Wimbledon 2012 day one as it happened

Heather Watson on BBC television: "I'm just so pleased to have got through. It was tough not knowing what time we were going to get on but it worked out OK. It's my first ever win at Wimbledon, including juniors, so it means a lot. How will I celebrate? I'm just going to shower and go to bed, I'm tired!"

Heather Watson, on starting to walk the wrong way off Centre Court. "I was kind of lost in the moment. The crowd was amazing and I had the adrenaline going. I was having fun."

Righto, play has been suspended for the evening, with Johanna Konta of Britain locked 7-7 in the deciding set with American Christina McHale and Jamie Murray up 7-6 7-6 2-2 in his first-round doubles match. And with that, I'm wrapping this up. See you all tomorrow.

Jamie Murray and partner Eric Butorac lead their men's doubles encounter 7-6 7-6 1-1. Almagro took that fourth set against Rochus 6-2 and is a break up in the fifth.

Konta broke back again against McHale, that match at 6-6 in the third. Looks like Zvonareva and Barthel are heading for a second-set tie-breaker, the 12th seed in rather a perilous position...

... this Benesova service game still going on, but what a shot that is by Watson, a rasping backhand winner to set up another advantage. AND ANOTHER! Watson bends the knees and fizzes a forehand pass down the line for 5-1. The British number three serving for the match.

Konta of Britain has broken back in the deciding set against McHale of the United States, the 28th seed, it's 5-5 in the third. Sorry, McHale has just broken back, she'll now serve for the match...

Bit gloomy out there now as day one at Wimbledon comes close to its end but I suspect there will be time for Heather Watson to wrap things up against Iveta Benesova. That said, this Benesova service game has been dragging on for about 10 minutes...

Kim Clijsters on whether she thinks she can win Wimbledon: "I believe that if I'm healthy and I'm playing my best tennis I can beat a lot of the top players here, but it's a matter of trying to achieve that every match."

Watson a perpetual ball of energy, constantly on the move between points, and she moves into a 4-1 lead in the second set. Nicolas Almagro, Spain's 11th seed, is involved with a punch-up with Olivier Rochus - the Belgian leads 7-6 6-3 6-7 0-2.

Watson has the early break in the second set and despite some crisp hitting by Benesova, it looks like the British number three could be on her way to the second round. Ace down the middle to hold...

Paul on text 81111: "Oli Golding, be proud young man. You have a lot of talent and even more potential."

Vaibhav, London, on 81111: "Potential left-handed Spanish opponents for Federer also include the big fish! Personally, I'm going for a Federer-Nadal final."

Looks like Zvonareva is in one of 'those' moods - one of the worst smashes you'll ever see and she looks like she's going to burst into tears. Benesova finally holds after a host of deuces, but Watson remains a break up, winners raining down on Centre Court.

Watson really playing some crackerjack tennis out on Centre Court, an oven that can either melt you or make you rise like a cake. Benesova engages in a spot of racquet-chucking and thigh-slapping, the Czech woman frustrated by Watson's precision-play.

Other Brits in action: Naomi Broady is 4-6 6-6 against Lourdes Dominguez Lingo of Spain; Johanna Konta is 6-7 2-2 against Christina McHale. Heather Watson, meanwhile, is 2-1 up in the first set against Iveta Benesova

Golding is 5-5 in the fourth set, or was, Andreev has just served out a love service game to make the young Brit serve to save the match. Zvonareva, Russia's number 12 seed, is on Court One against Germany's Mona Barthel, the world number 39 a break and 2-1 ahead in the first.

Kim Clijsters on beating Jelena Jankovic: "They've always been really tough matches but at the same time I was really looking forward to playing her. I don't think I've played her on grass and in the beginning we both had to look for our games a bit but I started to feel more comfortable."

British number three Heather Watson gets her campaign under way against Iveta Benesova on Centre Court.

