The Wimbledon Tennis Championships begin in London today. The tournament's six-time men's singles champion Roger Federer again starts as the favourite to win the title. He has reached a record seven consecutive Wimbledon finals, losing only one of them – to Nadal in 2008. Last year Federer regained the title, beating Andy Roddick 16-14 in the fifth set of a final that ranked with the sport's greatest matches. Top seed Federer's opening round match at the immaculate Centre Court on Monday will be against Alejandro Falla of Colombia. Federer will try to join Pete Sampras and 19th-century champion Willie Renshaw as the only men to win the singles title seven times. Favourites on the women's side are Serena and Venus Williams, who are seeded 1-2 and have combined to win eight of the past 10 Wimbledon championships. Returning to the All England Club after absences are Belgian Grand Slam champions Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, each seeking her first Wimbledon title. Henin has not played at Wimbledon since 2007, and Clijsters since 2006.