her shots wisely. A nice backhand winner down the line to take the game gets a clap from Williams.
*Serena Williams 4-3 Harmony Tan
Williams was just starting to get into her groove before picking up her first double fault of the match. Tan gets two break points but Williams does well to save them both. A long rally goes Tan's way to earn a third opportunity but Williams pulls off a cushioned volley at the net to deny her again. Fourth time lucky? Yes indeed as Williams slips mid-rally and her forehand goes long.
Serena Williams 4-2 *Harmony Tan
Williams' sliced backhand is wild as Tan gets to 30-30. The former champion then hits a forehand narrowly wide before delivering a powerful backhand on the other side that does stay in, deuce. Williams is finding her feet at the net, an overhead smash gives Tan no hope and she goes on to get another important break.
*Serena Williams 3-2 Harmony Tan
Two big serves put Williams 30-0 up and a third Tan can't get anywhere near. Tan then hits one into the net and Williams leads for the first time in the match.
Serena Williams 2-2 *Harmony Tan
At 15-15, Williams hits a brilliant return winner across court. Tan's double-handed backhand out of Williams' reach then levels the scores again. Williams has the crowd on her feet as she hits an athletic overhead shot at the net to get to deuce and then earns herself break point. Tan denies her twice but puts a forehand wide at the third time of asking and Williams gets the break.
*Serena Williams 1-2 Harmony Tan
Much better serving from Williams as she showcases her power to get her first game on the board.
Serena Williams 0-2 *Harmony Tan
Tan isn't having to do too much right now and Williams looks a little stiff, unsurprisingly given she hasn't played a singles match in nearly a year. The American gets two points on the board but her forehand doesn't look controlled right now.
*Serena Williams 0-1 Harmony Tan
We're up and running and Williams received huge cheers as she entered the court. However, her return's not gone to plan right from the off as he finds herself having to save three break points. She saves one but Tan gets the break as Williams can't control a volley.
Rafael Nadal vs. Francisco Cerundolo result
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Nadal | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| Francisco Cerundolo | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
Rafael Nadal vs. Francisco Cerundolo live updates, highlights from 2022 Wimbledon
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Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4 *Francisco Cerundolo - NADAL WINS FOURTH SET AND THE MATCH.
The crowd are roaring Nadal on now as he gets to 15-15. The roar gets louder as it reaches 30-30 with Cerundolo hitting a forehand long. He puts another into the net and Nadal has match point. Cerundolo's shot is wide and Nadal raises both hands into the air to celebrate. He was made to work for it but the 23-time Grand Slam champion is into the second round.
Stay tuned for Serena Williams match updates next.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 5-4 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal is successful in his challenge on his second serve, which was called out by the umpire, and gets to 30-0. He sees out the game with an ace down the middle. Cerundolo is going to need something big here to deny Nadal in this form.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 4-4 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal looks in the mood right now. He gets to 0-30 without breaking a sweat. Cerundolo then hits one into the net and Nadal has three break points. He gets it at the first time of asking, Cerundolo's error again.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 3-4 Francisco Cerundolo
At 15-15 Cerundolo's forehand is well beyond the base line. A lovely forehand to the right of the court puts Nadal 40-15 up and he switches things up to win the game with a drop shot that his opponent doesn't even attempt to get to.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 2-4 *Francisco Cerundolo
Fearless tennis from Cerundolo as he gets to 40-0 with some nice play at the net. Nadal can't return a big serve and it's easy for the Argentine.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 2-3 Francisco Cerundolo
An explosive forehand winner sees Cerundolo go 0-30 up. Nadal gets one point back before gifting another and he needs to save two break points. He does just that. An awkward forehand at deuce gives Cerundolo a third though which Nadal once again denies. A fourth comes and goes and Nadal lets out a sigh of relief as he finally holds.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 1-3 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal cushions a lovely volley to go 0-30 up and soon has two break points of his own. A monster serve saves one and a volley at the net saves the second. Cerundolo's lob over Nadal hits the base line to turn things around and he gets an important hold.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 1-2 Francisco Cerundolo
An athletic, overhead shot from Cerundolo taken right out the top drawer gets him off to a flier. Nadal hits the net on the second point and should do better on the third with an overhead smash - he doesn't and Cerundolo is allowed back in to get three break points. Nadal saves all three courtesy of Cerundolo errors and the Argentine boots the ball in frustration. A fourth consecutive mistake hits the net before Nadal does the same and we're at deuce. Cerundolo has to go through a few deuces to get break point but fluffs his lines and hits the net again. It feels like he's hit more forehands into the net than over in this game. Another comes round though and this time he finds his range with the forehand to break.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 1-1 *Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo certainly isn't lacking confidence either, getting to 40-0 before Nadal takes a point with a decisive forehand. A forehand beyond the base line gifts Nadal another point but he goes on to hold.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 1-0 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal can gives a single point away at the start of the fourth set, his serve proving too much for Cerundolo. Nadal doesn't look shot of confidence but that easy start will help him maintain focus.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-6 *Francisco Cerundolo - CERUNDOLO WINS THIRD SET
