TENNIS

Federer first up on Centre Court

by Michelle Fortune , 20 June 2009

Roger Federer has been handed the honour of playing the opening match on Centre Court at Wimbledon on Monday.

Traditionally the defending men's champion is first up on Centre Court, but Rafael Nadal's withdrawal has prompted organisers to play the bottom half of the gentlemen's and ladies' singles.

As a result Andy Murray, who had been in the same half of the draw as Nadal, will not play his first-round match against Robert Kendrick until Tuesday.

Instead second seed and five-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer will get proceedings underway on Centre Court at 1.00pm against Yen-Hsun Lu.

In keeping with tradition, ladies' champion Venus Williams will not play her opening match until Tuesday. The American has been drawn against compatriot Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

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