Well, that’s me for this evening. What a joy watching Alcaraz. And to think he’ll take on Rune in the quarterfinal. They’re both only 20-years-old. I hope the documentary makers are taking note. At the risk of jinxing them this could be a generational rivalry.
Anyhoo, I’m off to bed. I’ll leave you with Tumaini’s report.
I’m back again for the late shift tomorrow. See you then.
Updated
Take a look at this photo. Recognise these two youngsters? You’ll get to watch them play on Wednesday.
Carlos Alcaraz into his 1st #Wimbledon QF with a 3-6 6-3 6-3 6-3 victory over Matteo Berrettini.
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) July 10, 2023
Sets up a much-anticipated, intragenerational duel with Holger Rune
Both are 20 & go way back: to Les Petits As junior tournament where they were doubles partners in 2017
📸 Alamy pic.twitter.com/evbHd3CjY3
Men’s singles quarterfinals locked in. 1 v 6. 2 v 7. 3 and 8 also in the mix. I’d say that’s a pretty impressive draw.
The Gentlemen's Singles quarter-finals are locked in 🔒 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/QSwS0fMQv5
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2023
Updated
There’ve been some sensational shots today, but the main talking points came as a consequence of a racket-less hand. First Victoria Azarenka of Belarus walked off the court to boos as she made a ‘handcuff gesture’, knocking her wrists together. She was beaten by Elina Svitolina of Ukraine who came back to steal the match after a tiebreak. Do I need to explain the political context here?
Then, Mirra Andreeva refused to shake the umpire’s hand when she was adjudged to have thrown her racket shortly before losing to Madison Keys. It was an iffy call. I think she did lash out but I’ve seen a lot worse go unpunished.
Tennis is filled with so many decent people right now. Call me naive or idealistic or over sentimental, but it feels like good folk are doing the business. Yes, I know some not so good folk are also claiming victories, but let me have this win, yeah?
Here’s Chris Eubank with a moving post match interview after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets:
"I feel like I'm living a dream right now"
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2023
You better believe it @chris_eubanks96, you're in the #Wimbledon QF pic.twitter.com/gluKbCABvv
Some big games on Court 1 as well:
Jessica Pegula [4] v Marketa Vondrousova and Jannik Sinner [8] v Roman Safiullin.
Play starts at 1pm BST.
“Alcaraz seems the real deal, but wishing his career away so he can have an offspring and start a dynasty seems a little hasty. Live in the moment!”
Ha! Very good, Liam Collett. I know you’re kidding (about the kids I mean) but you’re actually right. It’s so easy to get carried away by young talents. Fair play, let’s enjoy the moment. (And quietly hope we’re witnessing the start of something truly great).
Thanks for writing in.
Some tasty matches tomorrow. Let’s take a look at what’s happening on your Tuesday:
On Centre Court we’ve got Iga Swiatek [1] v Elina Svitolina before Anrey Rublev [7] v Novak Djokovic [2]
Just the 27 grand slams then at the most prestigious arena in the sport.
Shot of the tournament? Maybe you’ve seen something better but I’m not sure I have. This kid is unreal. And he seems like a really likeable lad. I wouldn’t mind if he goes on to create a dynasty.
Carlos Alcaraz doing @carlosalcaraz things 🤯#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/QKYoZFrDV6
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2023
Phew, what a day. We’ve got plenty of reading for you. So, if you want to stuck into some of the best tennis writing on the planet, why not wade through this:
Here’s Carlos:
I knew that it was going to be very tough. Matteo is playing great. Of course it’s not easy. After losing the first set I knew I had to take my chances and stay focused. That is something I’ve been working on. I think I did great in that part and I’m very happy to win a great match.
I’m hungry for more [he says to big cheers]. This is something I wanted. I really wanted to play in a quarterfinal here. Once I got it I’m looking for more. My dream is to win this title one day. I hope to reach that dream this year. Right now it’s great to reach the quarterfinal.
The young guys are reaching their dreams. [He’s talking about playing Rune]. That;’s great for tennis. We’ve played in a lot of tournaments, from when we were 12-years-old. Playing in a quarterfinal against him in a grand slam is something I’m going to enjoy. I’m sure he feels the same way.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz beats Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3
It was a ropey start but once he got going there was only going to be one winner. He was better in evert facet of the game. Ruthless with his trademark forehand, accurate with the backhand, intelligent with his drop shots and unnerving with his serve, winning points 80% of the time he landed one. He only procured 4/16 breakpoints which shows how dominant he was. In fact, the scoreline flatters Berrettini. The world number one will play Holger Rune in the next round in a battle of the 20-year-olds The first time that’s ever happened at Wimbledon in the last eight. Can’t wait.
Updated
Deuce! Alcaraz keeps us waiting. He dominated that rally and moved to the net to volley for the winner. But he got too much on that forehand and sent it beyond the baseline when really anywhere would have seen him through.
Alcaraz with match point. Another thumping drive is too good for Berrettini.
Updated
Alcaraz to serve for the match. Another error means this one could be over very soon. Berrettini can’t hang with the world’s top ranked player and he’s now 3-5 down in the fourth set.
15-40. Alcaraz clubs a forehand into the corner. He whips his body round and his elastic right arm follows. A cracking stroke. He’s a point away from serving for this match.
Berrettini misses two shots and is now 0-30 down. One was a gimme from centre court. The next it seemed he got his feet stuck at the baseline. But oh wow, he slams an ace to make it 15-30. Huge point.
Alcaraz canters to an easy win. That game didn’t last long. Quick fire ground play and some accurate, spitting serves means the world number one wraps that up in no time. They’re showing a graphic on the screen, when Alcaraz goes wide with his first serve, especially to Berrettini’s forehand, he’s winning every point. He’s 4-3 up in this fourth set. Berrettini’s best hope is to hang on for a tiebreaker.
Bang! Berrettini has an almighty serve and he holds here after a nervy start to the game. When he nails that first serve he’s a heck of a prospect. Too bad he hasn’t been able to string enough points together. Still, he takes the game and this fourth set is locked at 3-3.
Oh wow! How has Alcaraz rescued that? First he had to stoop to return a fierce serve. Then he shunted back an overhead smash from Berrettini and did so again with a looping lob. When Berrettini when for another overhead smash winner he clattered the net from close range. 15-15.
Updated
Alcaraz holds. 3-2 up in the fourth set. Winner plays Rune in the last eight. Berrettini seriously needs to break him at some point but he’s first got to hold his own serve.
Updated
Back under way. Alcaraz serving. He’s 2-1 up and it’s level in this fourth set at 2-2.
Alcaraz and Berrettini are warming up. Again. Electric lights and a change in atmosphere means they need to acclimatise. Shouldn’t be long now.
Rune is gushing, as you’d expect:
It feels amazing. Today was a crazy match. Grigor is an incredible player and he pushed me to the limit. We both pushed each other so I think it was a really, really great match and tough match. It was long also.
I’m fighting until the end always. That’s what I focus on especially when I’m in the tough situation. Also, I tell myself that there is Wimbledon is once a year so I’m going to fight until I have the chance to win.
Seems that Berrettini insisted on the roof. I was watching Rune claim his victory but I understand the Italian was complaining about the fading light. He better up his game now. He’ll have no excuse if he gets spanked from here.