Elena Vesnina on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think it's the biggest win of my career. To beat Venus at Wimbledon is something players dream of. This victory will forever be in my memory. In the end I was a little shaky but my serve helped me win this match. I knew if I gave her a little chance she would take it."

Roger Federer on experimenting with serve-and-volley tennis against Albert Ramos: "Obviously being up a double break very often or at least a break, up 30 love on your serve, you don't feel any pressure doing it.

"It's rare to be up in the scoreline like today on a regular basis. It is maybe why it is a good time to try it out. Then you can use it in tougher moments, difficult moments, to throw your opponents off. Who knows if I'll need it down the stretch. We'll see."

Jankovic is making a match of it on Court One, 4-4 against Clijsters in the second. Berdych serving to stay in the match on Centre, Gulbis leading 6-5 in the third. Golding and Andreev going with serve in the fourth... I spoke too soon, Kim Clijsters is through on Court One against the rather disappointing 18th seed Jelena Jankovic.

Berdych looking over the precipice, serving to stay in the match at 5-4. The 23-year-old Latvian, Ernests Gulbis, goes long with a backhand and, following a review, Berdych can breathe again...

Ryan Harrison, a 20-year-old American, is through in four sets against Lu of Taipei.

John Isner is up to his old tricks, the big-serving American into deep into a fifth set against Alejandro Falla...

Clijsters showing good wheels and a fine touch for an older tennis lady, the Belgian with a pick-up off her toes to make it 3-2 in the second, going with serve. Golding 4-3 up in the tie-breaker, and here he is on serve... too hot for Andreev, 5-3... Andreev with a mini-break, spreading his wings and putting away the volley to make it 5-4...

Belgium's Xavier Malisse, of whom great things were expected when he came on the scene in the late 1990s and a semi-finalist in 2002, is cruising his match against Marinko Matosevic, two sets up out on Court 14. Third-set breaker between Golding and Andreev...

BBC Sport's Mike Henson: "Golding makes off with two points from the Andreev serve, but can't milk any more from the big Russian. Another rapid-fire hold to love for 5-4 has his three-strong entourage, lined up in a row in the players' box, bobbing their approval like a set of nodding dogs."

Andreas Seppi, the number 23 seed, took the first set against Denis Istomin on a breaker...

BBC commentator David Law on Radio 5 live: "Tomas Berdych is having his left thigh massaged very vigorously by the trainer after going two sets down. It looks like he has a muscle problem."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson: "A hold to love for a 4-3 lead in the second and Oliver Golding bounces back to his chair. Expect a concerted assault in the Andreev serve next."

Golding has broken in the third against Igor Andreev, this kid looks like he strapped a pair on before hitting Court Two. Mahut, he of Isner and Mahut, is on Court Four and 3-1 up in the first set against Paolo Lorenzi.

Petra Cetkovsa, the 23rd seed from the Czech Republic, is through, having beaten American Vania King 6-4 6-2, still with serve on Centre Court between Berdych and Gulbis. Clijsters looks in determined mood, she's streaked into a 3-0 lead over Jelena Jankovic, who doesn't look in determined mood, which is rather a shame.

Berdych has broken back against Gulbis on Centre, it's now 3-2 Berdych and going with serve. Clijsters holds her first service game, Golding 5-3 down in the second-set tie-break against Igor Andreev...

French Open champion Maria Sharapova on her first-round win against Anastasia Rodianova: "The first one's always tricky. To go out there after not competing for a couple weeks, the transition from clay to grass, I thought I started off the match really well. Had a few letdowns towards the end of both of those sets. Overall I'm pretty happy with the way I performed, especially for a first match, not having matches coming in."

On her comeback to the top level after a recurring should injury: "It's certainly the best gift I could have received at this time in my career. I certainly worked hard for it. My comeback wasn't the easiest. Wasn't a Cinderella story, that's for sure. Took a lot of tough days and losses and some wins to get to that moment. But you realize when you actually do get there that it's worth it."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson: "The Court Two crowd, many of whom may be setting eyes on Oliver Golding for the first time, like what they see of the 2011 US Open juniors winner. The applause is long and loud as he negotiates his way to a tricky hold for 5-5. They will be back for more if he makes it through this one."

