That, then, is us. We’ll be back tomorrow at midday to bring you the first four quarter-finals, two men’s and two women’s – among them Jannik Sinner v Daniil Medvedev. See you then – but until then, peace out.
“Djokovic is absolutely right,” says Robert Speed. “People think they’re being clever by saying Rune’s name as an excuse to boo Djokovic. Do Rune chants ring out in his other matches? Doubt it. It’s happened before exactly like this, and good for Djokovic to call it out.”
I don’t know. I don’t think it matters if it’s happened in Rune’s previous matches, he’s playing the greatest of all-time, on Centre Court, that’s a different thing to most of what he’s done before. There are inescapable phonic similarities between the relevant sounds and I can see it’s possible people might relish that, but it’s still Rune’s name and based on other sporting chants – “Ruuuuuud” and “Roooooot”, a defence I find not unpersuasive.
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I don’t know. I only mentioned Djokovic and the crowd a couple of times in the blog because Rishi’s explanation worked for me too. Of course Ruuuuuuuuuune sounds a bit like booooooo, but the way I read it, the crowd just wanted to see more tennis, were Danish, or both. So they wanted Djokovic to play less well, but that’s normal, and if Rune’s name didn’t include the relevant sound, they’d have done something else.
I can’t ignore the fact that Djokovic was on the court and could see and hear things I couldn’t, but the commentators didn’t appraise anything untoward either; from what was said in the interview, I think Djokovic thought they were boooing him under the cover of Ruuuuning Rune. All I can say is that’s not how I saw it.
However, Djokovic no doubt uses this kind of thing as fuel and his ability to be affronted then calmly avenge is a big reason he’s the greatest men’s tenniser we’ve ever seen. I look forward to seeing what happens when he comes out against De Minaur on Wednesday.
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Djokovic is very pleased. He admits that Rune made a tough start, losing the first 12 points and that got to him mentally so he didn’t play his best or anywhere near. He also wonders if waiting all day to play harmed his opponent, but he’s also glad that he played such a solid match.
Asked about his dealings with the crowd, Djokovic thanks “all the fans that have respect and stayed her tonight, thanks you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it. And to all those who have chosen to disrespect a player, in this case me, have a gooooooood night! … Goooooodnight! Goooooodnight! Very gooooood night!”
To his credit, Rishi Persad wonders if they were just cheering Rune, not dissing him. “They were, they were, I don’t accept it,” says Djokovic. “Nonono. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse, they also boo. Listen, I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years so trust me, I know all the tricks, I know how it works. It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s OK. I focused on respectful people that have respect that paid a ticket to come along and watch tonight and love tennis. And love tennis. And appreciate the efforts that the players put in here. I played in much more hostile environments, trust me, you guys can’t touch me.”
Finally, asked about knee surgery, he says he’s feeling great on the court so is taking it day by day, will get on the practice court, and chat to his team. De Minaur is quick and playing well so he’ll have to do a lot of running but at 37 he’s still enjoying it so will look forward to it.
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Novak Djokovic (2) beats Holger Rune (15) 6-3 6-4 6-2
“Absolutely insane!” purrs Nick Kyrgios when Djokovic finishes the match with a gorgeous volley backing up a concussive forehand. He plays his racket-guitar like a violin, a tribute to his young daughter who’s just started lessons – how cool must that be to do and receive?! And he played really well tonight, especially if he’s injured. Rune is good but was nowhere near him – he just didn’t have the weapons, hands or nous to hurt him. Next for Djokovic: Alex De Minaur, and providing he too is fit, that should be fun.
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Djokovic makes 0-15, finishing brilliant rally at the net, then Rune goes long, and he just has no answer here. Ultimately, though he’s a very fine and promising player, he lacks the weapons of the top few – and various others – so doesn’t have much tactical flexibility when playing the best. Shonuff, another error means 15-40 and three almost match-points; Djokovic flicks a drop back and on to the sideline, but a challenge shows the ball to have dropped out. Ach, but down 30-40, Rune disburses a double, challenging the second fault but walking towards his seat and hitting the net-post before discovering what he already knows. Djokovic has the double-break and will now serve for the match at 6-3 6-4 5-2.