Here’s how he did it. Patience. Not many 20-year-olds have it. Then again, not many 20-year-olds have the talent of this fella.
Into the last 🎱@holgerrune2003 races back from a set down to defeat Grigor Dimitrov in four sets to reach a first Wimbledon quarter-final, 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4), 6-3#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/CXNZ6m5HDY
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2023
They’re closing the roof at Centre Court. Will that impact Alcaraz as he marches towards victory? He’s level with Berrettini in the fourth set, 2-2, after winning two consecutive sets for a 2-1 lead.
Holger Rune beats Grigor Dimitrov 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3
Sensational from the 20-year-old Dane. After being put away in the first set, he battled back, won two tiebreaks and triumphed in four sets after Dimitrov succumbed after a lengthy rally, shunting his backhand wide down the tram.. That’s a first ever Wimbledon quarterfinal for him after making his first grand slam quarterfinal in Paris earlier this year. A talent on the rise. Remember the name.
Updated
Match point for Rune. Standby.
I’ve switched over to Rune v Dimitrov as the 20-year-old Dane is serving for the match. Not long now.
Alcaraz holds. Berrettini last had a break point in the first set – which he won. Since then it’s been one way traffic on the Spaniard’s serve. Another impeccable game that’s polished off with a mighty, whipping forehand. Alcaraz is 2-1 up in both sets and games in the fourth.
Updated
Rune is serving for the match. Dimitrov won the previous game to make it 3-5 in the fourth set, but now Rune will serve to settle it. He’s 15-0 up.
Alcaraz double faults. Is that a turning point? Probably not. But it’s sloppy in the third game of the fourth set. Never mind. He wins the next point to take a 30-15 lead.
Game Berrettini. When he serves like that he’s a force. Pity he can’t string it together or return with enough venom on Alcaraz’s serve. Still, impressive game and he’s levelled the fourth set 1-1.
Alcaraz holds in the first game of the fourth set. Berrettini led 0-30 but Alcaraz comes storming back. The world number 1 lost the first set 3-6 but has been imperious since, winning the second and third sets 6-3. He’s 1-0 and has this game squared at 15-15.
Rune breaks Dimitrov. Massive moment on Court 1. After two tiebreaks Rune upends Dimitrov’s serve. He’s 4-2 up in the fourth set and is serving as we speak. He’s also up 2-1 on sets. Hold this and he’ll at least be serving for the match next time round.
Berrettini blows a lead. He was 0-30 up on Alcaraz’s serve but he goes long with a backhand and it’s no 30-30. He simply has to break the Spaniard to keep this game alive. This first game of the fourth set is as good a time as any.
It’s just not tennis. Here’s an intersting one from Geneva Abdul. Wimbledon, it seems, has chose to turn the other cheek to a variety of offences. Is the sport better for it? Read on and decide for yourself.
Alcaraz takes 2-1 lead. A second break on Berrettini’s serve means Alzaraz takes a giant step towards the quarterfinals. Berrettini has taken won points from just 33% of his second serve and that is proving the difference. Alcaraz annihilated a cross court forehand winner that might have broken the ball. That gave him the advantage before he put away another winner. He’s climbing through the gears. Berrettini is faltering. Hard to see a way back for him.
Updated
Alcaraz returns from one knee. Well, almost. He stooped down real low to almost overhand that return from a spitting Berrettini serve. He then lobbed an inch perfect floater that ended with him taking a 15-40 lead. Berrettini fought back to take it to deuce, but that exchange perhaps underlined the potential of both players. The Italian is hanging on. The Spaniard is putting on a show.
Alcaraz one game away from a 2-1 set advantage. Clinical once again. He leads 5-3 in the third.
Rune takes the third set. This could go down as the match of the tournament. I’m sticking with the world number one but I won’t mind if you switch over. After losing the first set 3-6, Rune has pipped Dimitrov in two consecutive tiebreaks. 8-6 and then 7-4. The 20-year-old now leds 2-1 and has claimed the first game in the fourth set.
Updated
Berrettini won’t lie down. He continues to cling on with a mighty service game. A clean sweep there. His forehand is working well too. Lovely technique to seal the winning point. Still, he’s 3-4 down in the third set with Alcaraz about to serve.
Alcaraz has it on a string now. His serve is clicking but it’s the stroke play that’s really catching the eye. A meaty forehand into the corner makes it 30-15 and then a deft inside-out drop across the court makes it 40-15. He finishes the game with a closed forehand that flatfoots Berrettini. Momentum all with the Spaniard. He’s absolutely dominating. He’s up 4-2 in this third set.
Berrettini holds. A real feature of this match has been the quality of soft touches around the net. The Italian serves and gets it to spit, he moves towards the net and dinks a drop just over the net to claim the game. He’s still 2-3 down in this third set. 1-1 in the match. Alcaraz to serve for a healthy lead.
Deuce after Alcaraz comes close to breaking again. The No 1 seed has grown in this game and came close to securing a real stranglehold on this third set. But an overhead smash from Berrettini extends the set and takes it to deuce. He then wins another point to take the advantage.
Another tiebreak on Court 1. Rune leads this latest one in the third set 2-0. He won the second set on a tiebreak after Dimitrov claimed the first 6-3.
Updated
Alcaraz holds to take 3-1 lead in second set. He couldn’t land his first serve but his second kicked off a length. Berrettini returned deep but not deep enough and Alcaraz leaned on a backhand across the court to seal the game.
Delightful from Berrettini. An innocuous looking backhand return looked destined to land outside the white chalk but it swerved like an in-swinger in cricket and landed just inside. He’s fought back on Alcafraz’s serve to take it to deuce. Just when you think he’s buried he comes roaring back to life.
Alcaraz finally breaks to take 2-1 lead. At long last, the No. 1 seed makes it count. A firm forehand followed up by a drop and then finished off with a thrilling overhead forehand sees him through. Berrettini resisted but couldn’t keep the Spaniard out despite a near perfect lob. Alcaraz roars to a crowd that has been subdued until now. He knows that’s a big moment in this match with the pair locked at a set apiece.
Updated
Fifth break point. That Alcaraz inside out forehand is blistering. He;s 1/9 on breakpoints though. Can he make this one count? Nope. Berrettini’s forehand takes it back to deuce.
Second deuce. Fourth break point. On we go. Alcaraz keeps missing his chance to break Berrettini. That inside out forehand was too long and now Berrettini has bis first advantage in this exchange.
Alcaraz is kicking himself! He had a break point and went for the kill with a back hand to one that kicked up into his body. Maybe it was rushed but that was a handy second serve from Berrettini. Deuce with the third set square at 1-1.
Updated
Berrettini now with upper hand. The commentators suggest that “both have played good tennis, but neither have played great tennis”. I’d go along with that. This is waiting for someone to grab the initiatve. Alcaraz holds his serve to make it 1-1 before Berrettini takes a 30-0 lead with his serve.
Rune levels it on Court 1. A bewildering match continues as Rune holds serve to make it 4-4 in the third set,. He lost the first set to Dimitrov 3-6 but then won the second set tiebreaker. Now, into the third set, neither man is giving any ground.
1-0 Berrettini. He had to stretch there after Alcaraz sent one back that clipped the net. Good feet meant Berrettini was able to reach and dink a soft shot up and over from close range.
