While Carlos Alcaraz is set to defend his Wimbledon title on Monday, Andy Murray is contemplating whether it's time to conclude his illustrious singles career.

Alcaraz, at just 21, is already a three-time Grand Slam champion and is aiming to join an elite group of men—Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—who have achieved the French Open and Wimbledon titles back-to-back. "I know that there's going to be a really difficult and big challenge for me, but I think I'm ready to do it," said the third-seeded Spaniard.

Carlos Alcaraz's first-round opponent is 21-year-old Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal, who is making his main draw debut at a Grand Slam. Lajal, whose father was a motocross rider, has only two ATP tour wins in his career. However, his striking dreadlocked, blond hairstyle has made him a recognizable figure. "I've had them for a very long time. It has kind of become a big part of me and my image. A lot of people know me just from my dreads. I think it's cool," said the world number 269.

A year ago, Lajal was competing in a first-round match at a second-tier Challenger event in the US, earning just $780. By reaching the first round at Wimbledon, he is now guaranteed $75,000.

Meanwhile, world number one Jannik Sinner, a semi-finalist last year, begins his campaign against German world number 110 Yannick Hanfmann. Hanfmann has been ousted in the first round in both of his previous main draw appearances at Wimbledon. Sinner, who defeated Hanfmann in their only meeting at the 2023 US Open, where the German won just five games, is looking to continue his successful year. The 22-year-old Sinner, who captured his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and dethroned Djokovic as the world number one, arrives in London after winning his first grass-court title in Halle.

Andy Murray, who won Wimbledon titles in 2013 and 2016, is set to announce whether he will continue his singles career at the All England Club. The 37-year-old former world number one underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his spine last week and has admitted that he still hasn’t fully recovered feeling in his leg. "It's kind of like if you sleep on your arm funny, you wake up and you've got a dead arm," said Murray.

Murray, whose 2013 victory ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion at Wimbledon, is scheduled to face Czech world number 38 Tomas Machac on Tuesday. If he is unable to play, he hopes to participate in the doubles event with his brother Jamie before concluding his Wimbledon journey. "I'm hoping maybe for a bit of closure. I just want the opportunity to play one more time out there hopefully on Centre Court and feel that buzz," he said.

In women's action, second seed and US Open champion Coco Gauff takes on fellow American Caroline Dolehide. Gauff made headlines in 2019 as a 15-year-old qualifier by reaching the last 16 and defeating Venus Williams in the opening round. However, in 2023, she was eliminated in the first round by Sofia Kenin.

World number three Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, faces American qualifier Emina Bektas, the world number 107. Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, has recently been dealing with a shoulder injury. "I'm not 100% fit," she admitted, describing her shoulder issue as "a rare one."

Naomi Osaka, a four-time major winner, returns to Wimbledon for the first time since 2019 to face Diane Parry of France. Osaka, who only returned to the tour earlier this year after maternity leave, is currently ranked 113 and needed a wild card to compete at Wimbledon. At the recent French Open, she nearly defeated world number one Iga Swiatek, holding a match point in their second-round clash before Swiatek prevailed. "People tell me I have the game for grass. I just need some luck," said Osaka.

The opening day of Wimbledon sets the stage for thrilling matches and emotional moments. Carlos Alcaraz aims to solidify his status among the greats, while Andy Murray seeks a fitting conclusion to his storied career. Rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff look to make their mark, and seasoned champions like Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka return with renewed vigor.

As the tournament unfolds, fans worldwide will be watching closely, anticipating unforgettable performances and historic achievements. Whether it’s the defense of a title, a comeback story, or the emergence of new talent, Wimbledon 2024 promises to deliver compelling tennis and enduring memories.