Compatriots talk of mutual respect and healthy rivalry before men’s and women’s all-British second round ties
Considering there were 18 home players in the main draws this year, that there should be a couple of all-British clashes at Wimbledon is no statistical surprise. But there is no doubt that Thursday will be a special day as the top ranked British players meet one another in round two of the men’s and women’s singles. Jack Draper, the new No 1 British man, will take on the No 2, Cameron Norrie, while the women’s No 1, Katie Boulter, meets the No 2, Harriet Dart. Just call it the Battles of Britain.
In the Open era, which began in 1968, there have been 19 all-British clashes in the men’s singles and 38 in the women’s event. The most recent all-British meeting in the women’s singles, though, was in 2011, when Anne Keothavong beat Naomi Broady, while Murray’s win over Ryan Peniston last year was the most recent home clash in the men’s event.