News, insights and betting tips for Wimbledon 2023

Wimbledon 2023 is underway, one of the iconic tournaments and venues in the world.

Fortnight at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is progressing. It will only continue to get better in subsequent rounds. Here is a look at some of the event's big early news stories.  

Venus Exits Early

The Williams sisters remain a huge part of professional tennis. They haven't had a ton of recent success. Venus Williams made her 24th career appearance at Wimbledon, and the British fans showered her with cheers when she took the court. 

Williams was crisp early in her first match Monday against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, nearly with a 3-0 lead until the script flipped in a hurry. 

Williams slipped on the grass, her right foot giving way. She collapsed on the court, but was able to return to the match.  

Williams lost, 6-4, 6-3, to Svitolina in what may be the 43-year-old's final appearance. Once the top-ranked player in the world, she is currently outside the top 500 after injuries and inactivity.

She did become the third oldest player to ever appear in the main draw at Wimbledon. 

Gauff Dismissed, Too

American Coco Gauff was expected to make a big run at Wimbledon over the next two weeks, but wasn’t even able to win a match. Gauff lost to countrywoman Sofia Kenin, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. In an opening-round match that really wasn’t close. 

Kenin shouldn't surprise with her success. She was once fourth-ranked in the world. However, injuries have certainly slowed her over the last few years. There was full display of her game in eliminating Gauff. 

Iga Swiatek (6-1, 6-3) and Jessica Pegula (6-2, 6-7, 6-4) didn’t suffer the same fate as Gauff, as both advanced into the second round. Swiatek, the 22-year-old Polish star, holds the top seed on the women's side, and American Pegula is No. 4.

Some terrible winds created interesting playing conditions at times. It seemed to affect Pegula in her match, but Swiatek didn't have any trouble getting past her opponent.

Wagering on this tournament is available each day, according to Wimbledon odds.

Wimbledon Protest Alert

Officials at Wimbledon are hoping to keep protesters and their orange powder off courts, and the event is currently on "red alert." Environmentalists protested at many major sporting events over the last few weeks, spreading the orange dye. 

There are a number of security measures used at Wimbledon in an attempt to deter protests, but unclear if they will completely stop them. The Monday matches went off without issues. But, on Wednesday, two environmental activists were arrested after getting on court and scattering orange confetti and puzzle pieces on the grass, disrupting the match between Grigor Dimitrov and Sho Shimabukuro.

Other European championships have been forced to suspend play during the protests, but Wimbledon has access to more security than those other events. 

Kyrgios Withdraws Late

Injuries seem to impact the outcome of the tournament, and they’re usually known well before the start of play. That wasn’t the case here, as Nick Kyrgios did not withdraw until the day before the tournament was set to begin. He was scheduled to oppose Belgium's David Goffin. 

Kyrgios was in the final just a year ago, having lost to Novak Djokovic in front of a raucous crowd. Kyrgios indicated he had an injured wrist, but he has been sidelined with a knee injury during much of 2023. 

It wasn't going to be an easy road for Kyrgios even before the withdrawal, as he was the 30th seed. His low seed was due to his lack of play this season

Looking past Wimbledon, there’s also a Flushing Meadows board, as per US Open tennis odds.