Better late than never for Venus

LONDON, June 28 (Reuters) Women's champion Venus Williams begins her title defence today a day later than she would have expected.

Monday's rain meant the American had a frustrating wait to launch her bid for a fourth Wimbledon title although the sixth seed should not be unduly delayed on Centre Court by 103rd-ranked compatriot Bethanie Mattek.

Top seed Amelie Mauresmo is also in first round action, although she has been consigned to Court Two for her match against Croatia's Ivana Abramovic.

Russia's Maria Sharapova, the 2004 champion, will raise the decibel level when she opens proceedings on court one against Israel's Anna Smashnova in another delayed first round match.

In men's action, Centre Court ticket holders will relish a mouthwatering clash between world number one and triple champion Roger Federer and Briton Tim Henman, four times a beaten semi-finalist.

''It's as tough as it gets for a second round really,'' said the Swiss, who broke Bjorn Borg's grasscourt streak record by beating Richard Gasquet yesterday.

''I would absolutely hope that he was not going to be really in my section of the draw.'' American third seed Andy Roddick, beaten by Federer in the last two finals, plays his first round against Serbia Janko Tipsaeavic, as does Lleyton Hewitt against Italian Filippo Volandri.

REUTERS PDS BST1020