Nadal usually produces his best tennis when his back's against the wall but not this time. He falls two points behind from his own errors before winning a point. An overhit return gives the Argentine two set points. Cerundolo hits the first beyond the base line and does the same again at the second to see two set points go begging. Nadal then hits a drop shot which Cerundolo makes but steers his shot into the net. The underdog then smashes a forehand into the left to get back to deuce but another error gives Nadal break point. Cerundolo denies him but Nadal gets another opportunity to which Cerundolo says no to again. Cerundolo goes on the offensive at the next two points though and two big forehands see him take the set... and you can't say he doesn't; deserve it.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-5 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal hits the net twice to fall 15-30 behind. Nadal then bizarrely gives up the point after Cerundolo lobs him having put an end to his serve and volley effort. Nadal responds with a forehand winner to save the first break point but finds the net once more and Cerundolo breaks again! He'll serve for the third set.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-4 *Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo isn't letting up. He goes 30-0 before a poorly executed sliced forehand gets Nadal on the board. He's back in control with a sharp forehand winner and Nadal then sends one of his own beyond the base line.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 3-3 Francisco Cerundolo
Two miss-hits from the world No.41 give Nadal easy points before the latter hits his forehand long to allow Cerundolo back in. A big serve puts Nadal 40-15 up and it's the same again to see out the game. "New balls please," says the umpire.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-3 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal puts an end to a long rally with a deft drop shot to level at 15-15. Cerundolo double faults to put the scores at deuce before unleashing a forehand Nadal can't return over the net. He leaves Nadal rooted with a forehand to the other side this time and that hold is just as important as his previous break.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-2 Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo goes 0-30 up, an overhead smash at the net winning the latter point. Nadal's attempted lop goes long and the Argentine has three break points. He rattles a return winner and signals to the crowd for more noise. A huge break.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 1-2 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal hits a weak forehand from way back that had no chance in going over... he's disappointed at himself at 30-30. The 23-year-old then gives Nadal no chance with back-to-back forehand winners down the left.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 1-1 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal is at full stretch to return a forehand mere centimetres over the net to go 30-15 up and then hits a powerful serve on the following point. He closes out the game with a wide ace.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 0-1 *Francisco Cerundolo
Loud gasps from the crowd as Nadal takes an awkward fall after slipping mid-rally at 15-30. He gives himself a couple of seconds on the ground before slowly getting up... then wins the next point. Nadal's soon presented with break point after a wayward Cerundolo backhand but he denies him at the next point. An unforced error gives the 23-year-old the hold of serve.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 Francisco Cerundolo - NADAL WINS SECOND SET
Nadal takes no prisoners in getting to 30-0 with a couple of big serves. Cerundolo gets to a tidy drop shot but is out of position as Nadal returns to an empty court. Nadal then takes the second set as Cerundolo fires beyond the base line.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 5-3 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal takes the opener courtesy of his opponent's error. Cerundolo looks bemused as Nadal opts for a sliced shot at the net but it pays off for the 2022 French Open champion. At 30-30, Cerundolo attempts a serve and volley but doesn't execute the latter and he's punished. Cerundolo saves two set points and a ferocious forehand puts him back in front. He'll make Nadal serve for the second set, at least.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 5-2 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal double faults at 15-0. Cerundolo does well to avoid becoming a victim of the serve and volley by making the drop shot and snatching a point off Nadal at 15-40. At deuce, Cerundolo puts a forehand wide and long, before a big forehand puts Nadal one game away from a two-set lead.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 4-2 *Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo is just starting to find some rhythm with his forehand and picks off another winner to go 30-15 up. Nadal sends the next point into the net. A long rally drawing 'oos' and 'aas' from the crowd goes Nadal's way to get to deuce before Cerundolo hits a lovely double-handed backhand cross-court. Nadal gets break point following another long rally, this time Cerundolo puts a forehand an inch wide of the line. Nadal gets the break as Cerundolo puts an easy shot long and, unsurprisingly, he's annoyed with himself.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 3-2 Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo hits a pinpoint forehand winner to go 0-30 up before Nadal matches him with one down the line which the crowd love. The 36-year-old draws on his experience to get back to 40-30 but is caught off guard by an explosive forehand from his opponent. Cerundolo gets break point but Nadal stays calm with a big serve down the centre. A lively point follows as Cerundolo slips mid-rally and Nadal punishes him. He holds.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 2-2 *Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo has several opportunities to hit a winner in the rally at 15-15 but Nadal is relentless in returning and his hard work pays off to win the point. At 30-30, the Argentine hits a massive serve Nadal can't return and then Nadal's forehand down the left goes wide.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 2-1 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal opens his body up to hit a lovely forehand winner as Cerundolo can only watch on, feet rooted to the grass. Another two big serves go Nadal's way before a forehand winner kisses the line to make it a second consecutive hold to love.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 1-1 *Francisco Cerundolo
Anything Rafa can do, Francisco can do. The Argentine gets a hold to love of his own.