A monster serve from Berrettini – not the first time I’ve typed that – sees him take a 30-15 lead. They then rally and he wins the point. 40-15. Serving for the first game.
A 6-3 win apiece has Alcaraz and Berrettini locked at 1-1. The Italian to serve first in this third set.
Alcaraz gets it with a drop shot. That particular stroke was causing him problems in the first set that he lost 3-6. He was taking them from far too deep. This set he’s picked his moments. He’s now cantered a 6-3 set win and appears to have the bit between his teeth.
101mp/h. That’s the speed of Alcaraz’s inside out forehand winner that couldn’t have been better placed in the corner. What a shot. 40-0.
Berrettini’s serve is still a threat. He’s winning points on 70% of his first serves but only landing 69% of them. When they find their mark he’s a force and he’s held that game to make it 3-5 in the second. Alcaraz serving for the set.
Berrettini is doing a lot more running. I wonder if that will be decisive if we go the distance. Another sumptuous drop shot – from well inside the baseline – from Alcaraz has his opponent scampering almost the length of the court. He can’t reach it and goes 15-0 down. Two more impressive shots, including another drop, makes it 40-0 before he closes out the game with a string serve. Alcaraz now leads 5-2.
Updated
Berrettini gets back to basics. When he nails his first serve he’s close to unplayable. Clinical to make it 2-4 in the second.
Alcaraz into a 4-1 lead. The Spaniard has rediscovered his touch. Gone are those ambitious drop shots from the back of the baseline. Now opting to accelerate through the shot. He looks much more assured when he’s giving it a good ol’ fashioned tonk. Mind you, still plenty of touch on show.
Rune takes the second set! What remarkable spirit shown by the Dane. He clinched the second set tiebreak 8-6. That game against Dimitrov is now all square at 1-1.
40-0. Alcaraz has found his radar with his serve. that’s 10 points in a row for the Spaniard as well.
My mistake! I misread that. Alcaraz broke Berrettini and now has the advantage. He leads 3-1 and is serving well. Slowing down on that latest serve, getting it to kick off the surface. 30-0 up and looking good.
Alcaraz holds. Both have been put under pressure on their own serve. Both have held their nerve. 2-1.
I’ve committed to Alcaraz v Berrettini but if you’re able, check out this crackerjack match. Rune leads the second set tiebreak 7-6 after losing the first set 3-6.
Dimitrov vs Rune is brilliantly bonkers levels of entertainment. They’re throwing everything - the kitchen sink, every possible variety of shot, and their entire physical selves - at each point. Easily my favourite match of this Wimbledon so far: stick it on.
— Claire Thomas (@Claire_GThomas) July 10, 2023
Alcaraz has gone round the pole! First of all, how’s he reached that? Second of all, how’s he managed to steer that lunging backhand round the pole and land it in court? Outrageous shot.
Berrettini holds. He resists the fightback with two monster serves. That part of his game is thrumming along rather nice. Alcaraz needs to find a way to combat it. I thought he had but the Italian has discovered a second gear.
What a point! Alcaraz now has the chance to break. Two monster forehands from both is followed by a delicate touch from the No 1 seed. Berrettini can’t quite get it. But he hammers down a cracking serve to take it to deuce. That was a big point.
This one goes on and on. Is that the sixth or seventh deuce? Hard to keep track. Just when you think Alcaraz has the initiative Berrettini replies. But eventually, the No 1 seed holds and takes a 1-0 lead in this set.
But Alcaraz slams a forehand winner. My goodness this is tennis of the highest quality to take it to deuce. They are hammering the ball.
Berrettini is growing. That is a remarkable backhand down the line to give him a 30-40 lead. Just sublime.
Berrettini goes down. Another player slips on the thin grass at the baseline. Alcaraz goes across to see if he’s OK. He is, so they carry on. 15-15 thanks to a slickl backhand drop and follow up from Berrettini. 30-15 after a booming serve from Alcaraz.
Back at Court 1, 20-year-old Rune has fought back against Dimitrov. The young Dane has taken a 6-5 lead in the second set. He lost the first 3-6 but has refused to lie down.
Set, Berrettini. Well now. That’s shaken things up. Booming serves and impressive stroke play at the baseline means the Italian underdog has nudged ahead. And you know what, that’s no fluke. He’s fully deserved that.
Updated
Deuce. An ace handed Berrettini a set point but Alcaraz chased down two returns in either corner and kept the game, and set, alive.
Class from Alcaraz. He squares the game with a cross-court forehand that sat up and begged to be spanked. He duly obliged. 30-30.
Alcaraz seems to be unraveling. OK, maybe that’s hyperbolic, but what on earth was he thinking there? The shot from Berrettini defects off the net and that gives Alcaraz the time to run around and take it on the forehand. But rather than whack it he tries a drop from behind the baseline. It does’t clear the net and now, with a 5-3 lead in the set, Berrettini is 15-0 up.
Updated
Berrettini breaks Alcaraz! Massive moment in this set. Alcaraz challenges but his driving shot is wide.
Berrettini has two break points. Some poor shot selection by Alcaraz in that game – some soft touches when more force would have been the wiser option. An overhead slam from Berrettini gives him the chance to take control.
Berrettini holds. I shouldn’t be surprised and yet I am. What fortitude from the Italian. Just when I think he’s about to break he holds. 4-3 up after winning that battle at deuce. Strong forehand and delicate touches on the slice backhand. This is a contest.
Updated
Be still my beating heart! That is some drop shot from Berrettini. He’s playing so well. Alcaraz just couldn’t reach it and we go to deuce. Lovely tennis.
Alcaraz is definitely getting the read of Berrettini’s serve. They’re locked at 30-30 but it feels that the No 1 see is reading his first serve and getting on top of his second. He’s now 30-40 up after Berrettini over cooks a booming inside out forehand.
Updated
Dimitrov has broken Rune and now leads 4-2. The 21st ranked Bulgarian is taking control of this match. He’s got the No. 6 Dane on the ropes after winning the first set 6-3.
Berrettini holds and has a bounce in his step. Alcaraz sends the return long so the Italian leads 3-2. But Alcaraz is getting a good sight of his serve. I think a break is forming over the horizon.
Backhand slam! Berrettini is here to play. That doubler backhand winner into the corner had smoke on it. Alcaraz then fails to clear the net to give the Italian a 40-15 lead. But the Spaniard holds his balance to send a backhand of his own screaming down the line. He then gets it it deuce. Cracking tennis from both men.
Game Alcaraz. A love game as Berrettini’s back hand slice hits the net. 2-2 in the first.
Berrettini suited to grass. So say the commentators who point out that the Italian’s serve kicks off the skidding surface and makes life tricky for the opposition. He’s just fallen victim though to a delicious drop from Alcaraz. The Spaniard is 40-0 up.
Thanks Dan! Another Dan here. Silky Alcaraz versus the upstart Berrettini. Can the Italian shake off the disappointment from last year? He’s just gone 2-1 up in the first set and I’m all in.
Rune holds to love in the opening game of set two, and with that, my watch is over. Here’s Daniel Gallan to coax you through the remainder of the day – thanks all for your company and comments. Peace.
