Tennis: Billy Harris defeated in Wimbledon first round

Former Island player loses out in four sets to Karen Khachanov

Former Isle of Man tennis competitor, Billy Harris has been defeated in the first round of the Gentlemen's Singles at Wimbledon 2026.

The former Albany and Castletown competitor was defeated in four sets by 19th seed, Karen Khachanov (6-3, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3) on Court 18 this evening (30 June).

As a result, Khachanov will face German player, Yannick Hanfmann in the next phase.

Whilst it's an exit from the singles tournament for Harris, it's been the third consecutive year he's taken part in the main draw at the 'Grand Slam' having also featured in 2024 and 2025.

Set one was a close-fought affair with both players trading game-for-game before Khachanov took a crucial two-game advantage at 4-2, holding off the efforts of Harris to eventually claim the first set.

With a challenge in front of him, Harris made a blistering start to set two, winning all of the opening three games on the way to a 4-1 lead before Khachanov roared back to level at 4-4.

In a tense end to the set, Harris kept his cool to break Khachanov's serve in the 12th game to take the set at 7-5.

The next phase was a different story as Khachanov managed several breaks of the Harris service to take control in set three at 4-2, an advantage which Khachanov would maintain and round off with another break of serve to take set three at 6-3 and retake control of the match.

In the driving seat now and Khachanov started to settle further into his rhythm, moving into a 4-1 lead and, despite some late spirit from Harris, held firm to take the fourth and decisive set.

Meanwhile, as it stands, Harris does not feature in the draw for the separate Gentlemen's Doubles tournament which he has taken part in in both 2024 and 2025.