And here’s Kevin Mitchell’s report on Djokovic’s progress:
OK folks, that’s me done for the night. Thanks as always. Hope you enjoyed that. Ruthless from Novak. Utterly ruthless. A tough day for the Brits unfortunately. There aren’t any men from these isles left in the competition and so Katie Boulter must fly the flag solo.
Do keep an eye out for the report from Djokovovic’s demolition of Wawrinka. Depending on the length it might take you more time to get through than the second set.
G’night. Speak soon.
While we wait for the report on the Djokovic game, here are a couple of reads for you tennis owls:
Djokovic will face Hubert Hurkacz in the next round on Sunday.
Oh, just another record.
Another one.@DjokerNole equals Pete Sampras' 31 consecutive match wins at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Q0MhZBhSOy
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2023
He got there with an overhead smash. A fitting way to close out the match after McEnroe on comms said that was the one part of Djokovic’s game that wasn’t perfect. He didn’t say it was a weakness, only that it wasn’t faultless like everything else. Seemed pretty good to me.
Novak Djokovic beats Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, 7-6
That’s his 31st win in a row on Centre Court. He also gets a day off before his last 16 match. Ruthless, especially in the second set where he barely put a foot wrong. He was helped by Wawrinka’s poor service game that only sparked into life by the third set. By then it was too late and the winning machine churns on.
Oh no Stan. A tame effort plops into the net. Three straight points for Djokovic means he’s now serving with a match point.
All square at 5-5. This time it’s the backhand that’s too long from Wawrinka. Still has the serve.
Wawrinka misses his forehand. I thought he was gaining the upper hand in that exchange but he goes searching for one and over cooks an unforced error. He’s still serving at 5-4.
Wawrinka 5-3 up! Wow. What a turnaround. He’s in the zone now. The crowd are fully behind him. Marvellous.
3-3. Now then. Djokovic goes too long on a forehand. He’s trying to finish this off tonight. He doesn’t want to come back tomorrow and those two recent shots are perhaps a sign of his impatience.
20 minutes to go. Can Novak clean this up tonight or will Stan hold firm? A Djokovic backhanded drop shot doesn’t clear the net. Wawrinka to serve at 2-3.
Quiet please. Djokovic bounces the ball until the crowd settles. It takes a while after he eases to a 2-1 and then a 3-1 lead.
A wonder volley from Djokovic. Wawrinka slammed a backhand that looked destined to find open court. But a swift volley and a delicious touch gave Djokovic the point. A booming serve squares it at 1-1.
We go to a tiebreak. Wawrinka forces it thanks to grit and heart. And of course skill. These two have engaged in eight previous tiebreaks. Wawrinka has won just one.
Wawrinka roars to the crowd! That’s genuine fire from the old Swiss champion. He wins another gruelling rally. What fight he’s shown in this third set. Better first serve and forehand stroke play, but most importantly he’s shown belief.
Scratch all that. Second deuce.
Wawrinka looks spent. Or maybe that was just a tired looking shot into the net from a backhand. Djokovic then pulls out a miraculous return and Wawrinka over cooks another backhand. Deuce.
Wawrinka storms to 30-0 lead. Where was this serve earlier in the match, Stan?!
Djokovic inches closer. He takes the game and leads the set 6-5. Can Stan extend this? I don’t think he can win a tiebreaker but I’m sure he’ll take it there. His first serve has come good.
We’ve got 36 minutes of play left. Will we get a winner before they kick us out? Only if Djokovic wins this.
Credit to Wawrinka. This bolder approach is paying off on his own serve. He’s just bagged another love game to take this set to 5-5. “He’s found his game now,” says McEnroe. Is it too late though?
WOW! Djokovic laps up the applause after a sensational rally ends with a shot that stole the show. A couple of drop shots has both players engage at the net. Wawrinka then pulls out a lob but the most decorated male player of all time contorts his body and whips a winner past his opponent. He takes the game as well. Sublime.
Oh. I get it. Because we have to leave at 11. Hmmm. I still think Djokovic will win this set. He’s 30-15 up with things tied at 4-4.
“Wawrinka might not be able to win, but he might be able to not lose” Do you know what McEnroe meant by this? Because I’ve got no clue.
What did Wawrinka drink between sets? He’s almost unrecognisable from the player who capitulated in the second. That’s another service held and this one is locked at 4-4.
Marie Bouzkova [32] beats Caroline Garcia [5] 7-6, 4-6, 7-5
Something of an upset as a gruelling three set battle goes the way of the lower ranked player. It also went the way of the player with the better first serve.
Updated
Anything you can do, I can do better. Djokovic responds to a rising Wawrinka by slamming through to take a 4-3 lead.
3-3. Stan the man is finding his groove. A love game. Makes a huge difference when you land your first serve.
Bang! That’s another ace for Wawrinka. He’s got his first serve up to 45% and it’s no wonder he’s a much improved player in this third set. 40-0 up.
As this one’s hurtling to a close, have a read of Simon Cambers’ report as the world’s top player, Iga Swiatek, marched into the next round:
Another big rally win for Stan. That’s the second lengthy exchange that goes his way. He had Djokovic reaching – unsuccessfully – for one in the corner. But as I finished that sentence Novak holds his serve and takes the game. 3-2 up.
This is better. Wawrinka’s strategy to take on Djokovic’s stroke play is playing off. He’s definitely making a game of this. I guess he has to chase it now being two sets down. Still, commendable work.
Stan the Man! A clinical winner down the line secures the game. 2-2. That was tasty stuff from the Swiss.
Wawrinka holds his knee. Oh, it’s because he slipped after unfurling a meaty serve. He’s had surgery on that knee. He seems OK. Will keep on eye on it.
Djokovic keeps trucking. Better though from Wawrinka. He’s decided to meet Novak’s serve on the front foot and attack the ball. But class is class and the Serb has it in abundance. 2-1.
Wawrinka improves his first serve. In fact he lands three in a row and takes a 40-0 lead. Then a probing rally goes his way as he claims a love game. 1-1 in the third. The crowd appreciate that and cheer Stan’s name.
10 points in a row for Djokovic as he starts this third set on a tear. He then loses a point with a wayward forehand followed by a heavy touch that goes too deep. He makes the game safe with a screaming first serve that almost takes Wawrinka’s head off after kicking off a tricky length.
Murray wondering what might have been. He’s hurting, no doubt about it. He was so good last night. If the match continued last night he might have won it. Oh Andy. Please come back.
