The draws have unveiled the first round encounters. Final preparations are at full tilt.

It's nearly showtime for The Championships 2023. 

The majority of players are fine-tuning on the practice courts over at Aorangi Park, however a lucky handful have once again had the chance to wield their rackets on the Show Courts.

Last year, the All England Club announced an initiative to give the grass a gentle test ahead of hosting the world's best players on Day 1 of The Championships, and this has continued for 2023. 

A powerful start

First on Centre Court, defending champion Elena Rybakina was joined by world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka strolled on to the grass with a beaming smile. A cameraman asked how it felt to be back and the Australian Open champion simply responded, "It feels very good."

Having taken in the historic surroundings, the pair got down to business exchanging shots with their impressive raw power.

Their practice set was briefly interrupted by a booming sneeze from Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov. The noise distracted Sabalenka, prompting Vukov to laugh, "I was just trying to help Elena to win the game."

Sneezing aside, with this high standard, this is a potential ladies' semi-final in a fortnight's time.

Czech mates

Shortly after, it was two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova's time to shine.

The 2011 and 2014 champion, with a London guardsman adorning her t-shirt, was in fine form against fellow Czech Marie Bouzkova.

The shots were fizzing, the retrievals seemed effortless, and Kvitova's lefty game was looking sharp, the world No.9 seemingly bringing her form straight from a title triumph in Berlin last week.

Anyone visiting Centre Court has to take some snaps.

2019 semi-finalist Barbora Strycova turned up in the stands with her son, taking some photos of her compatriots in action.

Overheard on court

Over to No.1 Court and the ear buds were out.

Host broadcaster Wimbledon Broadcast Services has been capturing some fascinating content with the top players.

 

On Thursday they connected up Novak Djokovic for his practice with Jannik Sinner. You can watch the result here in this video from the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Home hope Andy Murray also took part, with his coach Ivan Lendl joining in to be quizzed by a certain Tim Henman from the spectator seats.

On Friday it was the turn of world No.6 Ons Jabeur.

The 2022 finalist was wired for sound during her opening exchanges with Bianca Andreescu for a chat with player turned commentator Pam Shriver.

The Jabeur backhand slice was at its mischievous best, a promising sign for her legion of fans in advance of her first round match-up against Poland's Magdalena Frech.

British No.1 Cameron Norrie followed on No.1 Court and was mic'd-up in conversation with his coach Facundo Lugones.

Watch this space for some more of this unique player content.