Zverev and Swiatek look to gain Wimbledon momentum

Wimbledon's second round on Thursday will see defending champion Iga Swiatek face former world number one Karolina Pliskova, while French Open winner Alexander Zverev takes on Valentin Royer.

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A lot of pills, a lot of sneezing and a lot of stuffed nose, unfortunately ... I do feel fine, I'm not sick or anything.

World number three Zverev, who has never progressed beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon, admits grass has always been a challenging surface for him, exacerbated by a severe allergy. "A lot of pills, a lot of sneezing and a lot of stuffed nose, unfortunately," he said, though he insists he feels fine. Despite these struggles, Zverev is determined to gain momentum and achieve his best Wimbledon campaign yet, stating, "I'm getting older, hopefully I'm getting better as well."

Swiatek, the Polish defending champion, survived a three-set scare in her first-round match against Taylor Townsend, admitting the pressure was high. "I don’t think I won any three set match this year. I’m happy I could do it here," she said. Having made changes to her footwork, Swiatek is looking for a quick win over Pliskova to restore her confidence, despite not expecting immediate success.

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I still at times struggle, there's no secret about it. But ... I'm getting older, hopefully I'm getting better as well.

Former world number one Pliskova, now ranked 73rd, is striving to return to top form after a significant knee injury. She will fancy her chances against Swiatek, whom she has lost to in their last three encounters. In an all-American battle, last year's finalist Amanda Anisimova, who has been recovering from a wrist injury, faces Sofia Kenin, a player she has a poor record against.

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I don’t think I won any three set match this year. I’m happy I could do it here.