Worst British performance for a decade

BRITAIN has had its worst Wimbledon in more than a decade, with not one home player making it to the second week of the singles tournament.

The dismal performance was sealed by Kyle Edmund’s defeat to three-time champion Novak Djokovic on Saturday in front of a frenzied centre court crowd. It is the first time no Brits have made it to the fourth round of the singles since 2007.

Britain’s hopes of success this year suffered an early blow with the last-minute withdrawal of Andy Murray, who has struggled to recover from a long-term injury. But all hope is not lost, with Murray’s older brother Jamie among the favourites to clinch the men’s doubles crown. The 32year-old breezed into the third round with his Brazilian partner Bruno Soares last week.

He will also be hoping for success in the mixed doubles this year, which he has twice won at SW19, alongside former world no 1 Victoria Azarenka.

The UK’s poor performance comes amid fears the men’s finals will clash with the last game of the World Cup – where England is faring far better. Djokovic, asked if the date of the final could be shifted, said: ‘ It is hard to change the tradition of Wimbledon, it’s such a big event. [But] it might.’