The 2026 edition of the Wimbledon Championships is just around the corner.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek will aim to repeat her heroics from last year, having become the first Pole to win a singles title at the All England Club in 2025.
Also in the WTA draw, a legend will make her return at Wimbledon in the form of Serena Williams, who has received a wildcard for both singles and doubles.
Meanwhile, with no Carlos Alcaraz on the men’s side, the rest of the pack will be looking to overcome the overwhelming favourite and defending champion Jannik Sinner.
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The chances of a home hope triumphing at Wimbledon this year are slim, with Jack Draper still in the process of getting back to his best following his return from injury, and Emma Raducanu now a doubt, having been seen wearing a boot on her right leg.
But nonetheless, British history has already been made in qualifying for the third Grand Slam of the season.
Three British players qualify for the 2026 Wimbledon Championships
For the first time since 1999, three British men have qualified for the main draw at the Wimbledon Championships.
On Thursday, Billy Harris, Oliver Tarvet and Max Basing all booked their place in the main draw for the tournament after winning their last qualifying matches.
Perhaps the most notable name of the three is Tarvet, who burst onto the scene at last year’s edition of Wimbledon.
The now-22-year-old came through qualifying in 2025 and won his first-round match before being faced with the biggest possible test in round two: Alcaraz.
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Tarvet got off to a slow start against the Spaniard, but tested him in sets two and three, before ultimately being beaten in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.
Max Basing’s love for Rafael Nadal
Basing, just 23 years of age, went to the famous Rafael Nadal Academy when he was a teenager, and idolises the ‘King of Clay’.
As per Wimbledon, the young Briton said: “I think it was cool to see his new documentary and how he suffered throughout his career. That built his own character.
“He’s for sure one of the most influential people in tennis that I look up to along with Andy Murray. Those two in particular.
“The resilience that they have and the clear love for the game, along with everything they’ve been through to get to where they are, shows a true passion for the sport. That’s why we play.
“I was at Rafa’s academy for four years, from 14 to 18. I was able to hit with Rafa a couple of times. Doing that at 17 was a dream come true. I was obviously super nervous to have the chance to play with him but it was an amazing opportunity.
“You see from an early age what the level is, what the level of professionalism is like and what you’ve got to do to get to that point. I’m still a fanboy to this day.”
Basing is currently ranked 331st in the world, having been as high as 311th.
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