Pliskova leads Czech Wimbledon challenge after Kvitova exit

LONDON: The Czech challenge for the Wimbledon women’s title may have lost Petra Kvitova but third-seed and bookmaker’s favourite Karolina Pliskova will continue her bid today. While threats of thunderstorms in SW19 could mean some delays to the programme on what could be a warm, muggy day, Pliskova will expect no disruption to her timetable. Slovak Magdalena Rybarikova is an experienced campaigner, however, who is rebuilding her rankings after a series of injury woes and represents a tricky test on Centre Court. Kvitova’s attempt to repeat her triumphs in 2011 and 2014, ended with a second-round loss to 95th-ranked American Madison Brengle yesterday. World number one Angelique Kerber is also in action, taking on Belgian veteran Kirsten Flipkens. On the men’s side, seven-times champion Roger Federer takes on Dusan Lajovic and Djokovic faces Adam Pavlasek in round two. The pair will be looking to get a full game under their belts after their first round challenger both retired injured early in their contests on Tuesday. (REUTERS)