Although the UK is suffering from a lack of summer at the moment, the sporting events continue apace. Some are enjoying the football, if enjoying is the right word(?) but for me, it’s all about the tennis. Going into Wimbledon this year, the field seemed wide open and even more so when Sabalenka pulled out of the championships. My focus has been on the women’s side, as always, but it’s hard to avoid seeing what’s been going down on the men’s side of the draw too. But here are some thoughts from the first week, anyway:

• It has been fun to see the Brits doing well, we don’t get to enjoy this very often but seeing a few creeping through the rounds has been entertaining. I really wanted Boulter to win the battle with Dart, mostly because I feel like she could have got further in the competition, but that’s sport for you! Dart has a lot to work on in terms of getting the emotions under control.
• The match yesterday between Svitolina and Jabeur was a real treat in terms of good tennis. Jabeur seemed off her game and was putting far too many balls out, but when the pair were striking well, it was incredible to watch. I love both these players but who amongst us can argue that Jabeur is past due a Grand Slam title?
• Swiatek makes no secret of being less comfortable on grass but it’s still a surprise that she went out to Putintseva (who now plays Ostapenko for what will surely be the grumpiest match of the fortnight?). But with her exit and Sabalenka not playing, the draw is wide open for a potential new winner. Although we can never count out Gauff, who is steadily but surely progressing, and knows how to win a slam.
• Lots of tributes to Andy Murray after his exit in the doubles a few days ago, and although it would have been great to see him play with Raducanu, part of me is glad that didn’t happen as it was surely just a stunt move and the celebration of his legendary status has already happened.
• Talking of Raducanu, people are saying (and by people I mean the fine folks on Wimbledon Radio) that she’s playing like she did when she won the US Open. Seems a stretch that she could win this title, but so good to see her back and enjoying tennis and playing fearlessly again.

And there’s still lots to look forward to as the singles matches start to dwindle and get to the good stuff. We also have the ladies doubles, the mixed doubles, and the invitational doubles which includes such gems as Coco Vandeweghe, Anne Keothavong and Jo Konta all gracing us with their court craft again. Can’t wait!