Updated
Berrettini and Alcaraz are away, the former holding in game one. It’s so great to see him back – I can’t for a second imagine the frustration of being an injured sportsman – but it’s hard to see how he can win today, or any major, without growing himself a drive backhand. Every other aspect is in place, but if that one isn’t by now, it seems unlikely it’s going to be.
Ruen makesd 15-40, frames a return and running in for it Dimitrov slips … gets up and makes a fine backhand volley! Superbly done! A service winner follows, but on advantage comes another terrific rally, ended when Rune lays a drop and Dimitrov nets. These two are really bringing the best out of each other, the Dane saving a second with point with a soft-handed volley. But then he nets and that’s the first set 6-3, Dimitrov playing the biggest points better; I can’t wait to see what happens next because that was excellent - those nine games took 54 minutes.
“What do you get if you cross a tennis player with a four cornered garment?” responds Jake Bundy.
“Surely the answer is Poncho Gonzales?”
Ha! I don’rt think a poncho is mandatorily four-cornered, but.
How often do we see that? One player fails to break, then other does break, Dimitrov making 15-40 and going long, then slipping … but it doesn’t matter because Rune goes long. Babyfed leads 5-3 and will now serve for set one.
Matteo 🥺
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2023
"I spent many days in bed, crying about not being able to play."#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/RTcIq9thK4
Here come Alcaraz and Berrettini…
Dimitrov annihilates down an ace, and that’s a massive hold for 4-3 in the first. However it’s worth noting that Rune, who’s not played much on grass, looks better acclimatised than both Medvedev and Tsitsipas. I’m not saying he’s better than either at this point, but I do think he will be before very long.
At 3-3, Dimitrov saves two break points, then up advantage again, Rune plays a fine volley … which the Bulgarian chases down to sprit a winner down the line! Then our commentator, praising the kick serve with which he makes advantage, tells us that 20 years ago, that wasn’t possible, it was just slice, but the thicker grass has changed the game. I dare him to tell Stefan Edberg that. Anyhow, we go back and fourth through deuce – Dimitrov saves three break points – and we’ve been going almost 10 minutes in the game.
Updated
Next on Centre: Carlos Alcaraz [1] v Matteo Berrettini.
Jabeur says she respects what Kvitova has done for women’s tennis and beating her is huge. When she won the first set she told herself that was the start of the match because she knows you can take a 6-0 set off Kvitova then lost one by the same score. Rishi then tells her she has great support because she’s so nice, and she explains that she’s really grateful for it and hopes the crowd remember when she meets Rybakina. She wants her revenge for last term’s final, and I urge you not to miss it.
Ons Jabeur [6] beats Petra Kvitova [9] 6-0 6-3!
Jabeur greets Kvitova and the umpire then performs her leaping celebration. She meets Rybakina next in a repeat of last year’s final, and that match should be exceedingly serious.
Updated
Oh that’s lovely! Down 0-30, Kvitova tries a drop, but Jabeur runs in to lift her riposte down the line and into the corner, raising three match points. This is an absolute hiding.
Jabeur holds easily for 6-0 5-3 and is a game away from another quarter-final.
This Dimitrov v Rune match is shaping up – it’s a really good contest so far with the Bulgarian, who has the edge in guile, leading the Dane, who has the edge in power, 3-2 on serve. And on Centre, Kvitova has taken back a break so Jabeur leads her 6-0 4-3.
“So disappointed by the BBC coverage of Eubanks,” says Kavya McLoughlin. “I heard a commentator the other day suggest that Eubanks’ run was over after his third-round win. And today during the match the commentary was elitist and patronising. They clearly were expecting him to lose and kept talking about his background without explaining why it was that he was continually toe-to-toe with Tsitsipas. They should stick to commenting on the actual play instead of the narrative around it.”
I said yesterday that of all the sports I watch, the one that has most work to do in terms of the sophistication of its coverage is tennis, which ignores so much tactical and strategic complexity. I was watching three matches during Eubanks v Tsitsipas so didn’t notice the commentary, although I did learn off the radio that he’s been working as an analyst Tennis TV and thinks he’s become a better player as a consequence.
“Tsitsipas is a bit soft to be a real killer,” reckons James W. “Very nice hair. Very nice backhand. Good on clay. Just doesn’t have what it takes to win a slam. And with Alcaraz improving at his current rate, I don’t see that changing in a hurry. Also, hashtag karma for knocking out Andy Murray in Murray’s best form coming into the tournament in years. That match was decided on such fine margins with Murray’s serve not broken till the final set and the same happened today. It’s just Eubanks got all those fine margins this time.”
I agree and disagree here. I don’t think Tsitsipas lacks the ruthlessness of a killer but do think his game has holes. His backhand is nice, as you say, but it isn’t good, and it’s hard to see him beating either Alcaraz or Djokovic in a major and it seems unlikely he can win one without doing that.
Jabeur breaks again and Kvitova, who – inexplicably in mine – was favourite for this match, can’t get near her. She leads 6-0 4-1.
What do you get if you cross a tennis player with a four-cornered garment?
Stefanos Tsitsitpas.
“Can’t say I agree that Tsitsipas dominated the match,” writes John Graham. “Eubanks was always in it and deserved the win. He’ll be the crowd favourite to beat Medvedev, that’s for sure, great on court personality too.”
Eubanks sort of said it himself afterwards – he won because he managed to win the key moments – and two of those were Tsitsipas doubles. Of course he deserved to progress – there’s a metric devised for measuring that precise aspect known as the score – but in terms of general play, you could see why one is five in the world and one is 43.
Dimitrov serves an ace at 40-15, it’s called out, and he opts not to challenge – an error as it was in. Shortly afterwards, he’s down advantage, saving the situation with a service winner down the middle before prevailing in a net exchange. He leads Rune 1-0 while Jabeur consolidates for 6-0 3-1.
Serving at 3o-40, Kvitova thinks she’s made deuce when a Jabeur backhand is called out. But a challenge shows it was in, just, a double follows – Kvitova’s fourth of the match – and that’s the break! This is five to over now, and not the match I was expecting or hoping for. Jabeur 6-0 2-1 Kvitova
On No1, Dimitrov and Rune are almost ready to go while, on Centre, Kvitova tries to settle herself, holding at the start of set two before Jabeur does likewise.
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Two things I learnt while breaking: 1) Hubert Hurkacz likes to go as “Huby” and 2) Novak Djokovic had a haircut just before he went onto court. No wonder he lost the first set of the day, he must’ve been itchy as hell.
Thanks Dominic and hi again. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a player as totally tennised as Tsitsipas there. By which I mean he dominated that match, but a point lost here and there – kept Eubanks in it, so he was still around to hit a seam in the decider. That double in the second-set tiebreak will, I’m certain, stay with him a while, and his quest for debut major – unlikely top be this one, in fairness – continues.
A slight interlude in proceedings on the main courts, then, and a perfect chance to hand back over to Daniel Harris.
You haven’t missed much, Dan …
Jabeur takes the first set 6-0 against Kvitova. It took little more than 20 minutes.
The two-time champion has some serious thinking to do.
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An email from Johan Denis on Eubanks:
2 days ago I wrote your colleague Sarah Rendell a message at the beginning of the match between Eubanks and O’Connell. I wrote I wouldn’t be surprised to see him beat Tsitsipas. But to be honest... I would bet against him now!