Tumaini Carayol reports:
Ruthless. Djokovic in imperious form. He blitzes through this second set in no time, taking it 6-1 without breaking a sweat. Too good. This highly anticipated match could be over very soon.
There’s another game on the go. To be honest, I’d completely forgotten. But good thing I’ve become aware as it’s a belter.
Caroline Garcia [5] is locked in a tussle with Marie Bouzkova [32]. They’re tied 4-4 in the third set.
An ace to clean it up. Djokovic lands an inch perfect serve to take the game. He leads the second set 5-1.
Oh Stan. A soft shot at the net hands Djokovic the initiative. Then Novak produces a worldie cross-court forehand. Seriously, how good is this guy? “The complete player” says McEnroe. Who am I to argue?
Wawrinka on the board. He endures. he holds on. He clings to the rock. He has a game under his belt in this second set. 1-4. A mountain still to climb.
Updated
We go to deuce. Sloppy from Wawrinka, he set the open court up for himself with some handy baseline work, moving Djokovic left and then right. With the forehand winner on he sent it too long.
Wawrinka misses another first serve! You don’t beat Novak Djokovic with a 38% hit rate. He does show some fight and claims a victory from a slightly prolonged rally and then goes 30-0 ahead.
Seriously, how do you beat this guy? He goes 40-15 up with a serve down the middle that produces a puff of smoke from the line. He quickly wins the next point to take a 4-0 lead in the second set after just 19 minutes.
Djokovic is disappearing over the hill. He’s 3-0 after breaking Wawrinka again. It’s wrapped up with a long rally that goes to the Serb. I don’t think Stan has won a single rally that’s gone beyond four shots each.
CTL-C. Wawrinka misses another first serve. He gets away with it and levels the game at 30-30 thanks to an error from Djokovic.
“it’s like a highlight reel” McEnroe is having as good a game as Djokovic. The Serb chases down a lost cause, stretches out his right leg then his right arm and whips a cross-court forehand winner from what felt like a different area code. He proceeds to breeze through his service game. 2-0 up in the second set and with the scent of blood in his nostrils.
Djokovic breaks in the second set. Wawrinka has landed 1/11 first serves. Against the “best return player in history,” as McEnroe says, that’s not going to fly. Djokovic taking firm control of this.
Updated
Wawrinka takes it to deuce but again misses his first serve. He’s at 38% with it. His backhand isn’t faring much better. Another one goes awry and it’s break point.
Wawrinka misses another cross-court backhand. He’s facing a break point in the first game of this second set.
“They’re both sweating” McEnroe notices. “Despite playing indoors. Interesting”. It’s a hot, soupy evening in London.
We talk about the age of tennis greats a lot, but it is frankly astounding that they’re able to do what they do.
@danielgallan my first ever live tennis match was a 2007 edition of the rivalry between these two, a final in ATP Vienna. The longevity of these tennis greats is incredible. Gives the illusion of slow ageing.
— S (@S6396076672657) July 7, 2023
Never change Andy. So says Simon McMahon who says this might be a fitting end to one of the sport’s genuine greats:
“Hi Dan. If I know Andy (I don’t), the loss to Tsitsipas today is going to hurt badly, and for a while. A win, and he’d have been eyeing up a run deep into the second week. Now the prospect of it all being over seems closer than ever. If we have seen him for the final time at Wimbledon, a gruelling five setter on Centre Court, ten years to the day after he won his first Wimbledon, seems a fitting way to end. Not that he’ll think like that. But whatever happens, he’s still the greatest, for me anyway. Summers just won’t be same without him, but it’s been a helluva ride. Thanks, Andy, and don’t ever change.”
Djokovic takes the first set 6-3. A delicious lob seals it. Immense forehands, some delightful touches and brutal efficiency at the net. Trademark Novak. He looks on tonight.
Updated
Djokovic to serve for opening set. Wawrinka sees out his serve despite Djokovic dominating the longer rallies. He now has to break the champ to keep the set alive.
This is brilliant! Great tennis from both of them but another long rally goes to Djokovic. And that’s probably going to be a theme of this match. Still, Stan takes a 40-30 soon after.
“Sweet ball striking” says McEnroe. He’s talking about Djokovic who levels the game at 15-15 with a string of driving forehands.
Ruthless from Nole. 5-1 up thanks to a big first serve and a brutal volley after Wawrinka’s lunge defensive shot spooned in the air.
Stunning from Wawrinka. More of that please Stan. A superb passing backhand whizzes by Djokovic who advanced to volley from an innocuous second serve.
Djokovic scowls at the grass. He slips just enough as he peddles back to play a forehand that doesn’t get above shin height. He still has the edge in this game, 30-15.
Djokovic breaks. A marathon rally ends with Wawrinka searching for the corner with a flourishing backhand but he’s too long. 4-2 now to the defending champ.
Updated
Oooh. Sometimes Novak just makes you make a noise. That forehand from the baseline oozed class. He’s often dismissed as robotic but you’d be foolish to deny his silkiness. 30-30. Wawrinka misses his first serve. Could be a way in to break now for the Serb.
Wawrinka’s serve is hot and cold so far. He’s not landing most of them but the ones that do hit the target are kicking like a mule. Djokovic knows this and is taking on the second serve off the front foot. Wawrinka 30-15 up.
Updated
Wawrinka has never progressed past the QFs here. Tell you what, if he wins tonight I’m putting the farm on him going all the way (past the QFs).
Wawrinka gets up and over a lifting ball. He plays that backhand with so much force and Djokovic can’t return. But Novak holds his composure and the serve to lead 3-2.
Djokovic misses the forehand down the line. 2-2 in the first set. Wawrinka slick but Novak with those shark eyes.
Wawrinka digs out a return that skimmed the baseline. Class class class. Djokovic can’t clear the net and Stan then unleashes a blistering ace. 40-30.
Finally, we have the game on the telly. As it switches on Wawrinka balloons a forehand past the baseline. Djokovic 2-1 up.
Updated
Right?! Warwinka won the second game. Djokovic is 15-0 up in the third.
Djokovic 🇷🇸 and Wawrinka 🇨🇭 is 1-1 1st set..... why is BBC1 not showing it ??????#bbctennis #bbcsport #Wimbledon
— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) July 7, 2023
Well said…
Who ever thought that in 2023 we'd watch Djokovic play against Wawrinka in the 3rd round match of a grand slam. We are indeed the lucky generation #Wimbledon
— Ex (@Vananda27) July 7, 2023
Not sure what’s going on! Apologies for the delay in the report. The BBC have yet to show the game which has actually started. Djokovic won the first game. Wawrinka has the advantage in the second after it goes to deuce. Would be nice to watch if we could.
