There are just two sleeps until play starts at The Championships 2025 and across the pristine Grounds of the All England Club, the world’s finest players are gearing up for glory.

Ever since a historic initiative in 2022, a selection of players have been able to practise on the Show Courts to tread in the grass.

SW19 was basking in sunshine on Friday, providing the perfect palette for the world No.1 and No.2 duo of Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff to grace Centre Court.

The world-leading talents, reunited on court for the first time since their Roland-Garros final 21 days ago, were greeted by player-turned-broadcaster Pam Shriver for the ‘Mic’d Up’ series.

It followed a practice session between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and seven-time winner Novak Djokovic on Centre Court yesterday.

Shriver, a five-time ladies’ doubles champion at Wimbledon, was on interviewing duties as Sabalenka and Gauff warmed up their groundstrokes.

“We wanted to show the world that we’re good,” joked Sabalenka, following the heartbreaking 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 defeat by Gauff in Paris.

“Yeah, we’re good,” piped up the American. “We practise together pretty much every Slam or big tournament. I think our last hit was at Stuttgart.”

The questions kept coming and Sabalenka’s answers kept flowing. “Sorry, I can’t breathe,” quipped the world No.1. “Yeah, I start (the response), you can finish them, Coco.

“I just messaged Coco in Berlin, to check that we were OK after Roland-Garros. We spoke in Berlin and it was smooth, it was a big relief off my shoulders.”

The world's top two, producing scorching shots with consummate ease, were asked about their draw.

Top seed Sabalenka will take on Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine at the first hurdle, while Gauff has been slotted next to Dayana Yastremska.

“I’m addicted to social media,” said Gauff through laughter. “So I saw my first round. I don’t get the projected quarter-finals conversation, they’re kinda useless as anything can happen.”

Over to Sabalenka: “Same, I opened my apps and saw who I play. I saw an interview with her the other day, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, this girl is beautiful'."

Now the serves were being whipped in and the No.2 seed revealed, “Oh, I played her (Branstine) in the juniors.”

“Ooooh, tell me,” was the Sabalenka response.

Gauff recalled a big serve from the Canadian qualifier, before telling Shriver her favourite activity in London is to “hop on the Tube,” the London Underground network, with Covent Garden the top destination for the 21-year-old.

A few restaurant recommendations later and it was time to play out points. The very first exchange was exceptional ball-striking. Sabalenka transferred forward to dink a backhand half-volley away from Gauff’s reach.

“I don’t know what I’ve just seen,” quipped Gauff in amazement. The microphones were then switched off, and the world No.1 and No.2 were in business mode.

Over to No.1 Court and Wimbledon 2022 champion Elena Rybakina and British No.1 Emma Raducanu were embroiled in a practice set.

Up high in the stands, reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova was a keen observer as several players popped their heads in for a glance.