Guess Medvedev is really focused to go further here and will be able to make the semis. And recently he had an encounter with Eubanks and he will not underestimate the guy.
But anyway... what a tournament Eubanks has had so far.
What a delightful interview from Eubanks. He’s got charisma in spades, as well as a good dash of modesty.
Eubanks said a while back that he ‘hated playing on grass’ … ‘those words will never come out of my mouth again’, he vows, speaking to the BBC just now.
Chris Eubanks after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 10, 2023
“Let’s put this into context. You just beat your 1st top 5 player. Debut here at Wimbledon. You’re in your first GS QF. Are you living your best life right now?”
Chris: “I’m living a dream right now.”
Don’t wake up. ❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/7t5gBjv50k
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While we’re catching our breath after that match, Ons Jabeur has taken to Centre Court against Petra Kvitova and taken a rapid 4-0 first set lead.
Meanwhile, here’s the report on Djokovic’s earlier win from our man Tumaini Carayol at the All England Club.
Eubanks stands and salutes the Wimbledon faithful and puts his hands to his face. He can barely believe what he’s achieved this afternoon. That final game was far from perfect, but he muscled a number of forehand winners to keep Tsitsipas at bay. The No 5 seed bows out.
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Christopher Eubanks beats Stefanos Tsitsipas [5] 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4!
What a performance from this man! The Wimbledon debutant storms into the quarter-finals … and who’d bet against him to go further? A remarkable victory against the (almost) indefatigable Tsitispas.
Eubanks isn’t having it all his own way in this vital game. Tsitipas botches a break point opportunity, though, and it’s deuce. And it’s tense.
Aryna Sabalenka [2] beats Ekaterina Alexandrova [21] 6-4, 6-0
A cakewalk in the second set for Sabalenka, who shoots into the quarter-finals at breakneck speed. Tougher assignments await, but that’s an impressive outing.
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Tsitispas looks agitated, perhaps a feeling that’s being exacerbated by the pure theatre of Eubanks’ responses to every point won. The American wheels away after a volleyed winner to more whoops from the crowd. But despite getting to within two points of the match, Eubanks can’t contain his opponent’s serve.
5-4 and Eubanks to serve for the match
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It’s a hold. And a very big hold from Eubanks, to make it 5-3 and pile the pressure on Tsitsipas. A massive service game for him now.
You sense the crowd on No 2 court are with the American. But is hubris getting the better of him? Some sloppy stuff on serve sees him 0-30 down … before the inevitable jackhammer of a forehand winner. Back to 30-30.
Tsitispas v Eubanks is now resembling that scene in Star Wars when Anakin and Obi-Wan are floating along a river of lava, desperately aiming blows at each other, evading them, with the balance of power swinging this way and that.
Eubanks has broken immediately back! He completes it with a gleeful backhand down the line, which is followed by a cup of the ear. This boy is loving life right now.
Humility from the man Djoko here.
"He's got one of the best serves in the world"
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2023
Classy words from @DjokerNole on his last 16 opponent @HubertHurkacz after defeating him#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/wbm1ZUeKdJ
Oh my. Tsitsipas breaks back. Strap yourselves in, guys and girls, this one’s going DEEP.
Does somebody want to grab Chris Eubanks and tell him this is a Wimbledon fourth round deciding set? He looks so relaxed.
That blissful sense of blithe may have got the better of him in consecutive points, serving at 3-2, however, as he drops from 30-0 to 30-40. Unforced errors, Christopher, unforced errors.
Sabalenka breaks the Alexandrova serve at the vital moment and bags herself the first set, 6-4. She looks good value for the quarters.
Djokovic described that match as ‘not very enjoyable’ and the prospect of facing Hurkacz’s serve as ‘miserable’. Cheer up, Novak, you’re in the last eight mate.
Eubanks smashes a serve down the T to extend his fifth set lead to 3-1, still with that break.
Novak Djokovic [2] beats Hubert Hurkacz [17] 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-4
HE. IS. INEVITABLE.
‘Not at his very best,’ says the BBC’s Tim Henman, but isn’t that part of the impenetrable force that is Djokovic? He’ll meet Rublev in the quarter-final tomorrow and, sure, will have to improve to continue his ridiculous Wimbledon winning streak (32 matches and counting).
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Just pivoting back to Centre Court to see if Novak Djokovic can serve this out for yet another Wimbledon quarter-final appearance.
Hot take: I reckon he can.
Game Eubanks. A brutal backline down the line prompts a gleaming smile at the changeover. Tsitsipas is broken at the first time of asking in this deciding set. My goodness.
Sabalenka is serving to remain in the first set on No 1 Court. Hurkacz is serving to stay in the match on Centre.
No 2 Court is where the action is right now, though. Tsitsipas recovers from a bassline stumble to win a vital point on serve via a delicate slice. After whipping up the crowd, he volleys into the net on the next point. Sublime to ridiculous.
Chris Eubanks is playing in his first ever Wimbledon, it’s worth reminding ourselves. He’s 27, so no rookie, but this is uncharted territory for the towering American. He’s now pushed Tsitispas to deuce in the opening game of the fifth set.
WOW Chris Eubanks, World No.43 who forces a 5th set vs Tsitsipas 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1SUBV0Mx5c
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) July 10, 2023
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Yep, it’s a third five-setter for the big Greek in four rounds at Wimbledon 2023. Thiem and Murray fell victim in the previous two. Can Eubanks cause a major upset and win this set to reach an unlikely quarter-final?
Over on Centre, Hurkacz has been broken by Djokovic in the fourth set and might not be long for this tournament now …
Thanks Daniel. And what a moment to take over, as Eubanks wallops a serve down to take the second set 6-4!
Tsitsipas is going the distance once again at Wimbledon.
Right, at this injudicious juncture I must leave for the school run; here’s Dominic Booth to nurse you through the next hour.
Eubanks is starting to make an impression on the Tsitsipas serve now, and at 30-all he wins another net exchange, noising up the crowd before playing break point. Tsitsipas serves into the net … then follows it with a wide one, and in 90 seconds, the American will serve for a decider at 5-4 in the fourth! The doubles are costing the Greek, while Eubanks is starting to believe, pushing the pace for the first time in the match!
Hurkacz is playing with far greater conviction than last evening, forging in front in the fourth at 3-2; Djokovic isn’t getting near his serve at the moment, and he’s also winning some of the longer rallies – not something that was happening last evening. Meantime, Eubanks and Tsitsipas are 4-4 in the third, Tsitsipas leading 2-1, while Sabalenka leads Alexandrova 3-2 in the first, on serve.
Updated
Now then: with Tsitsipas serving at 2-1, 3-3 and 30-all, Eubanks wins a net exchange for break point … but when he chip-charges, a forehand pass quickly screeches by him and from there, the number five seed quickly cleans up. On Centre, meanwhile, Hurkacz and Djokovic are 2-2 in the fourth, and on No1, Alexandrova and Sabalenka are 2-2.
Interesting: when she was 12, Alexandrova played a tournament in the Czech Republic, discovered the tennis set-up there was good and much better than in Russia … so her dad moved their whole family there. I imagine he’s pleased with the call.
Updated
Sabalenka and Alexandrova – playing her first grad slam round four – begin with a hold apiece, likewise Djokovic and Hurkacz in their set four.
