LOCKER ROOM: Novak Djokovic’s nemesis Holger Rune looks to end local wildcard’s Wimbledon dream

Wimbledon returned for another year on Monday and it saw Novak Djokovic begin his quest for a 24th Grand Slam as he defeated Pedro Cachin with a routine first round win. 

It wasn’t meant to be for a former Wimbledon champ however, as five-time winner Venus Williams exited from SW19 with a defeat to Elina Svitolina. 

There was also an upset for her fellow American as Coco Gauff also followed her out of the tournament. The seventh seed defeated by Sofia Kenin over three sets. 

Day 2 will bring us plenty more action, with openers for Brits Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie. 

Sportsmail has picked out some of the other showdowns to also watch out for… 

Novak Djokovic began his Wimbledon campaign with a routine win over Pedro Cachin 

THREE TO WATCH 

HOLGER RUNE (Den, 6) v GEORGE LOFFHAGEN (GB)

Rune is the combative 20-year-old who is turning into Novak Djokovic’s nemesis, having beaten the Wimbledon favourite twice since November 2022. World No 6 Rune of Denmark faces Loffhagen, the 22-year-old British wildcard who has gone from pulling pints in Marble Arch to being ranked 371. Loffhagen is a local lad on the rise, having won two titles recently.

Holger Rune will come up against local Wimbledon wildcard George Loffhagen 

ELENA RYBAKINA (Kaz, 3) v SHELBY ROGERS (USA)

Question marks surround the fitness of defending champion Rybakina. The world No 3 from Kazakhstan withdrew from the French Open in Paris due to a virus but then also pulled out of Eastbourne last week, saying she is still not healthy enough. She now faces Rogers, the American ranked 49 who won their last meeting in Hertogenbosch last year.

CARLOS ALCARAZ (Esp, 1) v JEREMY CHARDY (Fra)

It is the world No 1 from Spain against the Frenchman ranked 542nd. Although only one winner is expected from this encounter, Chardy is set to retire after Wimbledon at the age of 36.

He has said it will be a ‘beautiful’ way to finish his career, facing one of the tournament’s top contenders at the scene of his 2005 boys’ singles triumph.

Carlos Alcaraz will look to dispatch of Jeremy Chardy who’s retiring after the championships 

GROUND PASS BONUS

JELENA OSTAPENKO (Lat, 17) v GREET MINNEN (Bel)

Readers of Tracy Austin’s Mail Sport column may have noticed the mention of Ostapenko as someone to watch at this Wimbledon after taking the title in Birmingham less than two weeks ago. Those with grounds passes can watch the 2017 French Open winner take on Minnen in the third match on Court 14 today.

Jelena Ostapenko was a winner at Birmingham and is one to watch for the women’s title 

WEATHER FORECAST 

Heavy showers in the morning should change to clouds by lunchtime while a gentle breeze is also expected. 19ºC.