Wimbledon set for sizzling heat

British No2 Johanna Konta has been handed a Centre Court slot for her first round match against former champion Maria Sharapova today. Konta reached the quarter finals of the Aegon International at Eastbourne last week, which included a first career win over a top-10 opponent when she beat Ekaterina Makarova. Konta’s match follows the traditional championship opener featuring the reigning men’s champion. Novak Djokovic faces Philipp Kohlschreiber.

 

Read more: In-form Konta lifts Wimbledon hopes as Murray is seeded third

Scorching temperatures are set to welcome the first week of Wimbledon with a heatwave expected to hit the country. Tuesday is predicted to be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures hitting the 35°C mark, which coincides with Britain’s Andy Murray beginning his quest for a second Wimbledon title.

 

Britain’s No1 Heather Watson is set to face 32nd seed Caroline Garcia in her opening clash of the tournament today. The 23-year-old defeated Garcia in their only previous meeting in 2012, a 6-1, 6-1 victory on clay. Watson’s grass-court season to date includes first and third round defeats at Birmingham and Eastbourne respectively.