Billy Harris relishing big test to start Wimbledon 2026

Island player to face Karen Khachanov in first round

Isle of Man tennis star Billy Harris says he's looking forward to a tough test to kick off his campaign at Wimbledon 2026.

The former Albany and Castletown competitor will face 19th seed Karen Khachanov in the first round of the Gentlemen's Singles today (30 June).

It'll be the third year in a row Harris has made the main draw at the iconic 'Grand Slam'; last year he got as far as the second round.

Speaking to Manx Radio the 31-year-old says beating good opponents in the qualifiers has given him some good momentum heading into the main event:

As it stands Harris vs Khachanov is the second match due to take place today on Court 18.

During the Wimbledon qualifiers for 2026 Harris - who's currently 155th in the ATP world standings - earned wins over Stefano Napolitano, Zsombor Piros and Yi Zhou at the Community Sports Centre in Roehampton.

Last year, at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Harris reached the second round of the Gentlemen's Singles before defeat to Nuno Borges.

It was a step further than what he'd managed 12 months prior to that where he lost out in the first round to Jaume Munar.

Harris has also featured in the Gentlemen's Doubles competition at Wimbledon, in 2024 and 2025, getting as far as the first and second rounds respectively.