Koolhof/Skupski To Meet Aussie Open Champs Hijikata/Kubler

Top seeds Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski began their quest for a first major crown Friday at Wimbledon.

The Dutch-British duo defeated Daniel Altmaier and Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 7-5 in the first round after winning 34 of 40 first-serve points. Koolhof and Skupski, who won their first title of the season last month at the ATP 250 event in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, will next clash against Australian Open champions Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler, who ousted Marco Cecchinato and Thiago Monteiro 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round.

Also in first-round action, fourth seeds Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski cruised past Mackenzie McDonald and Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4. Seventh seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Jean-Julien Rojer survived Marc-Andrea Huesler and Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6(7).

Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Bart Stevens upset third seeds and last year’s semi-finalists Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Petros Tsitsipas were locked in a battle against Luca Van Assche and Arthur Fils at 7-6(3), 4-6 when play was suspended due to darkness.

In mixed doubles, Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter moved past John Peers and Storm Hunter 6-2, 6-4 after fending off the two break points they faced.