Former British number one Johanna Konta announced her retirement from tennis after struggling with persistent knee trouble over the past couple of seasons.

Johanna Konta requested medical attention just a few minutes into her 6-4, 6-4 first round loss to the unseeded Marie Bouzkova.

After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played on Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner struggled mightily against the British No. 1.

Venus Williams showed no signs of fatigue to power home 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in two hours and 19 minutes.

Venus Williams became the oldest Wimbledon finalist for 23 years on Thursday as the American star ended Johanna Konta's history bid with a masterful 6-4, 6-2 win.

Rome Masters winner Zverev shocked by Fernando Verdasco but world No 1 Murray and former French Open champion Wawrinka advance to the second round.

This time last year Johanna Konta, 25, was a largely unknown entity, but her run to the Australian Open last four in 2016 put her on the map and she followed it up with a stellar season that saw her named the WTA's most improved player

Rafael Nadal needed all his trademark grit against Alexander Zverev, 19, dubbed "the future of tennis", and his superior fitness told as he ground out a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 win

Both Johanna Konta and Caroline Wozniacki are angling for a maiden Grand Slam title with the winner of their clash on Saturday potentially facing sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova in the Australian Open fourth round and Serena Williams in the quarters.