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Rune holds then Djokovic does some slipping and sliding en route to facing deuce. Rune, meantime, has decided to vary the angle and pace, chucking in a few moon-balls before a big forehand makes break point. So Djokovic goes for the hardest serve in the book, advantage court out wide because why not, then comes in behind it and taps away a volley. And from there he of course closes out; I’m beginning to suspect he is quite good at tennis.
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Wheels! Rune charges in to pick up a stop-volley, flicking over the high part of the net to make 30-all on the Djokovic serve. For all the good it does him, Djokovic quickly securing another hold – though when he directs an overhead towards his man, he’s a little lucky the attempted pass is out not a winner. He leads 3-1 in the third.
Djokovic consolidates to 30 and you get the impression Rune knows the jig is up, his opponent improving through the rounds as the matches get harder. And with Zverev, the man he was seeded to meet in the semi, now out, from here he need only beat De Minaur then Fritz or Musetti to reach the final. as Ryan Giggs might say, he’d’ve took that. Rune, though, holds to get on the board in set three; he trails 3-6 4-6 1-2.
“I don’t remember much about the Denmark 0-0 Serbia Euro 2024 group stage match,” writes Peter Oh. “But that occasion probably featured less ironic chanting than Rune v Djokovic.”
I was blogging that game for a different outlet and can say that it is without doubt one of the worst games of anything ever played.
No further questions your honour.
Olly Murs and Mark Wright pose in the evian Suite on day eight of #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/qP4tsgKaSC
— Spotted @ Wimbledon (@CelebsWimbledon) July 8, 2024
You’ll not be surprised to learn that Djokovic makes 0-30, then chasing along the baseline, he skids, almost splitting, into a backhand cross that Rune can’t return at the net; a ridiculous shot for anyone, never mind a 37-year-old. Three break points, and though Rune saves the first, another stretch-backhand is again too good. Djokovic leads 6-3 6-4 1-0 and the way he serves and is serving, it’s hard to see how he loses from here.
Djokovic quickly makes 30-0 but a double makes things semi-interesting, then a butchered forehand levels the game. And have a look! A long rally from the back, and it’s Djokovic who blinks first; out of naewhere, Rune is in this, somehow raising his first break point of the match. I was about to type “and naturally a service-winner follows,” but I was wrong; it’s a mere big serve that sets up the unerring putaway. Then, a minger of a deep backhand sets up an inside-out winner down the line and a similar serve facilitates a swing-volley that Rune can’t get back.So Djokovic leads 6-3 6-4 and he goads the crowd by chanting Ruuuuuuune in as ostentatious a manner as possible. As you would.
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Djokovic makes 0-30 then guides a fine return deep into the backhand corner, doing enough with the overhead putaway to raise three points for a 2-0 lead. The first disappears when he returns long, the second when he returns into the net – I can’t believe he’s not got that one back into play because the serve was nothing special – and the third when he drops into the net. But he soon earns advantage and plays a fine shot to the corner, Rune responding well and forcing Djokovic to leap into the splits, still unable to get the ball back. If he can do that he must be doing alright, but he soon burns a fifth set point with a loose backhand, then cedes a sixth when Rune pastes a forehand inside-out and past him. In comms, they think Djokovic thinks he’s being booed when the crowd shout “Ruuuuuune”, but he’s a football fan; I can’t believe he’s not discerned what’s really going on. And as i type, Ruuuuuuune secures a taxing hold with a high-kicking ace down the T. Djokovic leads 6-3 5-4 and will shortly serve for a set he’s already bussed six chances to win.
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I say Djokovic doesn’t let you off the hook but that’s not entirely correct: when up a break, he has been known to tank returning games to prevent his opponent getting the rhythm they need to break back. What a gent! He holds to 15 and leads 6-3 5-3.
Up 40-30, Rune tries a hopeful drop and can’t make it, then a further error, a backhand shovelled long, means he must now defend a break point. So Rune sends down what he thinks is an ace but it’s overturned on review … so Rune sends down a terrific kick second serve then finishes the point with a forehand winner down the line. Thing is, it’s not really clear what his plan is here, and that’s a surprise because given who he’s playing, how can he win without one? He quickly nets a backhand then swats another wide because pressure tells – Djokovic just doesn’t let you off the hook, and the lead is now 6-3 4-3.