They’ve never met on grass before. Now that is a stat. Also they’re 4-4 in slams. Not sure that all adds up to an upset though.
Right then. All set for a thrilling conclusion to Friday’s action. A blockbuster clash between two grand slam champions.
Just in case you needed reminding, we’re outta here at 11pm. That took all the sting out of Murray’s match as he wilted in the heat of the day. So Djokovic and Wawrinka will want to get the business done this evening if they can.
Warinka wins the coin flip. He asks Djokavic to serve.
Is that the last we see of Murray? Man, I hope not. But time comes for us all and the two-time champion showed his age in the London heat.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked if that’s that. “Motivation is obviously a big thing. Continuing having early losses in tournaments like this don’t necessarily help with that.”
Read the rest of the report here:
Happy couple Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur beat John Peers and Storm Sanders 6-2, 6-4
Who said you shouldn’t work with your partner? It’s clearly working for this Aussie and Brit. One of the best stories of this year’s Wimbledon continues as Boulter and de Minaur progress.
“He took away two Grand Slams from me.”
That’s what Djokovic said when asked to share some views on his opponent tonight. He was joking, of course, but it shows that Wawrinka is no slouch.
“He’s a great person and really inspirational what he’s doing at his age,” Djokovic added.
“He’s almost 40 and he still keeps going strong, that’s something not many people can do
“He’s had a fantastic career. We haven’t faced in quite some time. It will be the duel of the veterans of the tour.”
They’re closing the roof at Centre Court. Messieurs Stan and Novak are up next. They’ve met 26 times before. It’s 20-6 to the Serb. My guess it’ll be 21-6 in a few hours.
Here’s Swiatek:
It wasn’t easy. I tried to be focussed from the beginning to the end. I’m happy with my performance. I feel that I’m playing well on grass and that’s what’s most important.
There’s always something to improve. We have so many shots in tennis so it’s impossible to be perfect. That’s my motivation.
[Thoughts on her next opponent, Belinda Bencic] She’s a player who has a great game. It’s not going to be easy. I’m really looking forward to that match.
Iga Swiatek beats Petra Martic 6-2, 7-6
The world number one progresses to the last 16 and though she made a meal of it at the end, there was never any doubt. Her serve-volley game was on point and she’ll be better prepared after Martic roused to fight back in the second set.
Updated
Swiatek misses the forehand. She now has one match point after being 40-0 up. 40-30. Surely she won’t botch this a second time?
Djokovic v Wawrinka now nudged to 8:20pm BST. For those checking in.
Swiatek 40-0 up. Incoming….
Swiatek breaks (again) and will serve for the match (again). That’s that extra gear I was talking about earlier. She stepped it up when it mattered. Some blistering forehands and great control of the T. I can’t see her making a mess of this now.
Stunning from Swiatek. She was buried in this game but a remarkable return and a ruthless follow up takes it to deuce.
Martic breaks Swiatek. Shows what I know. Swiatek was poor throughout that service game. her last forehand was sloppy and now this second set is even at 5-5.
Martic is 0-30 up! Now then. I thought this would be iover quick. But an awkward volley at the net -is played with great touch by the Croat and on we go.
Swiatek will serve for the match. Martic holds after going to deuce twice. This should be the final act of this piece.
Daniel Galan beats Mikael Ymer 6-2, 6-7, 7-6, 3-6, 61
The best named tennis player wins a thriller after defending 15 break points. What a champion!
Updated
Swiatek lunges at a smart drop shot from Martic. She doesn’t get it. This game is locked at 30-30. Kudos to Martic. She’s going to lose but this but she’s making a go of it. Next point goes to Swiatek. Match point.
Updated
Swiatek finding a higher gear. There’s just something about champion tennis players. All champion athletes really. They’re able to switch on and engage a level that others can’t reach. It’s visceral when it happens. And it’s happening now. Martic was keeping pace in this second set but is visibly fading. Swiatek wins a flawless game to take a 5-3 lead in the second.
Swiatek’s crushing forehand winner – her sixth of the set already – means she has three break points. BOOM! And another one. There’s the break. She leads by a set and 4-3 in the second. The number one seed is turning it on.
Swiatek and Martic seeing who will blink first. They’ve both held serve in the second set. 3-3. Martic chasing the match though after losing the first 6-2.
A reminder that we’ve got Djokovic v Wawrinka at 8pm BST. That’s in 10 minutes.
“In the most significant match of the tournament so far, Tsitsipas rose to the occasion on his Centre Court debut and produced one of his best performances of the season”. Too bad for Andy Murray though.
Take a read of the rest of Tumaini Carayol’s report:
Sabalenka is “super happy” for the support. She thanks the crowd who give her a warm reception. She’s beaming. And her advice for playing on grass? “Stay low and don’t think, just hit the ball”. Easy, eh?
Updated
Aryna Sabalenka beats Varvara Gracheva 2-6, 7-5, 6-2
Last year she was excluded from the competition and said she couldn’t watch on the telly without crying. Now she’s cruising to the third round after a rousing victory that started with a wobble but gained pace as it developed. She’ll be a problem m for the remainder of this slam.
Sabalenka on brink of victory. The Belarusian was barred from competing last year but is back now and playing some great tennis. She’s serving for the match against Varvara Gracheva.
Martic survives to hold serve. She’s shown more fight in this second set. She’s up 2-1 but Swiatek is serving and unloading fireballs. Shaping up to be a good game on Centre Court.
Chris Eubank, after beating Norrie, stole the show. Replays of his post-match on-court presser after beating Norrie on the screen now and it’s worth checking out if you can. He said he’ll never forget playing the British No. 1 at Wimbledon, no matter how many people were against him. Seems a delightful guy. And a heck of a player.
Murray’s not sure if this is his last Wimbledon. They’re showing a replay of a post match interview on the Beeb and he looked drained as he fielded questions. There’s still the US Open to come but is he spent?
Murray, Norrie and Broady all out within an hour. Does that mean British tennis is in a tough place? Not sure. It’s not ideal, is it?
Denis Shapovalov beats Liam Broady 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5
And that is that for British men in this year’s Wimbledon. Shapovalov was just too strong and it’s fitting that he wins it with a driving forehand down the line that beats a lunging Broady. The Brit showed a lot of heart, and he’ll never forget this magic run. But it wasn’t enough. The 26th seed from Canada advances.
