Williams set to begin defence

Venus Williams will begin the defence of her Wimbledon crown on Centre Court later today – while world number one Amelie Mauresmo is also in action for the first time as she prepares for an opening match on the “graveyard of champions”.

Following the rain-interrupted first day, second seed Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin-Hardenne and former champion Martina Hingis all face the prospect of a second match inside 24 hours at the All England Club.