#Newsround #wimbledon #wimbledon2023 #tennis

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If you're a tennis fan, it doesn't get much bigger or better than Wimbledon.

Some of the world's greatest tennis players will soon be gathering in Wimbledon in London to compete in the major tennis tournament.

British tennis stars like Andy Murray, Katie Boulter, Alfie Hewitt and Lucy Shuker will be in action on the courts, as well as international greats like Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic.

First up let's talk about the tournament itself, what is it and how did it start?

Wimbledon is one of four major tennis tournaments in the world, called Grand Slams.

The other three are: The Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open.

The official title for the competition is The Championships, but it is often just referred to as Wimbledon as that's where it takes place in south-west London.

The first Championships took place in 1877 at the All England Club in London, where it's still held today.

Wimbledon is the only major championship to be played on grass, with others using clay or acrylic courts.

It's seen by many as the most prestigious and famous tennis tournament in the world, with celebrities and even members of the Royal family attending to watch the players compete.

When is Wimbledon?
The tournament starts on Monday 3 July and lasts for two weeks, finishing on Sunday 16 July.

Who are the players to watch?
The competition brings in some of the biggest and best players from around the world to compete together, and this year is no exception.

Novak Djokovic will be aiming for his eighth men's singles title to equal Roger Federer's record.

He's already won the Australian Open and French Open this year.

Britain's Andy Murray will also be competing this year. He has won the title twice in the past but is making a comeback from a hip replacement and is not one of the favourites to win.

They'll have tough competition from the new kid on the block: Carlos Alcaraz, a 20-year-old player from Spain who is currently the world number one.

Last year's runner-up Nick Kyrgios won't be competing though. The Australian has a wrist injury.

Elena Rybakina will be hoping to return to defend her title as the women's singles champion, however she has been suffering from a viral illness and could be a doubt for the tournament.

There will be stiff competition in the form of US player Coco Gauff; last year's Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur as well as current world number one Iga Swiatek.

Who is Carlos Alcaraz?

Carlos Alcaraz has been busy making waves in the tennis world, and many people think he could win Wimbledon this year.

The Spanish player is currently ranked number one in the world after winning the Queen's tournament in June 2023 - his fifth title of the year.

Alcaraz has a super-fast forehand which clocks in at about 100mph, and his serve is timed at a whopping 130mph.

His idol is Rafa Nadal, another Spaniard who has won 21 Grand Slam tennis titles and is considered one of the world's greatest players.

In May 2022, Alcaraz got the chance to play against Nadal in a competition, and beat his idol.

Will Emma Raducanu be playing at Wimbledon?

No, sadly Emma Raducanu won't be competing in Wimbledon this year.

Emma, who won the US Open in 2021, is currently recovering from hand and ankle surgery.

Which British players are competing at Wimbledon?

There are 14 British players taking part in the Wimbledon tournament this year.

Cameron Norrie is currently the highest-ranked British player and made it to the semi-finals at the tournament last year.

He will be joined by two-time champion Andy Murray and British number two Dan Evans.

Katie Boulter is the current British women's number one but she has had to rely on a wildcard to compete at Wimbledon.

In the wheelchair events, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid will be trying to win their 16th successive Grand Slam final.

Alfie Hewett is a tennis juggernaut with 23 majors under his belt, he's won seven Grand Slam singles titles but never Wimbledon. So he will definitely have his head in the game this year.

Players from Russia and Belarus will be able to play at Wimbledon this year. They were banned from competing last year in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine. In order to take part in the tennis tournament this year, the players have to sign an important document called a Personal Declaration of Neutrality.

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