The ludicrously-difficult to spell correctly Agnieszka Radwanska is through, the third seed dispatching the ludicrously difficult to spell correctly Magdalena Rybarikova. The first lady I mentioned won 6-3 6-3.

Aaaah, here's the smashing Kim Clijsters on Court One, the Belgian appearing in her final Wimbledon. It could be tough because on the other side of the net is number 18 seed Jelena Jankovic. Gulbis has broken in the second set against Berdych, Isner took the second-set breaker against Alejandro Falla to square the match.

Roger Federer on BBC One: "I played a very clean match from start to finish. It's always nice to save energy if you want to look further into the draw. I fought hard to get as many breaks as I could and things worked out perfectly."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson on Court Two: "Oliver Golding looks like the sort who would happily tell you where to put it if you tried to tag him with a 'plucky loser' tag. A squeal of frustration follows a netted forehand return as the second set stays on serve at 4-3."

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Vassos Alexander: "By winning, Federer surpasses Lleyton Hewitt as the man who has won the most grass court matches in history."

Maria Sharapova tells Novak Djokovic to hurry up and the Serb is eventually replaced by the Russian. Cracking banter. "No matter how much success I've had and no matter how many downfalls I still believe I can do better," says the French Open champion. "This sport puts you back to reality so fast, within days your're back practising. When you're Grand Slam champion and number one in the world everyone is more hungry to beat you."

A journalist begs Djokovic to answer one more question and he kindly obliges, revealing that he relaxes during Wimbledon by taking his dog for a walk. "It's a little fluffy poodle and it's cute," says the defending champ. "The dog's name is Pierre, French name bought in Germany and we consider him Serbian. He has to go along with his daddy." Lovely stuff. Oh, and six-time champion Roger Federer has just beaten Albert Ramos 6-1 6-1 6-1, while Gulbis won that first-set tie-breaker against Thomas Berdych, the sixth seed.

If you're a fan of people falling over, then get yourselves down the Moon and Stars on Romford High Street. But also, we have some video of a cameraman falling over, so fill your boots. Poor old Albert Ramos has been mown down by Federer on Court One, it's currently 5-0 in the third. Djokovic is in good fooling, it would seem, which is probably catastrophic news for either Ryan Harrison or Lu Yen-Hsun, who he'll play in the next round. Huge applause as Ramos wins a service game, which he looks quite angry about...

Djokovic on Andy Murray's back problems: "It's hard to make a judgement or say what is going on if you really don't know the exact nature of the injury. I know him for a long time and I know he's a great competitor. He has a lot of pressure, there's no doubt. He's always there [in semi-finals] but is just missing that extra step. Maybe he needs more confidence and self belief.

"He has all the qualities to be there, to be a Grand Slam winner. I went through a period in my life when people questioned my injuries, but if I'm hurt I'm hurt and never asked for medical time out unless I'm injured and I believe that's the same with him."

Angelique Kerber, the eighth seed and beaten finalist in Eastbourne, won the first set against Lucie Hradecka and is serving for the match, 5-0 up in the second. Gulbis and Berdych fighting it out in the trenches, they're into a breaker in the first set...

Novak Djokovic, in jovial mood after his first-round win, explains how he has improved: "Both Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] make me a better player, make me a work harder and understand what I have to do both technically and tactically. It was great [to play first on Centre], the grass was untouched and so soft and smooth. You feel the tradition and the history. It feels like a theatre."

Novak Djokovic confirms he took a golf club out on Centre. "I mixed it up with a tennis racquet," said the world number one, who should know the difference by now. "My sponsor provided me with a junior golf club. The racquet bags look like golf clubs... I proposed to have a golf club to fit the bag. It was a little funny thing. Fans corrected me straight away, saying 'this is not a golf club'. We were trying to come up with something different."

