Svetlana Kuznetsova has a new image which she presented in her opening match on the second day of Wimbledon. She looks completely different, sporting a long blonde braided weave. Compare the photos: 1st one is from the French Open, the 2nd one shows Svetlana’s new look.

My opinion: I’m not a fan of such hairstyles, but it’s not bad for a change.

Uh, I almost forgot the more important fact…Kuznetsova reached the second round beating Julia Vakulenko of Ukraine 4-6 6-4 6-3.

Reminder: On Wednesday, June 27th, Kuznetsova celebrates her 22nd birthday.

(source: Off the Baseline, photos: Getty Images)

On a rain-interrupted first day of Wimbledon, top-seeded Justine Henin and seventh-seeded Serena Williams eased into the round two.

Justine Henin of Belgium needed just 55 minutes to beat Argentine qualifier Jorgelina Cravero 6-3 6-0.

The 25-year-old Belgian took the opportunity following her victory to dismiss suggestions that she was considering a retirement in two years time due to injuries. Read more »

Former champion Martina Hingis, seeded-ninth, had to save two match points in the second set against a British wildcard Naomi Cavaday. The Swiss reached the second round defeating the promising teenager 6-7 7-5 6-0.

At the moment when Hingis was so close to losing the match, her extensive experience had a major role; she didn’t seem nervous at all. On the other hand, her opponent Cavaday, ranked 232nd in the world, wasn’t strong enough to seal the victory when she had the two match points in her hands, and after the lost opportunity, she simply lost confidence and mental strength to eventually let Martina win the deciding set 6-0.

BTW, the court where Hingis played her opening match is sometimes called the “Graveyard of Champions” since many seeded players were upset there, which is what nearly happened to the Swiss today.

In the second round, world No.11 Hingis will face Aiko Nakamura of Japan.

Women’s singles started to be played at Wimbledon in 1884, seven years after the foundation of the tournament. Women’s doubles and mixed doubles were first played in 1913. Here are some facts and records:

Youngest singles winner was Charlotte (Lottie) Dod who won Wimbledon in 1887 at the age of 15 years, 285 days. Later on she won four more Wimbledon titles, in 1888, 1891, 1892, 1893.

It’s unbelievable how times have changed. Take a look at Dod’s tennis outfit! I'm speechless.

And note this: besides playing tennis she was a member of the national field hockey team, British Amateur golf champion in 1904 and the archery silver medalist at the 1908 Olympics.

The youngest ever player at Wimbledon was Mita Klima of Austria, who was 13 years old in the 1907 singles competition.

Martina Hingis was the youngest doubles winner, being only 15 years, 282 days old when she became a champion in 1996. Read more »

It was announced on Tuesday that world No. 18 Na Li has high chances of recovering from her rib injury until Wimbledon. But today, Wimbledon officials have declared that she’s been added to the list of player withdrawals (alongside Anastasia Myskina, Vera Zvonareva, Romina Oprandi, and Jie Zheng).

There is no word yet on the extent of the injury and how long she will be off the Tour.

Na Li will be replaced by a lucky loser Alize Cornet of France. (via On the Baseline)