Updated
Broady showing courage, but alsio desperation. He charges to the net to take on Shapovalov’s backhand. But that looked reckless and he buffs his half volley into the net. He then over cooks a lunging defensive shot and he’s staring down three match points.
Shapovalov breaks Broady. The Brit goes long after a decent second serve. He must now return the favour if he wants to stay alive in the competition.
Two break points for Shapovalov. Broady finds the net again with a booming forehand. Big moment now. He whips away a winner so keeps the game alive. Let first serve. This is tense.
Daniel Galan is the future of tennis. OK, he probably isn’t, but with a name like tht of course I’m going to give him airtime. The Columbian with the missing L is taking on Mikael Ymer of Sweden. He’s training in the fourth set 2-5 but was previously up 6-2, 6-7, 7-6.
Shapovalov ain’t quittin’. He steams through that service game. 5-5. Broady has no answer when receiving.
“Let’s go Liam” cries a fan from the crowd who you just know has a pair of trainers with white rubber soles and no visible socks. Broady takes his time before unfurling a mighty serve to take the game and nudge in front in this fourt set. 5-4 he leads. Bucking the trend in this set and breaking Shapavolav’s serve would really get this crowd on its feet.
Swiatek takes the first set 6-2. Simple as for the number one seed. She won all three break points and was 4/5 whenever she went to the net. 12 winners in that set too. Dominance. Bit ask now for Martic [30]
Shapovalov ties the set at 4-4. He thought he did so with an ace but Broady successfully reviews and then gives a knowing smile to the umpire. He’s scowling again as the Canadian eases the a winner past him.
The commentators are suggesting this is a tougher challenge for Broady than yesterday. They concede that Shapovalov isn’t as good as Casper Rudd on grass, but given the emotional high Broady is on, this is requiring a little extra effort. He’s held serve to take a 4-3 lead in the fourth. Reminder that he trails 2-1 and so must win this set.
Swiatek closing in on the first set. She’s 5-2 up and looking imperious. The eyes of a killer shark as she chews on a power bar. She’s landing 73% of her first serves and winning points with 63% of them. By contrast Martic is only taking points from 40% of her first serves.
Shapovalov holds firm. Or did Broady let him off the hook? I think a bit of both. A touch impatient from the Brit looking for those killer shots. Still, good composure from the Canadian. 3-3 in the fourth.
Thoughts on the below:
Liam Broady always looks way better than his ranking. Someone explain. #Wimbledon
— NiGraber (@audiolympics) July 7, 2023
Broady lets slip. Shapovalov’s second serve sits up on Broady’s forehand. The Brit winds up and unleashes a thunderbolt but closes the face on it too early. Into the net. Two break points wasted.
Broady inches ahead in this game. Shapovalov’s drop shot from deep finds the net and follows that up with a fierce backhand that doesn’t get up. Big chance for Broady to break at 15-40.
Back to Centre Court. Swiatek has broken Martic and is now serving for a 4-2 lead in the first set. She’s 30-0 up in this game.
Updated
Broady landing blows. It’s been such an impressive show from the 29-year-old (I called him young earlier. He’s younger than me but I thought he was younger than that!). Anyway, whatever his age, his hammered a fe forehands and controlled the tempo of that game on his own serve. He’s ahead 3-2.
An ace takes the game. Why rally when you can close things out with a booming serve? All serves holding so far in this fourth set. Shapavolav squares it at 2-2.
Huge forehand winner from Shapovalov. Broady is mixing it up with him but the power game from the Canadian makes the difference on this service game. His backhand isn’t as accurate. He’s too long from the baseline but still leads 40-15.
Updated
Broady holds serve. For the second game in a row he comes from behind to take control. 2-1 up int he fourth. Delicious hitting from the baseline. Just heard he’s never lost a five set match. Not sure how many he’s played but if he can take it that far he’ll feel confident.
On Centre Court, the women’s top seed, Iga Swiatek is 2-1 up on Petra Martic. She’s serving in pursuit of a 3-1 lead.
Shapovalov takes second game. He’s also 0-30 up on Broady’s serve. The young Brit doesn’t do things the easy way, does he? He’s just clattered a devastating backhand though to take a a point. Outstanding stroke.
Thanks Tanya! Hi everyone. Excited to get going though it’t not looking great for the Brits today., Murray is out and Broady is staring is down two sets to one. He did however survive three break points to take the first game of the fourth set. So perhaps another remarkable comeback? Let’s see.
So much has happened, so much still to come. Thanks for all your emails, Daniel Gallan will guide you through to the close with Broady, Swiatek, Jabeur, Djokovic and more. Bye!
Broady tries to gee up the crowd but he has too much to do and hits long to give Shapovalov the set 2-1. Shapovalov almost skips to the chair. Broady, the last remaining British hope in the men’s singles, sighs. But this isn’t done.
Broady looks crestfallen as he falls 30-15 behind, weighed down by his long shorts. The commentators wonder at Shapovalov’s angles.
Updated
A hard-hitting rally, and Shapovalov’s service game, ends when Broady hits into the net, head dropping to his knees as he watches it fall the wrong side of the netting. At 5-5, Broady then loses his serve to a combination of a fizzing Shapovalov and a double fault. Suddenly Shapovalov is leading the set 6-5 and is serving to win the set and go 2-1 up.
Time to fizz to the less pressurised arena of No. 2 court, where we have the battle of the headband (Liam Broady) against the baseball capped Denis Shapovalov. Shapovalov gobbles a bit of banana before serving at 4-5, one set all.
John McEnroe is impressed by Tsitsipas: “When I first saw Stefano I really thought he’d be a very good grass court player, and he hasn’t been, and to see him dig as deep as he did today was quite impressive. That draw is pretty wide open now so there is an opportunity for Tsitsipas to right this wrong and make a run. He is 12 years younger than Murray and very fit and looked quite fresh late in that fifth set.”
And on Murray: “You do burn some energy yelling and screaming, he needs to keep that in reserve a bit – easy to say from the commentary box and in the heat and he wants that so bad - but maybe at the end he got a little flat at the fifth set.”
A charming Tsitsipas speaks after the game.“It is difficult when you’ve grown up watching him [ Murray] play on this court, I had goosebumps when he won his first title. here. He was part of the top four for a very long time and I looked up to him, he and Roger and Rafa and Novak, these four guys are why I am the player I am today.”