Venus Williams, after her first-round loss to Elena Vesnina, on whether she plans to continue playing: "I'm up for challenges. There's no way I'm just going to give up. That's just not me. I'm tough, let me tell you, tough as nails. The only thing I can do is be positive. I love this sport. I feel I can play well and I'm not going to give up on that."

Federer making Albert Ramos look like a park player, the Swiss maestro racing into a 3-0 lead in the third. Ramos doesn't so much look like a fish out of water at the net, he looks like a fish on grass attempting to play tennis, that smash was a monstrosity. Berdych and Gulbis 5-5 in the first on Centre Court.

It's not getting any cheaper at Wimbledon, the man to my left is complaining he's just spent a tenner on a salad, which makes the press canteen more expensive than Claridge's (I expect). What news of Oliver Golding? This news: he's just won the first set 6-1.

Another retirement - Jeremy Chardy is through after Filippo Volandri called it quits at 6-1 6-0 1-0. Oliver Golding is 5-1 up against world number 92 Igor Andreev, which is splendid. Golding, a former child actor, is only 18.

... £5.80 for a beef sandwich, this country... Federer is rather romping his first-round encounter against Ramos of Spain, the six-time champion has just sealed the second set 6-1 courtesy of a rasping forehand winner. Is there a finer smell in all of sport than a newly-opened tin of tennis balls? Be careful, though, bit embarrassing overdosing on Slazenger.

Federer cruising along nicely, not quite at full throttle but he's got the driving gloves on and is in control. The Swiss is a set up and has twice broken in the second set to lead 4-1. Meanwhile, It's going with serve on Centre between Gulbis and Berdych. And it's time for me to hand you back to Ben Dirs, who has returned from his break complaining about the price of something or other...

Golding's match on Court Two is about to start and Mike Henson is there to to update us with the action. Meanwhile, Gulbis has the opening game of the match in the bag, although not many patrons on Centre Court to witness the Latvian hold. Hopefully everyone will return sharpish.

BBC commentator Russell Fuller on 5 live: "Oliver Golding, child star and a very talented actor, is now a rising star of the game in Britain. He starts his match against Igor Andreev with a ranking of 491. This match might have just come a bit soon for him, but he could just be a contender in years to come."

Ernest Gulbis and Tomas Berdych are warming up on Centre Court so let's take a peek around some of the courts. John Isner (do I have to call him marathon man?) hasn't made a great start and trails by a set to Alejandro Falla of Colombia. And it's a bit of a ding-dong on Court Nine where it's all square at 1-1 between Inigo Cervantes and Flavio Cipolla in the deciding fifth set.

Perhaps you're getting ahead of yourself a tad, Cameron (see text below), but Federer looking comfortable on Court One at the moment, leading 5-1 and serving for the first set.

Stepanek, the 28th seed, is through after his opponent Stakhovsky retired injured at 1-0 down in the second set. I'm about to take a break, Aimee Lewis will hold the fort while I'm doing whatever it is I'm about to do.

Sharapova on the verge of the second round, the top seed 5-2 up in the second and about to serve for the match. Federer has broken early and Ramos might want to think twice about coming to the net, it looked like he was wielding a leg of lamb on that volley...

Indeed, Katherine, John Isner is a brute of a man, standing 8ft 4in. The American is out on court now and his first-round match is against Alejandro Falla of Colombia, who leads 2-0 in the first. It's time for some Federer on Court One, the six-time champion decked out like The Great Gatsby. He's up against Albert Ramos of Spain, who's never played Wimbledon before.

From anonymous (please add your names on texts) on 81111: "Funny that Maria did not make any noise during warm up. So she can play quietly."

Nick in London on text 81111 "Can't wait to see Maria S in all her glory on my new telly when the beeb's 3d coverage starts."