It’ts a minor tweak because all that happened yesterday was Hurkacz lost two tie-breaks to six, but I think he’s attacking the big points with greater enterprise today and Djokovic, probably the best returner we’ve ever seen, has won four points on his serve since we resumed. Meantime, Tsitsipas, 2-1 up on Eubanks, holds for 3-2 in the third.
Hurkacz holds for a 6-5 lead in set three then, at 1530, strokes a gloooorious backhand winner down the line, raising two set points! Djokovic saves the first with a fine serve out wide – he came in behind that – then, although Hurkacz doesn’t properly attack a second delivery, he stomps into court, punishes a forehand into the corner, which means that’s the break and with it the set! Hurkacz (6)6-7 (6)6-7 7-5 Djokovic
Updated
Alexandrova and Sabalenka appear onto Court 1 and will be away soon. I guess they weren’t ready when the last match ended unexpectedly early, but they’re good to go now.
Back on Court 2 it’s becoming increasingly clear that Eubanks cannot beat Tsitsipas unless Tsitsipas beats himself; the Greek breaks again, this time to 15, thanks to a forehand winner, and he now leads 6-3 6-7 6-3!
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Hubert Hurkacz is one of my favourite tennising names, and he holds again for a 5-4 lead in set three. The problem he has is that Djokovic’s tiebreak form is absurd – six out of six in Paris, winning 42 out of 55 points, and five out of five here, winning 35 out of 60 points.
Hurkacz holds again for 4-3 in the third and we look headed for another breaker; Tsitsipas consolidates in double-quick time, to lead Eubanks 6-3 6-7 4-2.
Oh dear, now it’s Eubanks’ go to butcher himself with a double, served at 2-2 30-40; it gives Tsitsipas the break and we’ve seen nothing to suggest it’s retrievable. He’s three holds away from a 2-1 lead.
Hurkacz gets 15-30 on the Djokovic serve before Djokovic closes out for 2-2 in the third having won the first two sets on breakers. In co-comms, Mac and Henman are asked how they’d play him; neither has any ideas but Hurkacz is playing better today than yesterday – the break must’ve come at a good time for him because he was so tentative then. And it’s also 2-2 on Court 2, Tsitsipas and Eubanks having split the first two sets.
It is odd that Medvedev is a major champion and number three in the world, but no one expects him to win here. I could see him beating Tsitsipas, perhaps, if that ends up being the match, but I can’t see any way he gets by Alcaraz or Djokovic, who’ll get his serve back and keep him moving.
Next on Court 1: Ekaterina Alexandrova [21] v Aryna Sabalenka [2].
On Centre, Djokovic and Hurkacz are away in set three, Djokovic having taken two breakers last evening. Meantime, Medvedev says he thought Lehecka was OK as often, he’s not feeling good then he wins a point, a game or a break and realises it’s fine. This is his fifth Wimbledon and his first quarter-final, but he’s never lost on Court 1 so wants to stay there.
On which point, Eubanks finds big serves when he needs them and, after making almost no impression on the Tsitsipas serve – no break points, the Greek winning 95% of first-delivery points and 73% of second – a double is the difference in the breaker and we’re at one set-all!
Updated
Daniil Medvedev [3] beats Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-2 retired!
Ach, Medvedev cedes two set points, takes his third, and Lehecka can’t go on. He’ll be back though – he’s got massive weapons and is just coming into his own – but for now, disappointment. Medvedev meets Eubanks or Tsitsipas next.
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Leading 3-2, Tsitsipas hoists a lob that looks to have turned the rally in his favour, but Eubanks clumps a forehand into the tape and the ball drops over to keep us on serve … then Tsitsipas sends down a double and at 5-3, Eubanks is two points from the set. Tsisipas closes to 4-5, but if he can’t take back the mini-break, we’re at 1-1….
A hold apiece on Court 2, so Tsitsipas and Eubanks will play a second-set breaker, Tsitsipas having taken the first 6-3; Medvedev, meanwhile, has broken Lehecka again and will shortly serve for a 2-0 lead at 5-2 in the second.
Mervyn King, by the way, has perhaps the greatest nickname in all sport – though feel free to correct me if you think I’m wrong. Really, he should be Mervyn “The” King, but Mervyn “The King” King is also tremendous.
For a moment, I was excited. They must’ve copied the wrong address off the rolodex.
Mervyn King and Barbara Melander seated in the Royal Box on day eight of The Championships, #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/SXobxthJDr
— Spotted @ Wimbledon (@CelebsWimbledon) July 10, 2023
Lehecka seems to be moving better now, saving four break points at 3-6 1-3 before two serve-volleys close out the game and keep him in touch in the second set. Meantime, Djokovic and Hurkacz prepare to walk out on centre while Eubanks makes 5-5 having lost the first to Tsitsipas 6-3.
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We’re about to get going again on Court 1, the woman who was struggling in reasonable shape. Godspeed, old mate.
A forehand winner, stepping into court to attack a short ball, gives Tsitsipas break point at 6-3 4-3, but Eubanks finds a big first serve then allows a backhand to drop fractionally wide – that’s good judgment and a backhand volley at the net keeps us on serve in set two, just.
Updated
Tsitsipas now leads Eubanks 6-3 3-3 while, on No1, there’s a medical emergency in the crowd. So the match pauses and Lechecka drops to his haunches, which suggests his toe isn’t giving his as much grief as before.
Next on Centre but not before 2.30pm BST: Novak Djokovic [2] 7-6(6) 7-6(6) Hubert Hurkacz [17].
Rybakina feels bad for Haddad Maia but is glad to be through and felt she was hitting the ball well. She’ll probably have today off then get back to it tomorrow, and finally, we learn that she’s into roller coasters and also wants a shy at skydiving, but her coach won’t let her.
Elena Rybakina [3] beats Beatriz Haddad Maia [13] 4-1 retired
Rybakina meets Jabeur or Kvitova next and that’s such a shame – for Haddad Maia but also for us because this could’ve been a jazzer.
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Oh man, Haddad Maia returns, wants to continue, and she’s almost in tears as Rybakina holds to love. This is going to be it, I’m afraid, and Rybakina comes around to her side to console her as she defaults. She’ll be back – she’s made huge strides this season – but we can well understand her distress, playing on Centre Court against the champ while in the form of her life.
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Lehecka isn’t at all happy, wincing as he plays. I imagine he’ll have taken something for the pain and will be waiting for it to kick in; in the meantime, he’ll be grateful that Medvedev plays a poor game which allows him to hold through deuce for 1-0 in set two.
Poor Haddad Maia looked in a lot of discomfort; let’s hope she can get herself sorted.
Ach, no sooner is Lehecka back than Haddad Maia has the trainer out – she seems to have a lower back complaint and leaves the court to be treated in private. Rybakina leads 3-1.
Rybakina earns a break point and Haddad Maia nets; the champ leads 3-1 while, on Centre, Tsitsipas serves out to lead Eubanks 6-3. He’s playing well and his opponent hasn’t yet got going.
The issue is between the little and adjacent toe. It could be very sore there, but hopefully he takes a painkiller and is good enough to go.
Leheckha, though, didn’t properly compete for the last two points and has a problem so opts to take a medical timeout, removing his shoe and sock. Let’s hope it’s no biggie.
