Date: June 24, 2013

Time: Approximately 3:45 pm CET, 2:45 pm BST, 9:45 am EDT (Full order of play)

Watch online: Fromsport and ATDHE

Round 1 of Wimbledon has Rafael Nadal playing Steve Darcis of Belgium, whose current rank is 113. The two have only played once before, in Qatar, with Darcis retiring in the second set.

“He’s a good, talented player,” said Nadal. “He knows how to play tennis in all the surfaces. He has good shots. I say he is a complete player. I have to play well. I have to play very competitive from the beginning.” 

Last year, Rafa played his final match of the season on June 28, losing in the second round in five sets to Lukas Rosol. It was his earliest Grand Slam exit since Wimbledon ’05. He was sidelined the rest of the year with a left knee injury. Prior to the loss, Rafa had appeared in five Wimbledon finals between 2006-11 ( he did not play ’09). This will be the second non-clay tournament of the season for Rafa, who is off to a career-best 43-2 start, reaching nine finals in a row and winning seven titles. His lone hard court tournament was a title at ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells in March (d. del Potro).

Here’s hoping for a great start to his Wimbledon prospects. Vamos, Rafa!