Top players have stopped doing media duties at Wimbledon. They are doing it to protest the prize money split. The 2026 event sees the same walk‑out, with players asking for a bigger share of that revenue. Because of that boycott the BBC has no player interviews and is scrambling for content.
Meanwhile Serena Williams is back on the Centre Court. Her return brings attention to 20‑year‑old Maya Joint and could also shine one light on Iga Swiatek. The day starts with protest on one side and a high‑profile comeback on that other, making that opening tense.