Wimbledon 2016: Brits Laura Robson and Naomi Broady both face big tests if the weather allows them to make it on to court today
Meanwhile Dan Evans and Marcus Willis get ready for first-round matches
LAURA ROBSON and Naomi Broady both face big tests if the weather allows them to make it on to court today.
Robson was given a wildcard into Wimbledon but once again the draw has been unkind to her as she tries to rebuild her confidence after her wrist injury hell.
Robson’s opponent will be Angelique Kerber, the No4 seed and the woman who claimed her first Grand Slam title by beating Serena Williams at the Australian Open.
But it was Kerber that Robson beat in the first round at Wimbledon in 2011 to record her first victory at a Slam and the German is wary of the former British No 1, despite her recent struggles.
Kerber said: “It’s tough to play, of course, against a Great Britain girl, but I’m looking forward.
“She’s a lefty, so this is always tricky, on grass especially — like me.
"It’s good to have a tough first round.”
That is certainly what Naomi Broady has after gaining entry into the first round of a Slam through her ranking for the first time.
The world No84 will take on former French Open quarter-finalist Elina Svitolina, the world No18 from Ukraine.
The key for Broady will be to make her big serve and powerful forehand tell against a slightly-built opponent who has won only three matches on grass in her career.
Evans above as SW19 pals unite
WHAT became of British tennis’ likely lads, Dan Evans and Marcus Willis?
The pair, who are old pals, have taken different routes to today’s Wimbledon first round and are delighted for each other.
Evans went to Roehampton to see world No775 Willis come through pre-qualifying to earn a surprise debut at SW19.
Evans, 26, said: “I wanted to go and watch him because I didn’t know who would be there.
“I had a panicked Mr Willis asking where his son was. He just wanted to give him a hug, which was pretty cool.”
Evans, due to take on Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff today, can advise Willis on his opponent Ricardas Berankis — after beating the Lithuanian in Nottingham last week.
Willis, 25, said: “I never thought in a million years I’d qualify for Wimbledon.”
He could meet Evans in the third round, although Roger Federer awaits the victor of his first-round tie.