Updated
Medvedev serves out to love for a 6-4 set, and slowly, he’s growing into this tournament. It seems unlikely that he’s able to beat Alcaraz in a semi, but if he serves well you never know.
Updated
Lehecka is asked to save a set point but he does it well with a big first serve and Medvedev must now sort it on his own delivery at 5-4; on Centre, Haddad Maia holds for 1-1, while Tsitsipas leads Eubanks 4-2.
On No1, a patron catches a stray ball in his Pimms, looking as pleased with himself as one might. Medvedev holds for 5-3, so Lehecka will now serve to stay in set one, while Tsitsipas leads eubanks 3-2 with a break.
On Centre, Haddad Maia and Rybakina are away. This could easily be the match of the day because both have power, touch and form; the champ holds for 1-0.
Updated
Eubanks goes long on the forehand and that’s a break to love for Tsitsipas which might just mean 1-0 – Murray, one of the greatest returners of all time, managed one against him in five sets.
Medvedev leads Lehecka 4-2 now. “Leheckha has the weapons – big serve and forehand, really clean ball-striker – and keeps getting close against the big guys but can’t get over the line.” says Coach Calv.
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I imagine Tsitsipas will be feeling much better about himself after toughing out that win over Murray. He knows his game isn’t quite grass-court ready, but will feel that he’s getting closer.
Eubanks and Tsitsipas are away already, Eubanks holding in the first game. “Eubanks is on serious form and swinging,” says Calv Betton. “He’s massive, huge serve, swings at both groundstrokes, and he’s a brilliant lad. I’m still not convinced by Tsitsipas, but he probably edges it.”
Today’s thing I’m currently enjoying: Algorithm Party by Roy, or PJ Smith as he’s also known. The voice is a kind of Scouse Irvine Welsh, though I’m generally uncomfortable comparing things to other things because each is its own entity. Feel free to send in your own suggestions.
One thing about Andreeva, though: she’s very slight. Of course, she’ll grow and thicken, but with the likes of Sabalenka and Rybakina about, she’ll need a plan for facing immense power, and find a kill-shot of her own.
On No1, Medvedev has broken Lehecka immediately ands now leads 2-1.
Updated
Next on No2: Christopher Eubanks v Stefanos Tsitsipas [5].
Andreeva, though. after showing terrifying composure through the tournament, lost it a bit when the going got tough, and she’ll be miles better for the experience. I can’t wait to see where she goes from here.
Keys doesn’t know how she turned that around, and that she was playing a brilliant player under no pressure. She knew she needed to take a chance to break if she got one, then when she did she tried to maintain momentum, and didn’t want to be the person who lost to a teenager making their first quarter. She hoped her many many years on tour would help her out, and this is her first Wimbledon quarter since 2015. Asked if she enjoyed the match – it was a jazzer – at one point she reminded herself that this is where she wants to be, and much as I wanted to see Andreeva progress, I’m delighted that Keys is back going deep. If she lkeps playing like she did at the end, she’s a handful for anyone.
Madison Keys [25] beats Mirra Andreeva 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2!
That’s a brilliant win for Keys, who found herself at the last moment – she meets Sabalenka or Alexandrova next. But let’s not forget Andreeva, who slinks off court quicksmart; she’s lit up this tournament, and she’s going to light up our world for many years to come.
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Andreeva squeals as Keys nets a return, but when she challenges the ball was well out. Here comes match point again, this time on a second serve…
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Oh no! Serving at advantage, Andreeva takes exception to a superb Keys volley and, overbalancing, brings her racket over her head and drops it into the turf. It’s really no big deal, but the umpire penalises her and, because she hurled it earlier, she’s penalised a point meaning she’s now match point down. She complains to the umpire, saying she slipped, which she did, but she did also introduce graphite to grass, just with no venom.
And on No2, Keys seals her hold and at 5-2 is a game from an improbable win while, returning to her chair, Andreeva refrains from tossing her racket – just. She’s feeling it.
On No1, Medvedev and Lehecka are out knocking up.
…but a big serve opens up the point for Keys, though she too has to rely on a net cord – unnecessarily so – before finishing the point.
Keys is just taking a little bit longer over her shots, I think, getting to the ball then striking. But at 30-15 she’s a little slow to the ball and nets a slice; half a chance for Andreeva. And after a net cord followed by a drop, it’s a proper chance, a break-back point at 30-40…
Andreeva guts – gutses? – out a hold for 2-4, and the pressure on Keys ratchets up. She’s two holds from the last eight.
Ah man, Andreeva’s crying in her chair at change of ends, and I guess she’s not had to contend with that much sporting adversity so far, probably thought this match was hers. Still, though, she’s going stratospheric, and even if this isn’t her time, her time is coming.
Updated
A hold apiece and, at 1-4, Andreeva is running out of road. But, on the plus side:
Keys holds through deuce – Andreeva isn’t trying many drops now – and leads 3-0 in the decider.
Goodness me.
Francisca Gomes and Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly attend day eight of The Championships, #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/qewWwrVzBW
— Spotted @ Wimbledon (@CelebsWimbledon) July 10, 2023
A poor drop allows Keys to charge in and despatch a forehand winner; it gives her 0-40, and I wonder if this is the match here. Andreeva saves on break point, but a tame double comes next, and just as her opponent paused to rethink things, now she needs to – before it’s too late.
Keys finds herself break point down, but averts the immediate danger with a big serve and forehand combo. She does need to save another, but then closes out for 1-0 and, for the first time, we’re seeing Andreeva struggling for ideas.
Roughly 25 minutes from now, Daniil Medvedev and Jiri Lehecka will be out on No1 Court. This is shaping up into a day.
A serve out wide, a long return, and Keys, who was a point away from trailing 6-3 5-1 is now level in the match at 3-6 7-6(4)! She was so close to elimination but worked out a plan just in time and her power is currently dictating to Andreeva’s consistency. Oh, and at the end of that breaker, Andreeva chucks her racket over to her chair – the first sign of proper emotion from her – for which she’s warned. I cannot wait for this decider.
But then Andreeva lands a ball on the line, it doesn’t bounce, and there’s the mini-break back … except two big forehands then a solid service-point give Keys 6-4, and she now has two points for a decider!
Keys is dominating now, planting her feet and sending forehands to the corners while intimating that she might come in – 20 times in set two versus six in set one. She leads4-2.
Aha, on the start-time point, this from today’s Times:
Seemingly oblivious to the fact that the average length of tennis matches is increasing — due both to the improved physicality of the players and the slowing down of surfaces — Wimbledon organisers pandered to the BBC two years ago by changing the Centre Court start time and introducing 20-minute breaks between matches. They may not like to admit this in public but it is acknowledged privately that this was done to improve the chances of play extending into the evening for a prime-time audience without introducing a specific night session.”
Another solid hold from Keys, and this breaker could be something … which it already is, Andreeva dictating on the forehand only to watch a booming forehand whistle past her, cross-court for an immediate mini-break.
Andreeva holds for 6-3 6-5, securing herself a tiebreaker – at least. Keys will now serve to stay in the match for a second time.
Yeah, here she is.
What a shot! 🔥
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2023
Madison Keys, just casually switching hands 😅
Is that spark coming back?!#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/41u6CBIYfi
Well done Madison Keys. She plays another good game for 5-5 and has done well to work her way back into a match that looked like it was forsaking her.
