♚Wimbledon Russia ban and ranking-points row can't dull the fervour

Try telling those lucky enough to have tickets for the Centre Court on Monday that this is somehow a depleted Wimbledon.

It is not a bad running order on the grand old arena — arguably the world’s best ever male player, followed by Britain’s teenage US Open champion, followed by the finest player the country has produced since the war.

These are turbulent times and rarely will the sight of manicured lawns and the thwock of fuzzy balls on taut strings be more welcome and reassuring over a summer’s fortnight.

Wimbledon Russia ban and ranking-points row can't dull the fervour.MIKE DICKSONTroubled build-up