ESPN emphasizes Serena Williams coverage on Wimbledon Day 1
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 1:24 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
On June 29, the opening day of Wimbledon features extensive coverage of Serena Williams, despite her not playing in the first round. ESPN focused much of its programming on Williams' practice sessions instead of live matches, raising concerns among viewers about match visibility. Jessica Pegula's match was briefly aired along with highlights of Iva Jovic's encounter. Meanwhile, Chris Evert received well wishes from the network as she battles cancer and will not attend this year's event.
- •Serena Williams is not competing on Day 1 of Wimbledon.
- •ESPN prioritizes coverage of Williams despite only showing practice sessions.
- •Jessica Pegula's first set made it to air, along with clips of Iva Jovic.
- •Chris Evert is absent due to her ongoing health battle.
- 1:24 PMYahoo Sports — On Day 1, ESPN seemingly wants to rename Wimbledon the ‘Serena Open’
"On the first day of Wimbledon, the greatest WTA tennis player of all time, Serena Williams is not playing her first round match. ESPN viewers may not realize that as the network has spent almost as much time, in its…
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