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Back on Centre, Djokovic has some kind of stomach situation, grimacing and touching it. So he rushes off the court at change of ends to do who knows what, arrives back just in time, and holds to 30 for 3-3 in the second set. I’m Rune, I’m looking to get him stretching – and yes, I accept that is easier said than done.
“It’s a great feeling, it’s a huge honour to be here,” says Krejcikova. Having won a slam and played on big courts in doubles is a big help for her; Wimbledon is a “magic place”.
She’s looking forward to meeting Ostapenko next but for now will enjoy her win and the atmosphere in the family she’s staying with; she seems extremely calm, and having won a major before, won’t shrink from here on in.
Barbora Krejcikova (31) beats Danielle Collins (11) 7-5 6-3
Krejcikova has got surprisingly good on grass, able to hit it hard but also use angles and spins; she meets Ostapenko next.
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Ach, Collins can’t keep it going, wrongfooted on the baseline when Krejcikova lands a winner on the chalk for 0-40. Three match points to the Czech…
Rune races out of court to try a forehand down the line but clobbers a ballboy, who’s fine; Djokovic holds. And well done Danielle Collins, who raises break point – she’s hitting it a bit harder now – only to miss with a forehand. No matter, Krejcikova sends down a double and Collins takes control of the point with a nice forehand, but the follow up is cautious and invites the winner down the line that restores deuce. And from there, consecutive errors from the Czech cede one of her breaks! Collins will now serve down 5-7 3-5.
Holds for Collins and Rune, meaning Krejcikova will now serve for the match at 7-5 5-2, and Rune is up 1-0 in the second having lost the first.
It may be a coincidence, but it’s impossible not to notice how many players are struggling with injury. Obviously there’s Collins, Djokovic has a knee-brace, so did Zverev, and yesterday Keys and Dimitrov defaulted while Raducanu thought about it. And that’s just the last two days. Perhaps the players play too much, though I also reckon the depth of quality and how physical the game now is makes a difference; there are far fewer coasting opportunities.
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Er yeah, Djokovic serves out to 15 and clinches a 6-3 first set. Rune has improved since losing the first three games to love, but you can’t give this lad a start like that and expect to emerge with anything. He needs to start cracking it from the back and probably coming in more, but perhaps more than anything, 59% of first serves landed is nowhere near enough against the best returner of all time, who will not be threatened by his second delivery. Elsewhere, Krejcikova holds to lead Collins 7-5 5-1.
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Collins returns but she’s not moving freely and Krejcikova quickly secures the double break for 4-1. On Centre, Djokovic is serving for the first set at 5-3
A hold apiece on Centre, Djokovic now up 5-2 while, on No 1, Krejcikova keeps herself warm. It’d be a such a shame if this was the last we saw of Collins, though in fairness she looks close to the exit regardless of her injury.
Down 5-7 1-3 0-30, Collins calls for the trainer; she seems to have an issue with her left knee and perhaps her back. So she goes off for treatment, and in comms Jo Durie reckons this’ll be an ijury she was managing, not one she sustained in this match.
More gnashing form Collins as Krejcikova breaks then consolidates to love. She leads 7-5 3-1 and the American is struggling to adjust her feet to deal with the variable bounce you get on grass. On Centre, meanwhile, another comfortable hold for Djokovic and Rune is struggling to respond; it’s hard to see a way he can win this, and he certainly can’t by lasting longer in baseline rallies. He’s surely got to try and shorten points, coming to the net if necessary; at the moment, he’s serving at 1-4 deuce, again struggling to hold.
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Wild cheers as Rune makes 15-0 – he smiles because what else can he do? – holding to 15 to trail 1-3. Collins and Krejcikova, meanwhile, are 1-1 in set two, the Czech having taken the first 7-5.
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Another hold for Djokovic – he leads 3-0 – and Rune has still not won a point. He’ll have given himself a talking-to before going out there, discussing what he planned to do, ordering himself to stay calm, and, well.
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Djokovic holds to love then breaks to love, and Rune trails 0-2 having not won a point. In comms, Mac thinks he’s trying to serve a bit harder, and for now, it’s not working out for him. Meantime, Collins survives break points in the process of holding at the start of set two to trail 5-7 1-0.
