With the abrupt exit of Venus Williams and Coco Gauff in the first round of Wimbledon 2023, it fell upon black tennis stars Sloane Stephens and Frances Tiafoe to lead the American charge into the second round of play in The Championships. Madison Keys and Taylor Fritz rounded out the American brigade, which managed to forge through rain delays and at least one medical emergency to reach the second berth of play.

Venus Williams at 43 years old was the oldest wild card to ever compete in first round action. Her effort was cut short after falling while approaching the net in the first set against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. Williams managed to limp through the match only to end on a sour note. She wouldn’t shake the chair umpire’s hand at the end. She took umbrage with a Svitolina shot that was initially called out, which was overruled after a challenge by the Ukranian. She still got a standing ovation from adoring fans that were unfazed by her show of attitude.

Frances Tiafoe showed incredible form against China’s Yibing Wu after a frustrating match marred by rain delays and Wu’s swooning collapse in the early going. After a nearly fifteen-minute wait, in which it appeared that Wu had collapsed in the tunnel and might not make it back, it was a battle to the end. 

Ever the good sport, Tiafoe said of his opponent, “I was happy he felt all right and was able to finish the match and played a high level. I though the last two sets were super high level.” What a class act! 

The World No. 10 will face the winner of the match between Swiss qualified Dominic Stricker and Australian Alexei Popyrinta.

Dwight Casimere is a senior reporter covering Food, Wine, Sports, Entertainment for The Times Weekly. He joined The Times in 2005.