Showdowns for British dominance at Wimbledon as leading male and female players go head-to-head

Planet Sport writerStaff Writer3 July 2024
Jack Draper Cameron Norrie practise 27 June, 2024

Jack Draper Cameron Norrie practise 27 June, 2024

Thursday action at Wimbledon will see two all-British men and female matches take place in a battle for UK supremacy on home turf.

General election day at the All England Club sees British number ones Jack Draper and Katie Boulter going head to head with familiar opposition.

Draper takes on Cameron Norrie, whom he succeeded as Britain's premier male player, while Boulter locks horns with the nation's number two female, Harriet Dart.

There is also young pretender Jacob Fearnley, who meets the seven-time winner Novak Djokovic on Centre Court, and Andy Murray, who plays doubles with brother Jamie.

Whichever way the results go, Britain will have at least two players in the third round.

"It was obviously tough for Andy to pull out (of the singles) so that will be great that he's playing doubles with Jamie," said Draper.

"Obviously me and Cam's match, that will be a good match to watch. And Jacob playing Djokovic.

"There's a few guys who have gone to university that I spent lots of times with when I was younger. Jacob Fearnley is one of those.

"I think he'll be someone who rises up very quickly in the rankings. I think it will be interesting to see how he gets on against Djokovic. I think he's an amazing player and a good guy, too.

"Obviously Katie, playing incredible tennis. She backed up her title at Nottingham, won on Tuesday. I think it will be a great day, for sure."

Fearnley opens Centre Court against the 24-time grand slam champion while Boulter and Dart are first up on Court One, followed by Draper and Norrie.

Recommended Offers

betting card

£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
betting card

Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
betting card

Get £10 in Free Bets

New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad

Andy and Jaime Murray will then close proceedings on Centre when they take on Australian duo John Peers and Rinky Hijikata.

General election day at the All England Club sees British number ones Jack Draper and Katie Boulter going head to head with familiar opposition.

Draper takes on Cameron Norrie, whom he succeeded as Britain's premier male player, while Boulter locks horns with the nation's number two female, Harriet Dart.

There is also young pretender Jacob Fearnley, who meets the seven-time winner Novak Djokovic on Centre Court, and Andy Murray, who plays doubles with brother Jamie.

Whichever way the results go, Britain will have at least two players in the third round.

"It was obviously tough for Andy to pull out (of the singles) so that will be great that he's playing doubles with Jamie," said Draper.

"Obviously me and Cam's match, that will be a good match to watch. And Jacob playing Djokovic.

"There's a few guys who have gone to university that I spent lots of times with when I was younger. Jacob Fearnley is one of those.

"I think he'll be someone who rises up very quickly in the rankings. I think it will be interesting to see how he gets on against Djokovic. I think he's an amazing player and a good guy, too.

"Obviously Katie, playing incredible tennis. She backed up her title at Nottingham, won on Tuesday. I think it will be a great day, for sure."

Fearnley opens Centre Court against the 24-time grand slam champion while Boulter and Dart are first up on Court One, followed by Draper and Norrie.

Andy and Jaime Murray will then close proceedings on Centre when they take on Australian duo John Peers and Rinky Hijikata.

    More News