Andy Murray is knocked out out of Wimbledon 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-7, 4-6
A bouncing smash, then an unplayable ace and the match belongs to Tsitsipas. Murray bows out of Wimbledon at the second round. He turns as he walks off to salute the crowd. Tsitsipas covers his eyes with his hands and grins broadly.
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The crowd try to lift Murray. At 30-0, Tsitsipas hits long, but has two match points at 40-15, and Murray saves them both! Judy Murray stares expressionless in sunglasses.
Murray, serving in full shade, summons every last reserve to hold his service game, digging out an ace and floating to the net to volley out the game. He looks knackered. So, to be fair, does Tsitsipas, but he has fewer years in his legs. Murray must now see off the Tsitsipas serve to stay in the match.
Updated
Murray gets a 2 out of ten for body language, tugging at his t-shirt, slumping about the court like a fed-up teen. Tsitsipas it tigerish on the approach, eating up his service game, leaping like an angel. Murray must serve to stay in the match.
Chris Eubanks beats Cam Norrie 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6
Wimbledon newbie Eubanks holds his nerve in the tie-break to go through to the third round for the first time in a Grand Slam, defeating last year’s semi-finalist Cam Norrie.
Eubanks d. Cam Norrie 6-3 3-6 6-2 7-6 at Wimbledon
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 7, 2023
This time last year, Chris was #159
Earlier this year in Miami, he came through qualifying & was in tears after he reached R4
Today:
✅7 match grass win streak
✅#40 live ranking
The journey of a humble tennis player. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/OrJGT1ghgL
Tsitsipas powers through another service game, booming aces and forehands to spray Murray on the back foot. I wonder if Murray is walking slightly gingerly as he goes to change his racket. Murray to serve 4-2.
The shade is coming in, creeping onto centre court like an unpegged sheet on the washing line. Murray holds his serve to love – he’s not done yet. Tsitsipas to serve 3-2.
Over on No1 court, the fourth set has gone to a tie-break.
Back to Murray, who has been broken in the final set, a forehand deflating into the net to hand Tsitsipas the advantage. Tsitsipas holds his serve, finishing with two aces, to zip 3-1 ahead.
Key event
Norrie somehow holds onto his serve despite some outstanding play from Eubanks, but on match point, Eubank hits long and Norrie crawls to 5-5 in the third set. Pumped he is.
Updated
Ooof Norrie overhead smashes into the net and a lady who looks very like Meryl Streep covers her eyes with the brim of her hat. 0-15.
Hold that Norrie hope, Eubanks has broken back. And on his own serve, baseball cap back to front, he rains down thunderbolts, Norrie lurking on the edge of the shade. Eubank win. At 4-5, Norrie must serve to stay in the match.
Round the courts, Cam Norrie has broken Eubanks in the fourth set he must win to stay in the game, he’s currently up 4-3. And Liam Broady has collected the first set against Shapovalov.
Murray v Tsitsipas heads to decider
Three set points for Tsitsipas, and he takes the first one he can, coming into the net and deftly waving a volley into the open grass. He clenches his fist. Murray rubs his nose and goes to sit on his chair. 2-2. Don’t go away, it is going to be a humdinger of a final set.
Updated
An endless rally ends in victory for Tsitsipas with a smash, breaking Murray’s serve. He follow up by winning his own: 5-3
Murray takes off his hat and roars in fury after hitting just long, 3-2 Tsitsipas.
Updated
Vintage Murray, a dreamy passing shot down the line, two aces and we’re into a tie break. The Murray box rises – Andy’s wife Kim looking impossibly fresh and fragrant.
Murray holds his service game with flurries of magic – 5-5, third set, the sun just starting to slip into late afternoon light. Centre Court library -silent between points as Tsitsipas holds his serve, now Murray must do the same to stay in the set. The players retreat to their chairs – Murray carefully drinks water and some kind of magic gel.
Kevin Mitchell has been watching Carlos Alcaraz, the prince who will be king.
It’s Tsitsipas’s game as Murray volleys into the net and whangs his racket into the net in frustration.
Elsewhere, up and down for the Brits. Liam Broady wins the first set against 26th seed Shapovalov 6-4, but not so easy for Cam Norrie, who is now two sets to one down against Chris Eubanks and his cannon serve. 3-6, 6-3, 2-6.
In the crowd a couple hold up some Union Jack bunting during a tense service game for Tsitsipas. Murray pickled by a couple of tight line calls – arms gesticulating – but it goes to deuce.
Thanks Dominic, can confirm how meltingly hot it is from a 200m walk to the post box. We’ll stick with Murray for now, with Andy furiously berating himself as he lost that last game. 30-0 up now in his serve, 40 love as Tsitsipas goes long; and game as Tsitsipas slips by the base line as he’s sent all over the place by Murray. 4-4.
Updated
RIGHT, Broady is 4-4 with Shapovalov, Norrie trailing 4-2 in the third to Eubanks, while Murray and Tsitsipas continue to remove chunks from each other. All in near 30C heat.
I’m going for a lie down and an ice-cold Fanta. Here’s Tanya Aldred again to see you through the late afternoon heat.
The rallies are getting longer and ever more intriguing and you have to think that’s a boon for Murray. The Scot’s touch around the net has never eluded him, through all the injury hell and he’s got stickability aplenty. That’s his most convincing hold of this set … 3-3.
Ah … so nearly the break Murray has been craving, but Tsitsipas leans on his thunderbolt of a serve and volleys home to hold. The Scot is starting to berate himself and his camp in the box, as he usually does. No panic yet Andy!
Updated
Scratch that, Broady has broken back – three games apiece on No 2 court. G’wan the lad.
Tsurenko v Bogan on court 14 is going DEEP into a third set tie-breaker, by the way. It’s 11-11 as the two scrap it out for a place in the women’s fourth round.
Updated
Murray ekes it out, 2-2, with a pump of the fist. It’s not such good news for the two other British guys on court at the minute. Norrie has started the third set slowly and trails 3-0 to a resurgent Eubanks, while Broady is a break down against Shapovalov.
Murray v Tsitsipas is following a similar pattern to last night’s stuff. The big Greek painlessly holding serve and the two-time champ fighting hard in typical fashion, much to Centre’s elation.
“One of the best shots in the game is Tsitsipas’ forehand,” warbles John McEnroe. He ain’t wrong. Still on deuce on the Muzza serve.
