Former world number seven David Goffin and top seed Francisco Comesana suffered opening-round defeats as several leading contenders exited on the first day of Wimbledon qualifying on Monday.
Belgium’s Goffin, who announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 to Italy’s Andrea Guerrieri.
Argentina’s Comesana, the highest-ranked player in the men’s qualifying draw, squandered a one-set lead before falling 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 to Spain’s Alejandro Moro Canas.
Former world number 16 and sixth seed Nikoloz Basilashvili also bowed out after Sweden’s Elias Ymer rallied from a set down to claim a 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(8) victory.
The opening day at Roehampton also saw several seeded players exit, including Coleman Wong (fourth), Henrique Rocha (ninth), Francesco Maestrelli (10th) and Facundo Diaz Acosta (12th).
While several seeds departed, a number of experienced campaigners progressed comfortably into the second round.
22nd seed Dusan Lajovic defeated Austria’s Lukas Neumayer 6-4, 6-4, while 15th seed Roman Safiullin and 20th seed Tomas Barrios Vera also advanced.
British hopes received a boost as former world number 21 Daniel Evans defeated Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in straight sets, while Max Basing, Billy Harris, Paul Jubb, Henry Searle and Oliver Tarvet also won their opening matches.
The men’s second qualifying round takes place on Wednesday, while the women’s qualifying competition gets underway on Tuesday, live on SPOTV NOW.
Players must win three matches to secure one of the 16 available places in next week’s Wimbledon main draw.
