Wimbledon Day 2: Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic, Serena Williams and Andy Murray in action>>>

 



SPORT DADDY NEWS TENNIS

LLEYTON Hewitt is backing Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic to rise to the occasion when Australia’s two biggest hopes launch their Wimbledon title quests tonight.

The two former quarter-finalists face early tests as they strive to join Samantha Stosur in the second round of the grasscourt major.

Kyrgios meets crafty Czech veteran Radek Stepanek, while Tomic takes on big-serving Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, arguably the most dangerous unseeded player in the men’s draw.

But Hewitt believes Australia’s seeded stars not only have the class to overcome their first-round hurdles, but also the big-match temperament and grasscourt know-how to challenge for grand slam glory at the All England Club.

Murray, Williams and Aussie hopeful Daria Gavrilova are among those in action

“It’s probably their favourite surface. Guys like Nick and Bernie, they love playing on the big courts in front of the big stadiums,” Hewitt, the 2001 champion, said on the tournament eve.

“That’s what you need if you’re ever going to hold up the trophy.”

John Millman, Jordan Thompson, qualifiers Luke Saville and Matt Barton and women’s hope Daria Gavrilova also play their openers on Tuesday, along with women’s top seed Serena Williams and men’s second seed Andy Murray.