Paul MacInnes has been writing this diary pieces from Wimbledon this week and this latest one covers a hectic start to Friday’s action. From Aliaksandra Sasnovich’s attempts to avoid sun burn to the growing swell of support for Cam Norrie.
Game Murray. That’s 1-1 in the fourth set in blazing Centre Court sunshine and a truly Wimbledon feel to everything this afternoon. July is the best, isn’t it?
Norrie takes the second set! Eubanks displayed a lovely touch around the net to force a deuce the Brit really didn’t want. But a couple of big serves later and it’s 1-1 in sets.
Excuse me while I change the TV channel to Murray. Sorry, Cam.
We will, of course, keep you updated across all today’s main matches.
Updated
Wins for Azarenka and Sinner! The Belarusian former world No 1 advances in straight sets over Kasatkina, while the men’s No 8 seed has beaten France’s Quentin Halys in four.
Eubanks holds for 5-3, forcing Norrie to serve for the second set. I’ll watch that and then pivot to Murray. Because I can’t help myself. Sorry not sorry.
Mega awks, this.
When the interviewer thinks you've won... but you didn't 😬
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2023
This was one awkward press conference for Paula Badosa #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/sz7UrATG8p
A big cheer can be heard from outside No 1 Court as Eubanks serves to make it 4-2 in the second. It’s coming from Murray Mound/Field/Mount, as it is duly named today, and marks the Scot’s entrance onto Centre Court. On the 10th anniversay of his first Wimbledon title, are we to see more heroics from Andy?
What. A. Moment.
— LTA (@the_LTA) July 7, 2023
10 years ago the country held its breath…and @andy_murray ENDED a 77-year wait for a male British champion at @Wimbledon 😍 pic.twitter.com/0tafheN2E8
Some other results and near-results from around the courts:
Davidovich Fokina has beaten Van De Zandschulp in four sets on court 15 – 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
Victoria Azarenka is a set up and serving to go 5-4 up on court 12; she’s playing 11th seed Daria Kasatkina
Alexander Bublik is on the brink against Germany’s Max Marterer, two sets and up on court 18
We’re going to have three British men in action simultaneously, as Liam Broady arrives on No 2 court to knock up before his clash with Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian, seeded 26th, should provide a stiff test for the Stockport lad. Andy Murray is next on Centre Court, of course, resuming against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Norrie holds serve to go 3-0 in the second set on No 1 court.
Updated
Alcaraz beats Muller 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-3
Alcaraz is having a few issues closing this out against Muller. It should still be a straight sets affair but it’s edged beyond the 2 hr 30 minute mark.
Aaaaannd … he’s done it! The top seed climbs into the third round. Who fancies facing him? It will be the winner of the Kubler v Jarry match that is currently a set apiece on court eight.
Updated
Norrie got himself to 0-30 on the Eubanks serve. But the American fought back to 40-30, before a double fault and duffed volley into the net allows the Brit to break immediately in the second. ‘Come on!’ he barks.
Zverev beats Watanuki 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2
Alex Zverev has done the job against Yosuke Watanuki, although he dropped a set en route to the last 32.
Alcaraz has the break of serve in the third set and looks good value to join him.
Updated
Thanks Tanya! Cam Norrie in a spot of bother then, but the other seeded players in the men’s draw faring well, as things stand. Let’s get into this …
Updated
An incredible passing shot from Norrie rouses the crowd into claps and whoops but a booming second serve bounces so high that a leaping Norrie can only hit the ball into the net. Eubanks’ set, 6-3. Norrie, sunblock swept over his nose and cheeks, sits down dejected. And with that, I’ll hand back to Dominic Booth who will take you through the next hour.
It was coming… Eubanks breaks the Norrie serve to love and now serves for the set.
Norrie’s serve goes to the wire but he grabs onto the bone and holds on for dear life to hold. Eubanks then rattles through another win. At six foot seven, the Eubanks serve is both a thing of beauty and a thing of terror . But he isn’t just a wrecking ball, he, approaches the net to let a volley drift into space, and is remarkably light on his feet for such a tall man. Leads 4-3, first set.
Updated
We’ll leave Centre Court with the third set going with serve, and mooch around to Court One where Cam Norrie and the big serving Christopher Eubanks are in the early minutes of their match. Eubanks slams an ace down the centre – his seventh of the short game - and skips to the net to feather a winner. He leads 3-2, first set.
Updated
An Alcaraz drop shot lands with a kiss but a series of sloppy shots allows Muller to hold his game despite Alcaraz having a series of break points. One game all, third set.
Roger Federer on Carlos Alcaraz & pressure:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 7, 2023
“I don't like to put too much pressure on young players like ‘He's going to do this’ But he's the type who says ‘I’m coming to Wimbledon, I'm coming to win. I'm coming to Paris, I'm coming to win.' He puts it on his own which is great” pic.twitter.com/d788R1KN4Q
Bad news for the line judges in their Ralph Lauren blazers.
Not sure how long commentators/journalists are going to last either…
I run to fill up my water bottle and by the time I’m back Alcaraz is up and running, feathering a cross-court winner to go 5-0 up in the set. Muller pulls it back to 6-2 but Alcaraz wins the game with a killer half-volley at the net. 6-4, 7-6.
Updated
Alcaraz bounces back with a powerful array of serves, coupled with a long rally which he wins too. We have a tie-break on our hands.
Updated
Right, now that’s over, let’s return to Centre Court where Muller is putting up a good fight against the No. 1 seed. Alcaraz juggles a selection of balls before choosing the one that will win him the game to make it it 5-5 in the second.
HE twists his racket from hand to hand as he waits to receive the Muller serve – but repeatedly hits long and Muller wins to love. Alcaraz must now serve to stay in the set.
Sabalenka beats Gracheva 6-2, 5-7, 2-6
But wins the match with an ace screaming down the centre. They clutch hands at the net and a relived Sabalenka blows kisses to the crowd. That was harder than it should have been. “Thank you much for your support, she says. “It was super tough, I couldn’t find my rhythm, I just kept telling myself, keep fighting.”
At 30-15 up, Sabalenka double faults hugely.
This looks terminal for Gracheva now as she loses her serve, 5-2 down. She stares at her water bottle and wipes her face with her towel. Sabalenka serves for the match.
Updated
A series of Exocets from the Sabalenka racket threaten the gentility of SW19. But Gracheva takes her to deuce for the first time since the first set – making a good challenged in the process – but Sabalenka finishes with an ace into the corner of the eye. 4-2 in the third set
Now Gracheva must serve to a woman who awaits delivery with legs incredibly widely splayed, like a gymnast on the mat.
