Emma Raducanu opens up on Jack Draper relationship after Wimbledon link-up

Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper warmed up for Wimbledon together before leading the big British challenge in steamy SW19. The two British No.1s have known each other since they were teenagers - and will now carry home hopes in the heat this week.

"It's amazing," said Raducanu. "I've known him for so long, so many years, and when we were both pretty promising juniors, and now to be British No.1 on both men and women's side as the real thing is, it's pretty cool. He's doing so well right now so this Wimbledon, I'm sure, for him, will feel different. But he's in a great place, and hopefully his seeding can help him."

There are 23 British singles players in the main draw and 14 are in action on Monday. Raducanu, who has been suffering from a back injury, will start her campaign against Welsh wildcard Mimi Xu. No.4 seed Draper plays Argentine Sebastian Baez on Tuesday.

"You see so many Brits in the draw, and you see them win their match so you want to win your match," added the former US Open champion.

"It's healthy competition, because you don't want to be the one left behind. And I think that's a good thing, and it's not coming from any bad place. It's just like: 'Okay, I want to do the same and then keep going as much as I can. And I think it's amazing for British tennis to have so many Brits in the drawer and some younger players coming through too. It's good to see a new generation.

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"It keeps us on our toes. It keeps us hungry to improve. I know I'm going to have to bring a really good level of tennis on Monday if I want to get through it."

Monday is set to be the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history with temperatures set to hit 33 degrees.

British No.4 Billy Harris, who will face lucky loser Dusan Lajovic in the third match on Court 15, said: "Obviously got to try and stay out of the sun today and hydrate tonight and keep the fluids in the body because it is tough if it goes a few hours. You really have to look after the hydration and the fuel tomorrow."

For the first time ever there will be three British women aged 17 or under. Xu, 17, and 16-year-olds Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic - in the women's main draw.