A hold apiece leaves us at 5-4 Andreeva, meaning Keys will now serve to stay in the match. And, though she’s improved the last 10 minutes, getting broken here would, I’m afraid, be the absolute height of her.
More good play from Keys makes 15-40, but she misses an admittedly tricky putaway at the net but HAVE AN ABSOLUTE LOOK! Dominating the next rally, Keys finds herself in trouble when Andreeva sends a terrific riposte across her that looks like it’s bouncing away from her backhand …. so she pats a gentle left-hander back across the net! that’s absolutely brilliant, securing the break-back, and has she woken up just in time? Andreeva leads 6-3 4-3.
Again, Keys finds herself down break point, Andreeva’s forehand cross-court setting up the opportunity. But this time, she spanks a backhand winner down the line, and needs more of them, many more, if she’s to make a match of this. in fairness, I know exactly how she feels, because I had my arse handed to me by a bunch of 15-year-old boys playing back-garden Wembley on Shabbat – though, in fairness, I’d had a fairly hectic relaxing afternoon prior to. Keys closes out really well for 3-6 2-4, and that was much better from her.
Keys tries her best to thrash away but Andreeva is just so competent, doing the right things at the right time and holding to 15. She leads 6-3 4-1 and a comeback looks inconceivable – partly because Keys doesn’t appear tp have the minerals, but also because she’s just so solid.
No one can collapse like Maddy, but she just about hangs onto her serve, winning her first game in eight, to keep the deficit at a set and a break. Meantime, Andreeva goes about her business.
Keys rustles up a break point but then nets a forehand while, on the other side of the net, Andreeva keeps doing what she’s doing, calmly dictating play with no outward sign of nerves. She’s won seven games on the spin now and leads 6-3 3-0. She’s an absolute superstar, and we’ll be talking about this run for decades.
Keys can’t decide whether to try and end rallies quickly by going for winners, or accept the need to be patient and get moving. As such, she’s falling in between the two approaches and getting nowhere, soon 0-40 down in a game you feel she must win. She manages to save one break point, but coming to the net, Andreeva whacks a forehand by her ankles, and in her first grass-court tournament is four holds away from the last eight!
It’s windy out on Court 2, which suits Andreeva whose footwork is better and who’s trying to do less with the ball. And when Keys unloads a pair of monstrous forehands for deuce, Andreeva quickly closes out, ending the game with a drop shot-lob combo of rare deftness. She leads 6-3 1-0.
Leading 40-30, Keys sets up a volley with a really good slice, only to net, then on deuce Andreeva disburses another fine backhand winner down the line; set point. And when Keys nets a again, a forehand slapped into the tape, that’s the first set to Andreeva, 6-3 after being broken at the start. Did I mention she’s 16?
Also going on:
“The late starts on the show courts are absolutely bonkers,” reckons Darragh Morrissey. “I can only assume they start late so their esteemed guests in the corporate seats can stuff their bellies full of delicious lunch and then they saunter out to the court for a 1:40 start. It’s basically an acknowledgement that the special guests watching are more important than the stars they are there to see. It has to be pushed forward to 12pm for next year.”
Yes, my guess is also there’s a corporate trough angle, not because people are more important than tennis but because money is.
A lovely deft drop earns Keys a break-back point, but she goes at a serve that’s not there to be whumped sending the ball long and plenty, then Andreeva nails a backhand winner down the line and closes out from there. She leads 5-3 having won five of the last six games, and this is just incredible behaviour.
Andreeva is into this now, raising two break points. But she stands up a drop that Keys really should put away … except instead, the ball is directed at her, leaving almost the whole court open, and a winner into the space gives her 4-3. She’s 16!
Leading 3-2, Keys arranges another break point, saved by Andreeva putting her on her bike and cleaning up when she tries a moon ball. She closes out for 3-3 and looks like she was born to be in this moment.
Updated
Looking at today’s schedule, it looks extremely possible that we end up with another unfinished contest overnight, which again raises the question as to why we don’t start earlier. Just an hour extra on the show courts would make a difference, and just as the All England Club go to lengths to preserve the integrity of the tournament by keeping the roofs open if they possibly can, so they should by trying to ensure matches are done in a oner.
A love hold from Andreeva makes it 2-2 and already the pattern of the match is set. If Keys can impose her power-game and control the rallies, she wins, but if Andreeva gets her moving so she can’t plant her feet and bang, it’s up for grabs. a hold to love gives Keys 3-2.
Excellent from Andreeva, who misses two break-back points but nabs another through deuce and at 1-2, is on the board.
Keys has started well and a double gives her 15-40; Andreeva saves one break point with a well-directed serve, but is then drawn to the net with a drop and, when she gets the ball back, passed. Keys leads 2-0 and I’d love for this to be her moment. She’s made one Grand Slam final, at Flushing Meadow in 2017, but overwhelmed by the occasion and her close mate, Sloane Stephens, standing on the other side of the net, she shrank.
Shonuff, here’s Calv Betton, our resident coach, with his thoughts on this one: Match will hinge on whether Keys can over power her. Andreeva is good but still a bit lightweight. If Keys lands her shots then she’ll win, Andreeva is gonna be a star though.”
He’ll be delighted to know I agree. If Keys plays well – and her win over Kostyuk in the last round was very impressive – I don’t think this’ll be that close. And she starts well, holding to love and securing the game with an ace.
This time last year, Andreeva was ranked 834 in the world; she’s now at 102. That is ridiculous, and I’m not sure she’ll ever have to qualify for a major again.
Righto, our players are with us and knocking up. Keys had yesterday off while Andreeva had to fight hard for her passage against Potapova.
Preamble
Hi everyone and welcome to Wimbledon 2023 – day eight!
It’s not Manic Monday, no, but it remains an extremely manic Monday that has absolutely no one wishing it was Sunday – great though that was.
We begin on Court 2, which will host a classic battle of power against consistency – with a twist. Madison Keys remains a terrific talent, but at 28 she’s running out of time to realise her potential while, over the other side of the net, Mirra Andreeva is everything she is not – steady, focused, fearless … and 16-years-old! 16! Why, it’s almost as though it’s inessential to spend one’s teenage years feasting on one’s 90 Minutes, Wham Bars, Irn Bru bars, Astrobelts, Space Raiders, Chilli McCoys, Hooch, Scotch Bitter and Dunhill International.
After that, the surging Christopher Eubanks faces Stefanos Tsitsipas, by which time we should be ready for action on Court 1, where Daniil Medvedev takes on Jiri Lehecka, who’s bidding for a second straight major quarter-final. Opening proceedings on Centre, meanwhile, is an absolute weapons-grade match between Beatriz Haddad Maia and the defending champ Elena Rybakina, after which Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz play to a finish – Djokovic leads overnight by two sets to love.
And goodness us, that’s not even close to it. We’ve also got Ekaterina Alexandrova v Aryna Sabalenka and what looks like a proper belter as Ons Jabeur ruckuses Petra Kvitova before, rounding out the day, the in-form Griggzy Dimitrov meets Holger Rune and the returning Mario Berrettini, beaten finalist in 2021, takes a shy at Carlos Alcaraz. It’s our fun day!