In the stands, a spectator unfolds a colourful fan to watch Sabalenka send Gracheva from corner to corner, but Gracheva recovers and wins the game when Sabalenka sends a wispy half-volley into the net. Sabalenka still leads, 3-2.
A superb point – some powerful cross -court backhand battles pounded out before Gracheva approaches the net and closes down the point with a delicate high volley into an empty court.
Sabalenka has found her mojo over on Court One. She’s already broken Gracheva’s serve and backs it up with a fierce service hold. Leads the third set 3-1.
A superb bit of fielding by a ball boy on Centre Court, after Alcaraz mis-hits a ball into the clear skies of SW19. If anyone was watching the Women’s T20 at The Oval, he fumbled and caught the ball like Tahlia McGrath. After a rolling flurry of deuces, Muller holds serve to pull ahead: 2-1.
Updated
Fluttering round the grounds:
Third seed Medvedev duly beat Mannarino 6-3, 6-3, 7-6
Sixth seed Rune knocked out Carballes Baena in three sets :6-3, 7-6, 6-4
And a routine win for Berrettini against De Minaur 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
While Quentin Halys has the no 8 seed Sinner in trouble, leading 5-2 in the second set.
Key event
And Sabalenka draws level, by winning the second set 5-7, by sheer force of will. Seventy-one percent of her first serves in this time.
Updated
Alcaraz wraps up the first set in 45 minutes, 6-4. Not his finest performance but good enough.
A suggestion from Michael Todd:
Hope you are enjoying the tennis Tanya. Ash Barty wore shorts from time to time.
— 💧 Michael Q Todd Editor of inform.news #AusPol (@michaelqtodd) July 7, 2023
I have an idea for Wimbledon. Give Just Stop Oil some sponsorship rights and maybe the chance to play some videos and hand out info
JSO to replace Barclays? I like it! Incidentally, Wimbledon have done lots of great work in the sustainability field.
Updated
Under the shade of an umbrella held by a ball girl, Sabalenka puts a bag of ice on her neck.
Sabalenka rises to the occasion, slugging it out with her opponent, winning her service game to love with a succession of fierce double handed backhands. Gracheva bends over her racket in frustration. And then rapidly loses her own service game to go 6-5 down. The momentum is with Sabalenka.
Muller has just been broken on Centre, while on Court One, Sabalenka battles to stay in Wimbledon. Very impressed by Gracheva’s cool, inscrutable under her sun visor as she gets a lucky net cord and then takes a 5-4 lead in the second set. Sabalenka serving to stay in the Championship.
More shorts updates, thank you Susannah Sutton! “Diane Parry wore shorts to beat Harriet Dart in the first round. She also wore shorts when she lost in the following round.”
Shorts obviously the practical choice but if someone was offering a gorgeous tennis dress, I could be tempted.
Alcaraz, tiny shadow under his feet, serves to level again at 3-3. An uncharacteristic flurry of unforced errors from him in these early games. If Muller could pull off a surprise, it would be his first third round Grand Slam appearance.
Let’s leave the Women’s No. 2 seed to ferment her anger and go to Centre Court, where No. 1 seed Alacaraz has just survived three break points against Muller and drills out the game to make it 2-2. Wimbledon Queen Martina Navratilova is in the crowd, looking cool in a rose shirt and jacket.
And just to prove me wrong, Sabelenka wallops the backside out of the tennis ball to win her service game to love, grunting loudly at each furious shot. 1-1.
“Hi Tania,” hello Craig Miles!
“Viktoria Azarenka wore shorts, but a while ago. Not sure if she still does.
I’m enjoying the Wimbledon coverage, but wouldn’t you rather be on the OBO from Headingley?”
I’m supposed to be doing that on Sunday – if it last that long….
England are having almost as bad a day as Sabalenka who loses the first game of the second set to love, puts her hand on her hips and remonstrates with..the world?
And that is that, Gracheva takes the set 6-2. A furious Sablenka stalks off to take a toilet break – her first set containing five double faults, 16 unforced errors and just 45 percent of her first serves in the box.
She hits long to give Gracheva three set points, wheels spinning rapidly off in all directions.
No 2 seed Sabalenka is 5-2 down against Gracheva. She doubles faults twice to go 30-0 down, serving to stay in the set.
And here is Berrettini looking swell.
so let's talk about Matteo Berrettini hugo boss campaign#AusOpen #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/u3klXBWRAn
— candice (@starryquin) January 30, 2022
Back on Court 18, Berrettini’s serve is still proving tricky for De Minaur, as he rattles out a service win to lead the second set 5-3, first set already in the bag.
Three aces in a row by Sabalenka – all hovering around 120mph – are enough to level the first set 2-2.
Updated
Despite a roaring double-handed back hand, and a powerful forehand winner down the line, Sabalenka can’t break Gracheva in the third game. Unforced errors hampering her game.
Zipping over to No. 1 Court where the Amazonian second seed Aryna Sabalenka has broken Varvara Gracheva’s serve in the very first game. Gracheva is resplendent in shorts, don’t remember seeing a woman playing in them since Navratilova – though I might not have been giving tennis my full attention since then. Please feel free to correct me.
Updated
Let’s potter quickly round the courts, strawberries in hand:
Madison Keys wrapped up her game against Viktorija Golubic, 7-5, 6-3.
Third seed Daniil Medvedev is chewing up Adrian Mannarino on No. 2 Court.6-3, 6-3, 5-5.
Twenty year old Dane Holger Rune – quarter finalist in Paris – is 2 sets up against Roberto Carballes Baena.
Updated
A bird’s eye view of the grounds shows Henman Hill absolutely rammed! Lots of boaters and backpacks on view. If you’re there, hope you can shimmy into some shade for your sandwiches and perhaps a glass of Pimms.
De Minaur not going down without a fight on Court 18, winning his serve to love. But hold that thought – Berrettini wins his own serve convincingly to rapidly take the first set 6-3.
Sixteen minutes into his match against Alex De Minaur, Matteo Berrettini is 4-1 up in the first set. Berrettini, I’ve learnt, is the only player to have a non-sporty clothes sponsor. Hugo Boss in fact. And he looks duly immaculate and ruggedly coiffured. De Minaur , the Australian Snow White to Nick Kyrgios’s Rose Red, is struggling with Berrettini’s serve and touch tennis.