BBC Sport's Chris Whyatt: "Former Wimbledon semi-finalist (1991) Mary Joe Fernandez sprints up to the Rooftop Garden to do a hastily-arranged live piece for ESPN in America on that surprise exit for Venus. A startled producer barks at runners: 'Get me that make up!' Should make some waves across the pond. Does Fernandez have the look of former Brit professional Annabel Croft, who is broadcasting mere metres away?"

Across the way, Venus Williams dead bats her way through a variety of inane questions at her post-match presser, looking for all the world like a woman who has just discovered the entire world has ended and she will have to spend the rest of her days in that same room as the people currently asking her inane questions.

Britain's Josh Goodall is a break down in the fourth against Grega Zemlja, which is rather a shame. Sharapova is 3-0 up, we could be looking at one of the quickest sets in history.

Little bit of fist pumpage from Sharapova on completion of her first service game, to love. In a minute. Granollers, the 24th seed, is in a spot of nonsense, two sets down against Viktor Troicki. Sharapova breaks. In a minute.

Nalbandian got himself back into the second set against Tipsarevic, only to drop the tie-break - the Argentine 2-0 down in sets. Thirteenth seed Gilles Simon - no relation to singer-songwriter Paul - has won the first set of his match against fellow Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-3 on Court 18.

Next on Centre we have Maria Sharapova, champion in 2004 and top seed, against Anastasia Rodionova. As lady-like as Sharapova looks, there's no getting away from the fact that she screams like a docker.

Venus is 5-2 down in the second set, looks like the four-time champion is on her way out against Russia's Elena Vesnina. Nalbandian scrapping over on Court One, he's levelled things at 5-5 in the second against Tipsarevic.

Marcel Granollers, the 24th seed, lost the first set of his match against Viktor Troicki 7-5 but is a break up in the second. Djokovic has hosed Ferrero off the the court in this third set on Centre, the number one seed leads 5-0.

Venus battling to stay in the match, it's 3-2 and with serve in the second set against Vesnina of Russia. A knifed backhand into the base of the net by Nalbandian hands Tipsarevic a 5-3 lead in the second set.

Nalbandian having a moan-up on Court One. Maybe someone should call the police. He might be gone by the time they get here, 4-3 and a break down in the second. Djokovic has broken to make it 2-0 in the third, the Serb coasting against Ferrero of Spain.

My erstwhile BBC colleague Caroline Cheese is doing the live text on the official Wimbledon website, tremendous to hear of her continuing existence - a true lady. Plenty of red faces already on Court One as Tipsarevic maintains his break in the second set against Nalbandian - "sun cream? Do me a favour..." On serve in the third between Goodall of Britain and Grega Zemlja, that match 1-1 in sets.

Federer is on Court One after Tipsarevic and Nalbandian are done, the six-time champion up against your man Ramos from Spain. After that, the lovely Kim Clijsters, playing her last Wimbledon, up against 18th seed Jelena Jankovic. Venus did not get 'loved', she broke Vesnina to make the first set 5-1. Two break points for Ferrero against Djoko...

It's getting smelly for Nalbandian over on Court One, the Argentine one set and a break down against Tipsarevic. Not sure how many times Venus Ebony Starr Williams has been 'donutted' in her career, but it's about to happen on Court Two. The old girl's not too well, so I'm told, spot of Sjogren Syndrome.

Many thanks to my Welsh colleague and friend Aimee Lewis, Ben Dirs in the seat now as Nalbandian bids to break back against Tipsarevic on Court One. Tipsaveric saves two break points, make that three, before sending down an ace to hold...

Warm applause ripples around Centre Court. I look up and see that it's for Novak Djokovic and Juan Carlos Ferrero, who emerge from the green-panelled doors. The duo, resplendent in their Wimbledon whites, are at the net for the coin toss. Mike Henson is limbering his fingers for game-by-game coverage of that match so join him if you can (but don't forget about me).

