The 2026 Wimbledon Championships are barely underway, but drama has already unfolded both on and off the court. Defending champion Jannik Sinner survived a tough five-set battle against Miomir Kecmanovic on Centre Court, while British hopes took a double hit with Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper withdrawing due to injuries.
Carol Kirkwood Departs BBC Wimbledon Coverage
BBC presenter Isa Guha led tributes to former weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who is absent from this year's Wimbledon coverage after leaving her role on BBC Breakfast in April. Kirkwood, who served for 28 years, decided to retire to focus on her marriage and travel.
Guha, anchoring the early morning broadcasts alongside Tim Henman and Anne Keothavong, acknowledged Kirkwood's departure at the start of Monday's coverage. "Now, this is normally the time in the show that we head across to Carol Kirkwood for a British weather update, especially here in the sunshine," Guha said. "It would have been great to see her, but after 28 years on BBC Breakfast, Carol has moved on. So, we wish you all the best, Carol. Hopefully you've got your feet up on the sofa with a cup of tea to enjoy the tennis this week."
Kirkwood will be replaced by a rotation of BBC weather broadcasters, including Sarah Keith-Lucas, Elizabeth Rizzini, Tomasz Schafernaker, and Helen Willetts.
Jack Draper Withdraws Due to Arm Injury
During Sinner's first-round match, Guha announced that British No. 5 Jack Draper had withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a recurrence of his arm injury. He was scheduled to face sixth seed Taylor Fritz on Centre Court on Tuesday. "There's been so much action, so much news to tell you about, and there's some more disappointing news for British fans," Guha told viewers. "After Emma Raducanu was forced to withdraw with injury last night, Jack Draper has also dropped out."
Draper confirmed his withdrawal at 2:30 PM, stating: "Devastated to share that I have had to withdraw from my first round match due to a recurrence of my arm injury. There have been a lot of painful moments in the last 12 months but this one is definitely the absolute worst as there is no greater honour for a British player than playing at Wimbledon. I will continue to persevere through this. Thank you for the support!"
Raducanu Also Sits Out
Earlier, Emma Raducanu announced she would miss Wimbledon due to a stress fracture. The British hope's absence, combined with Draper's withdrawal, has dampened home expectations at the All England Club.
Despite these setbacks, defending champion Jannik Sinner remains in the draw after overcoming Kecmanovic. The Italian is widely tipped to win consecutive titles following Carlos Alcaraz's injury-enforced withdrawal.