The two time champ and eighth seed Kvitova duly breaks Sasnovich’s serve to get through to the third round -(6-2, 6-2)- where she will face the winner of the match on Court 12 between 25th seed Madison Keys and Viktorija Golubic. Keys collected the first set 7-5 and is currently 5-3 up in the second.
Meanwhile on Court 18, Marta Kostyuk has skipped through to the third round at Wimbledon for the first time after Paula Badosa retired with a back injury early in set two. That could mean curtains for Badosa’s mixed doubles partnership with Andy Murray’s current match-up: Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Full of admiration for Sasnovich’s long sleeves, white leggings look. As a fellow fair-skinned gal, I feel her pain in the heat of the day. Kvitova has nearly wrapped things up on Court Two, breaking Sasnovich’s serve with a head down (think Jimmy Anderson’s bowling action) cross-court winner. And she’s just won her own serve to lead 5-2 in the second set, with the first set already under her belt.
If you’re in the queue or court side, do drop me a line with your thoughts, as the beeb flashes over the practise courts where Carlos Alcaraz is running through his moves in a casual black T-shirt. So looking forward to seeing him later – his Centre Court match against the Frenchman Alexandre Muller starts at 1.30 this afternoon.
Thanks Dominic! It is crazy busy today in SW19, congratulations if you lucked out in the Centre Court ballot. Have just been watching Petra Kvitova on Court Two, not quite on top of her game but a set up against Aliaksandra Sasnovich – who has shown flashes of inspiration but also fluffed some winners.
Brengle wins the tie-breaker 7-4. And back on Kvitova’s court, it’s on serve.
At this juncture, I’m going to hand over to Tanya Aldred to take you through what is, quite frankly, a ridiculously busy afternoon. Go well, Tanya!
Rune on the charge! Back-to-back breaks and a string of unforced errors from Carballes Baena give the Dane the first set 6-3. Minutes earlier, he’d been struggling to hold serve at 3-2 down. A thumping ace gets the job done, well played young man.
Updated
Some other first sets have come to a conclusion around the courts:
Keys wins the first set 7-5 against Golubic
Jule Niemeier has taken the first v Dalma Galfi on court 11
Alexandrova and Brengle have gone to a breaker on 17
First set for Kvitova! 6-2 and she finally cracks a smile. I can’t help but feel Sasnovich must be warm; she’s wearing full length leggings. Surely inadvisable in this heat. I’ve got shorts on and I’m only live blogging.
Both Madisons lost their crucial games. It’s five apiece in both encounters.
Carballes Baena and Rune are trading hammers blows from the bassline on No 3 court with the Spaniard a break up but labouring to hold serve.
That was much harder work than it needed to be for Kvitova. She eventually dials in her misfiring serve, a cracking forehand kisses the line to complete the job, and she’s a game away from the set now, 5-2.
O’Connell has taken the first set 6-3 against Vesely. Those pesky Aussies …
Updated
Madison Brengle is serving for the first set in her match against 21st seed Ekaterina Alexandrova out on court 17. In other Madison news, Madison Keys is trying to break Golubic to take the first on court 12. If they both get through, we could have Madison squared.
Sorry.
Kvitova has broken back thanks to some fearsome forehands, which propel her back into a strong position in this first set. It’s 4-2 in games to the Czech, although she’s pushed to deuce on her serve. Meanwhile, Kostyuk has indeed taken that first set on court 18.
Kostyuk is serving for the set against Badosa, 5-2 up. There’s plenty to like about the Ukrainian, as there is plenty to enjoy at Wimbledon today. We’re only just getting started.
And would you look at these queues around the All England Club this morning. Get your sun cream and your hats on if you’re coming along.
Carballes Baena held, while Sasnovich has broken back against Kvitova. The seeds not having it all their own way early doors on Courts 2 and 3.
Elsewhere, it’s a good morning for Australia (and not just in the Ashes) as their man Christopher O’Connell steams into a 4-1 first set lead against Jiri Vesely on court 14.
Who is the most famous person from Stockport? As a Stopfordian myself, it’s nice to see this debate getting a bit of air time, as we all get caught up in the romance of Liam Broady’s Wimbledon run. (Can’t believe Ricky Hatton and Claire Foy were omitted from this debate, mind you.)
"Phil Foden, the Blossoms band, we've got some pretty famous people!"
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) July 7, 2023
After beating Casper Ruud to reach round three at Wimbledon, does Liam Broady feel he's now Stockport's second favourite son, behind Fred Perry?
🎾😂#BBCTennis #Wimbledon 🍓
Updated
Sasnovich gets on the board with a comfortable hold. 3-1. Rune is hitting back on No 3 court and we’re pinging back and forth from deuce to advantage on the Carballes Baena serve.
A great start for Kvitova. She’s broken Sasnovich to take race into early 3-0 lead in the first set. We’ve already seen a couple of those flashing forehands for which she’s so famed.
On court 18, Kostyuk is a break of serve up on Badosa.
Rune is broken in his first game. Not the ideal start for the 20-year-old, whose best grand slam performances have come on the Roland Garros clay. Carballes Baena is an experienced campaigner, but this is his first ever second round match at Wimbledon. Green meets green on the grass courts.
Natalija Stevanovic takes the first game, on serve, against Tamara Korpatsch of Germany on court eight. A reminder that these are all still second round matches, because of the wet London weather earlier in the week. We’ve had all seasons in the space of a few days in the capital. Typical, eh.
No such issues today, to the point where Wimbledon is going to be at full capacity, hence this warning from organisers:
Our Grounds are set to be at capacity today, which means those already in the Queue will be waiting several hours for admission.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2023
We advise people intending to Queue today not to travel to Wimbledon.
They’re knocking up in nine singles matches on the outside courts. Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova is the main attraction, as well as the hugely promising Dane, Rune. While they get warm, enjoy some morning reading on a good day for the Brits yesterday.
Preamble
Well, what a day five we have in store. Those with Centre Court tickets are in for a real treat. They’ll get to see the third round matches involving top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, as well as the bonus of the Murray v Tsitsipas resumpton before Novak Djokovic taking on Stan Wawrinka. Tasty.
Before that, the outside courts get under way at 11am, and our focus will be on former champ Petra Kvitova taking on Aliaksandra Sasnovich on No 2 court, as well as Holger Rune who is first up on No 3 court against Roberto Carballes Baena – both second round matches. Madison Keys is also in action on court 12 and Kostyuk v Badosa promises to be close. The weather is set fair today with temperatures pushing 30C.