David Ornstein has spotted Britain's Josh Goodall leaving the practice court. No-one escapes Ornstein. "I'm ready to go," says a sweaty Goodall ahead of his meeting with Grega Zemlja. He crosses paths with a smiling Anne Keothavong and both look a little shocked as a huge cheer goes up behind them. That can only be for one player... Roger Federer is in the building.

The six-time champion is hitting on practice court four with Jarkko Niemenen, flanked by Petra Kvitova and Ana Ivanovic on courts three and five. The other noise? Well, that's coming from Maria Sharapova on practice court 16, one away from Andy Murray and Jamie Baker.

Judy Murray, the Fed Cup captain, was talking about the British women earlier on BBC Two. "There's a great mix in the team, with the older girls playing some great tennis," says Andy's mum. "Anne Keothavong is a feisty competitor, a great professional. Elena is an unbelievable competitor with a great work ethic." Neither Keothavong nor Baltacha are in action today, but Heather Watson, Johanna Konta and Naomi Broady will be strutting their stuff. The promising Watson perhaps the more likely to progress.

A sprinkling of spectators already taking up their positions on Centre Court, perhaps seated early to watch a court side Sue Barker chatting with John McEnroe and Tim Henman. Don't forget there is also live coverage on the Red Button where you can watch the matches which will not be shown on BBC One or BBC Two. I think you will need two laptops, at least two TVs and, of course, a wireless for the opening week.

Josh Goodall should be the first Brit in action today. The wild card is second on Court Three and will face Slovenian Grega Zemlja. It should be a close match. Although, don't quote me on that. The 26-year-old from Basingstoke, making his fifth appearance in the main singles draw, has been in good form this season and is closing in on a top 200 ranking for the first time in four years.

One of my favourite colleagues, David Ornstein, is stalking, no I mean, snooping, no I mean... oh, he's been on the practice courts and says it's "ridiculously busy".

"The star attraction at the moment is world number two Rafael Nadal, who's hitting with fellow Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez under the ever-watchful eye of Uncle Toni. Plenty of Brits around too," says David.

"Heather Watson looks in fine form during a high intensity session and from speaking to her afterwards, she's confident of causing an upset against Iveta Benesova. Heather's off to watch some videos of her opponent now!

"Andy Murray has just navigated his way through a posse of cameramen to get on court with fellow-Scot Jamie Baker, while James Ward is on the grass too.

"Biggest cheers/screams from the waiting autograph hunters is for Maria Sharapova, followed closely by Juan Martin del Potro and Carloine Wozniacki. Wait until Rafa leaves..."

Players are limbering up on sunkissed courts. I think I'd be heading to Court 17 where the aesthetically pleasing Frenchman Richard Gasquet is preparing to face Germany's Tobias Kamke. Although, having typed that, former French Open champ Na Li is on Court 12 against Ksenia Pervak, which might be an interesting tie. But then, on Court Eight there's a chance to catch a glimpse of the great American hope Ryan Sweeting, who is playing Potito Starace of Italy. Oh, I wish I could be everywhere.

The Voice of Wimbledon is at his bellowing best, announcing over the public address system that the met office has predicted a glorious day, before giving us a friendly run down on Wimbledon etiquette, notably mobile phone use. He finishes with a touch of class: "All that remains for me to say is, enjoy you day." It's a bit like being in Hi-Di-Hi. I like it. But don't call me Ted Bovis.

Sorry, had to take a 10-minute break to chomp on a banana. Energy levels now restored. Phew. Where was I? Oh, yes, five Britons are in action in the singles today. Will an unlikely hero emerge from a pack which comprises of Joshua Goodall, Oliver Golding, Heather Watson, Naomi Broady and Johanna Konta? If you need to read a bit more on those Brits before deciding who will triumph and who will fall at the first hurdle (if any!) then there's a bite-size guide to all the Brits competing. at SW19 this year. I know, I know, we're spoiling you.

