Wimbledon 2026: Serena Returns, Greatest Moments, and How to Watch with DISH
Some sporting events are tournaments. Wimbledon is theater.
For nearly 150 years, the world's best players have stepped onto Centre Court chasing tennis immortality. The result? Epic five-set battles. Unforgettable champions. And enough strawberries and cream to feed a small nation. The world’s most prestigious tennis tournament arrives with no shortage of storylines. Jannik Sinner enters as the world's top-ranked player. Coco Gauff looks to build on her recent Grand Slam success. And with Carlos Alcaraz out of the field, attention has shifted to a different kind of headline.
And then there's the story nobody saw coming: Serena Williams is back.
After four years away from Wimbledon singles, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has accepted a wildcard into the singles draw and will also reunite with sister Venus Williams in doubles. At 44 years old, Serena returns to the grass where she won seven singles titles and six doubles championships alongside Venus.
The future of tennis may belong to Sinner and Gauff. For two weeks, though, part of the spotlight belongs to Serena.
Tennis has seen bigger favorites. It hasn't seen many bigger comebacks.
Watch Wimbledon 2026 with DISH
Wimbledon 2026 coverage will air live on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC beginning with first-round action on June 29 and continuing through Championship Weekend. Not a DISH subscriber? Follow this link to find the best DISH package for you to catch the action at the all England Club in London.
Before the first serve in this year's tournament, let's celebrate some of the greatest moments in Wimbledon history.
Greatest Wimbledon Singles Moments
Federer vs. Nadal (2008)
Many still consider it the greatest tennis match ever played. After nearly five hours, multiple rain delays, and enough drama for an HBO miniseries, Rafael Nadal finally dethroned Roger Federer in a Wimbledon final for the ages.
Isner vs. Mahut (2010)
The match that broke tennis. John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set after 11 hours and 5 minutes spread across three days. Wimbledon literally changed the rules afterward.
Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe (1980)
The tiebreak that launched a thousand highlights. Borg survived McEnroe's legendary fourth-set tiebreak before winning the match in five sets, cementing one of tennis' greatest rivalries.
Andy Murray Ends Britain's Wait (2013)
No pressure. Just a nation waiting 77 years. Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.
Serena Williams Wins No. 7 (2016)
One of the greatest champions in sports history added yet another Wimbledon trophy, capturing her seventh singles title and cementing her place among the tournament's all-time greats.
Greatest Wimbledon Doubles Moments
Venus & Serena Win Their First Wimbledon Doubles Title (2000)
The beginning of a dynasty. The Williams sisters announced themselves as one of the most dominant doubles teams the sport has ever seen.
Venus & Serena Capture Wimbledon No. 6 (2016)
Their most recent Wimbledon doubles title remains one of the most memorable. The sisters defeated Tímea Babos and Yaroslava Shvedova to capture their sixth Wimbledon championship together.
The Bryan Brothers Build a Doubles Dynasty
Bob and Mike Bryan spent years redefining men's doubles, eventually collecting multiple Wimbledon titles and becoming arguably the greatest doubles team ever assembled.
Martina Navratilova's Doubles Dominance
Few have owned the grass quite like Martina Navratilova, who won a staggering seven Wimbledon women's doubles titles and four mixed doubles titles, in addition to her record nine singles championships.
Venus & Serena Return in 2026
And now comes the next chapter. A decade after winning their most recent Wimbledon doubles title together, the Williams sisters are back on Centre Court. And this time, Serena isn't just chasing doubles glory. She's back in the singles draw as well, adding another layer to one of the most compelling comeback stories tennis has seen in years.
What is the 2026 Wimbledon Schedule?
Here’s a complete look at the 2026 Wimbledon coverage on the family of ESPN networks (all times Eastern):
June 29 – July 3
ESPN, ESPN Deportes, first, second, third rounds, first ball to last ball each day starting at 6 a.m.
Wimbledon Match Point, during the final hour of coverage across the first five days. (ESPN)
July 4 – 5: The “Middle Weekend” with expanded coverage starting earlier at 6 a.m.
Third Round: 6 a.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Round of 16: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes), 12 p.m. (ABC)
July 6 – 8: Cross Court Coverage
July 6: Round of 16 (No. 1 Court & Outer Courts) 6 a.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes); Round of 16 (Centre Court), 8 a.m. (ESPN)
July 7-8: Quarterfinals (Centre Court), 8 a.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes); Quarterfinals (No. 1 Court), 8 a.m. (ESPN2)
July 9 – 12
Breakfast at Wimbledon: analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and more (ESPN)
July 9 and 10: Beginning at 7 a.m.
July 11 and 12: Beginning at 10 a.m.
July 9: Ladies’ Semifinals, 8 a.m. (ESPN); Mixed Doubles Championship,
1 p.m. (ESPN)July 10: Gentlemen’s Semifinals, 8 a.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
July 11: Gentlemen’s Doubles Championship, 8 a.m. (ESPN) followed by Ladies’ Championship, 11 a.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
July 12: Ladies’ Doubles Championship, 8 a.m. (ESPN) followed by Gentlemen’s Championship, 11 a.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
What Are the Odds for Wimbledon 2026?
With Carlos Alcaraz out due to injury, Jannik Sinner (-165) enters Wimbledon as the clear favorite on the men's side, followed by Novak Djokovic (+500) and Alexander Zverev (+1100). On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka (+350) leads the field, with Elena Rybakina (+600), Mirra Andreeva (+700), and Iga Swiatek (+800) close behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Wimbledon 2026?
Wimbledon 2026 runs from June 29 through July 12 at the All England Club in London.
Is Serena Williams playing Wimbledon 2026?
Yes. Serena Williams accepted a wildcard into the singles draw and will also compete in doubles alongside sister Venus Williams.
Are Venus and Serena Williams playing doubles together?
Yes. The Williams sisters will compete together in the Wimbledon doubles tournament for the first time in a decade.
Where can I watch Wimbledon 2026?
Wimbledon will air on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC.
How can I watch Wimbledon with Sling?
You can watch Wimbledon with Sling Orange, which includes ESPN and ESPN2 coverage throughout the tournament, as well as ABC with Sling Blue and Sling Select in designated markets.
What are some of the greatest matches in Wimbledon history?
Fan favorites include Federer vs. Nadal (2008), Borg vs. McEnroe (1980), Isner vs. Mahut (2010), and Andy Murray's historic 2013 championship run.
Watch all the action live from Wimbledon with DISH. Follow this link to find the best DISH package for you!
