Pete Sampras, the reigning men's champion and top seed, kicks off his Wimbledon title defence against Jiri Vanek of the Czech Republic.

The American should have little trouble progressing to the closing stages of the tournament. However, compatriot Andre Agassi, the second seed whom Sampras beat in last year's final, faces a potentially tough second-round contest against American Davis Cup player Todd Martin. Both Agassi and Martin face qualifiers in the first round.

The women's champion Lindsay Davenport, seeded two behind Martina Hingis, will play doubles partner and fellow American Corina Morariu in her opening round.

Hingis starts against Spain's Angeles Montolio but Anna Kournikova faces an extremely tough first-match against 10th seed Sandrine Testud of France.

Britain's Tim Henman has been handed a tough draw. Although his first-round opponent is Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, he faces a likely meeting with former Wimbledon finalist Goran Ivanisevic in the next round.

The big-serving Croatian is unseeded but has made the final on three occasions, and although eighth seed Henman has beaten him on all their previous meetings he will provide a big obstacle to the British number one's progress.

By contrast, fellow Briton Greg Rusedski, seeded 14th, has a relatively easy draw and should avoid any serious opposition until at least the quarter-finals.