Wimbledon 2021: Get set for a fortnight of rallies and strawberries galore

Tennis is back at Wimbledon this summer after the 2020 edition of the famous championships fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic.

Reigning champion and World No1 Novak Djokovic will be searching for a sixth success in the men’s draw, while the absence of 2019 women’s champion Simona Halep means someone else will get their hands on the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Read on for all the key information ahead of a thrilling fortnight at SW19.

When does Wimbledon 2021 take place?

The first ball — and serving of strawberries and cream — will be served at the tournament on Monday. 

In keeping with tradition, reigning men’s champion Djokovic will open proceedings when he takes to Centre Court for his first-round match at 1pm (GMT). 

He has been drawn against British teenager Jack Draper, who makes his SW19 debut.

The women's final will take place on Centre Court on Saturday, July 10, at 2pm and the men's showpiece is scheduled for Centre Court the following day at the same time.

For the final time in the tournament’s history, no action will take place on the middle Sunday as players are given a well-earned rest.

One of Wimbledon's longest-running traditions, tournament officials have decided to scrap the concept from 2022 onwards to help increase fan access and reduce the strain of what is usually referred to as Manic Monday.

Who will play who at Wimbledon 2021?

You can view both the men’s and women’s singles draws for Wimbledon below.

Who's missing at Wimbledon 2021?

There are a few notable absentees from both the men's and women's singles draws. 

Two-time Wimbledon champion and 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal will not be partaking after opting to take a break following the conclusion of the clay season.

The decision, which will also see the popular Spaniard miss the Tokyo Olympics, was taken with his future in mind.

Nadal, 35, said: "It’s never an easy deision but after listening to my body and discussing it with my team I understand it is the right decision.

"The goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy. That is to compete at the highest level and keep fighting for those professional and personal goals at the maximum level of competition.

"The fact there has only been two weeks between Roland Garros and Wimbledon didn’t make it easier on my body to recuperate after the always demanding clay-court season.

"They have been two months of great effort and the decision I take is focused looking at the mid and long term."

Dominic Thiem is another notable absence from the men’s draw, with the world No3 pulling out after picking up a wrist injury.

The women’s draw is missing both World No1 Naomi Osaka and reigning champion Halep, leaving an already open tournament looking even harder to predict.

Osaka will continue to take time away from tennis after recently revealing she has suffered with depression since 2018.

Halep, meanwhile, has been unable to shake off a calf problem picked up at last month’s Italian Open.

Announcing her withdrawal just minutes before the draw, Halep, 29, said: "I gave it everything I had in order to be ready to play Wimbledon and after having such special memories from two years ago.

"I was excited and honoured to step back on these beautiful courts as defending champion. Unfortunately, my body didn't co-operate."

Where can I watch Wimbledon 2021?

You will be able to watch all the Wimbledon action across the BBC, with live coverage set to be shown on BBC One, BBC Two and the BBC red button throughout the fortnight.

UK residents will be able to stream the matches on iPlayer via a smart phone, laptop, TV or tablet, as well as the BBC Sport website and app.

Of course, you can also follow the latest scores with LiveScore and we will serve up all the latest news and reaction from SW19 throughout the tournament.