*Rafael Nadal 6-4 1-0 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal begins the second set with two massive serves, the first an ace. Start as you mean to go on? It's a hold to love.
Rafael Nadal 6-4 *Francisco Cerundolo - NADAL WINS FIRST SET
No sign of nerves from Cerundolo as he plays a drop shot to win the opener and then takes the second. Nadal gets fortunate with the ball clipping the net to get back to 30-30. Cerundolo is forced to play a lob shot as Nadal charges to the net but it's out and he has set point. Cerundolo responds with a huge serve to stay in the set. At the second time of asking though, Nadal gets his full power behind a double-handed backhand and the Spaniard takes the opening set.
*Rafael Nadal 5-4 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal's backhand down the line goes long at 15-15 but he's convinced it's in and challenges. He was right to. Nadal's standards slip with some unforced errors of his own making and Cerundolo has two break points. That rare opportunity comes and goes in the blink of an eye as the Spaniard rattles off three straight points. Nadal double faults to give Cerundolo another opportunity but he can't capitalise. Two big serves later and Nadal holds.
Rafael Nadal 4-4 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal thinks he's won the opening point with a fierce forehand but Cerundolo returns one down the line with even more pace. Cerundolo gets his first double fault of the match but forces Nadal into slicing a backhand into the net to eventually hold.
*Rafael Nadal 4-3 Francisco Cerundolo
Two big serves put Nadal two points to the good before he overhits a forehand down the middle. Cerundolo comes to the net on the fourth point but Nadal does brilliantly to find the gap to the Argentine's right. Cerundolo then hits a lovely forehand winner to bring the score to 30-40 before Nadal delivers a huge serve to hold.
Rafael Nadal 3-3 *Francisco Cerundolo
The best way for Nadal to put a break of serve behind him is to up his game. He does so to go 0-30 up but Cerundolo levels. A delicate drop shot spinning away from Nadal evades the Spaniard on the next point before they arrive at the first deuce of the match. Cerundolo holds.
*Rafael Nadal 3-2 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal double faults the first point and is then given the runaround by Cerundolo to fall 0-30 behind. An overhit forehand gifts the Argentine three break points. Nadal saves the first with a volley at the net but Cerundolo slams home the next. He breaks back immediately.
Rafael Nadal 3-1 *Francisco Cerundolo
A backhand down the line from Nadal forces Cerundolo into an awkward backhand of his own which goes wide at 15-30. Nadal remains patient in his rallies over the next two points and has an early break.
*Rafael Nadal 2-1 Francisco Cerundolo
Cerundolo plays a sweet drop shot that Nadal doesn't even attempt to reach to go 15-30 up. Nadal gains control thanks to back-to-back errors from Cerundolo as the Argentine then hits another shot long.
Rafael Nadal 1-1 *Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal fails to return his opponent's opening two serves and then sees an ace fly past him. Nadal gets the fourth over the net but it's beyond the base line.
*Rafael Nadal 1-0 Francisco Cerundolo
Nadal gets the first point of the match following a lengthy rally and then picks up his first ace on only his third serve. Cerundolo gets two points of his own but Nadal finishes the game with a neat volley at the net.
3:15pm: Both players enter the court to a warm welcome. The sun is shining, the roof is off and Nadal's quest for an incredible 23rd Grand Slam is about to begin. First up is 23-year-old and world No.41 Cerundolo.
3:05pm: Iga Świątek has just dismantled Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0, 6-3 to reach the second round so Nadal and Cerundolo will be on court any minute now.
2.50 pm: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of Centre Court action at Wimbledon where we'll be bringing you game-by-game commentary of Rafael Nadal's match against Francisco Cerundolo.
The 2022 Australian and French Open champion is making his first appearance at SW19 since 2019 and he's sure to get a huge reception when he takes to the court shortly.