BBC Sport's David Ornstein on Twitter: "The gates are open, the grounds are already well-populated and Henman Hill, Rusedski Ridge, Murray Mound - call it what you like - is filling up nicely. Pimms and strawberries the order of the day, and plenty of suntan cream being applied by the masses. Wimbledon 2012 is here and there's an incredible buzz around the All England Club."

The traditional midday start is no more. Play will begin on every court, other than Centre and Court One, at 11:30 BST, so in just over 30 minutes we will hear the sound of summer: Fluffy yellow balls being whacked at breakneck speed, accompanied by grunts and high-pitched wails. You can watch live coverage on BBC Two and online from 11.30 BST, while Richard Bacon will be in the 5 live hot seat from midday. Splendid.

"This is an announcement for the stewards... can you please open the gates," says a voice from up above. Actually, I don't know where the man with the power to holler such orders is but there's a speaker above my head. Nevertheless, the order is followed and the gates are now open. Yay! Oh, hang on... Argh! hundreds of people are now running full pelt to their courts of choice. Time to take cover...

It's not all about Centre Court, of course. Other courts are available. A certain Roger Federer will serenely walk onto Court One once David Nalbandian (of Queen's fame) and Janko Tipsarevic have finished their duel. Albert Ramos of Spain shouldn't pose the six-time champ too much problems. And John McEnroe no less believes Fed can break the Djokovic/Nadal axis. "Even though it looks like the gap has grown between the other two and him, I'm picking Roger to win this year." So there. McEnroe has spoken. Fed to win.

I could write about the weather and the art of queuing all day, and I probably will, but I also need to tell you about today's tennis. Yes, Djokovic will open proceedings on Centre Court at 1300 BST, against Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero, and will be followed by French Open champion Maria Sharapova versus Anastasia Rodionova. The final match on Centre will be the intriguing tie between the technically gifted Ernests Gulbis of Latvia and the big-hitting Czech Tomas Berdych. Can I use the term mouthwatering or shall I keep that adjective in the live text locker for later in the week?

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic has already given his thoughts on when Wimbledon should start and the Serb, of course, is in favour of the Championships beginning in the first week of July. "My personal opinion, of course, is that this it is too short. We need an extra week, because it would work in the favour of players because it would give, especially the top players, a little bit more time to get used to the surface."

Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, has told BBC Radio 5live this morning that they are "seriously considering" delaying the start of Wimbledon by a week, to allow a three-week break after the French Open. I'm guessing the players would be in favour of that, but what do you think? Drop me a text on 81111 or tweet using the hashtag #bbctennis. It'll be nice to hear from you. No, really, it would.

Someone tweeted me last night asking what time they should start queuing for Centre Court tickets for Tuesday. Er... Sue Callaghan and her friends arrived on Sunday morning for today's play and slept under the stars overnight. "We got here at about 10.30am, we managed to get our tents up before the rain. I've been coming for 39 years, I come every year," said the 39-year-old (who is hopefully somewhere at the front of the queue).

If you don't trust my judgement on the weather, and why should you I'm not a trained meteorologist, then listen to BBC weather presenter Simon King, or watch the Wimbledon weather forecast.

"Today brings a perfect start to the Championships with some sunny spells, light winds and a maximum temperature getting to around 22 degrees on centre court," says King. "It'll be a bright start on Tuesday, but cloud will move in during the morning and, by the afternoon, there'll be a risk of some patchy rain that has the potential to cause some interruptions. While the rest of the week brings the risk of a bit or rain or a thunderstorm at times, it should be predominately dry while getting warm and humid."

Good morning! A very warm welcome to the opening day of The Championships. That's Wimbledon to you and me. The Centre Court turf, already looking pristine if you ask me, is being manicured as I type; an industrious gentleman has been walking the length of the court, lawn mower in tow, for the last 30 minutes while a youngster is marking the parameters with agonising precision, and I can see a posse of workers being given their final orders. Everyone is on schedule. It's all ticking along nicely.