Rune has beaten Djokovic a couple of times before and the big advantage he has over many others is self-belief; I’m told he genuinely believes himself to be the best player in the world. He also hits the ball flat and hard which prevents Djokovic from shaping his own shots as he’d like, even though you assume he’ll find a way.
Apparently there’s a very significant storm imminent, so there probably won’t be much more play on outside courts. But our roofs are extended so we’re good to go in our main matches, and on Centre, Djokovic is about to serve.
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Krejcikova has looked the likelier, eventually breaking for 6-5, and when Collins larrups a forehand long, she clinches the set having seemed to handle the business-end pressure the better.
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It’s now 5-5 on No 1, Collins chastising herself as she nets to cede 0-15. I’d be staggered if either of these lifted the trophy on Saturday, just as I was when … Krejcikova won Roland Garros. It’s hard to look past Rybakina, I guess, but if Ostapenkz maintains her level, it’ll take something significant to stop here.
Back on No1 we’re still on serve, Collins leading Krejcikova 5-4 in the first.
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Fritz meets Musetti next and I reckon he thinks that win has been coming. In 2022, he lost a five-setter to Nadal in the last eight, then in last year’s US open he did well against Djokovic for two sets but lost in three, and in Melbourne the same opponent saw him away at the same stage in four. Now, though, he faces an opponent he should beat in the quarters, which brings with it its own pressure, but he was so strong today, physically and mentally, that you’d back him to handle it.
Next on Centre: Holger Rune (15) v Novak Djokovic (2).
Fritz is struggling for words, but says that at 0-2 he was still playing well and he was thinking that it’d suck to be hitting that level and lose in three. So he focused on taking the third, knowing he' was down only because of a few points here and there and taking it one game at a time worked out.
He thanks his team and asked what was said afterwards, he explains that he could see Zverev wasn’t moving as well so wanted to check his knee was alright.
Taylor Fritz (13) beats Alexander Zverev (4) 4-6 (4)6-7 6-4 7-6(3) 6-3
Zverev looks ready to yak – he’ll be starting to wonder if he’ll ever win one of these – and the two have a long chat at the net. Fritz, though, is buzzing – this is the biggest win of his career and the first time he’s beaten a top-four player in a slam – and it’s been a long time coming. Who saw it coming?
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A booming forehand return down the line breaks a run of nine consecutive points on serve for Fritz, but at the end of another nasty rally, Zverev strays fractionally long, then Fritz carts a backhand winner cross-court to raise two match points! From two sets down, he’s almost there!
Down 0-15, Zverev smokes a forehand winner down the line, then another big forehand makes 30-15 and forehands followed by a backhand 40-15. But what is that?! Fritz flicks a backhand return off his foot from the deuce corner and it clips the near sideline to up the pressure … but Zverev closes out. The American will have to serve for it, and the tension must be mind-boggling … ort not! He opens the game with an ace…
Zverev holds for 2-4 in the fifth but he’s running out of chances to break and, at 0-0, he opts not to play a ball that he thinks is going out … but it hits the sidelines full in the face and an ace follows. Next, a service-winner, then an ace, and in five strokes Fritz takes himself to within a game of a last-eight match against Lorenzo Musetti. He leads 5-2 in the fifth and Zverev, sat in his seat, looks spooked; he’s not moving as well as usual because of the knee he injured against Norrie and he’s somehow got to break one of the best serves in the game … provided he can hold his own.
A dive across the face of the net touches back a flicked drop for 15-30, then a gigantic serve makes 30-all. Zverev then lands a terrific return on to the baseline only to go too hard at the backhand that’s behind it before netting a tame forehand, and Fritz consolidates for for 4-1 in the fifth! He’s playing like a man who expects to win, while Zverev has the air of one who fears he’s thrown it away.
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On No 1, it’s 1-1 between Collins and Krejcikova; on Centre, Zverev has 0-30...
At 15-all, Fritz plays a decent squash-shot to get out of the corner and stay in the point… then Zverev makes a total mess of a forehand, shanking it to who knows where, then a quality backhand cross sets up the putaway and Fritz has two breaking opportunities! He’s the stronger man from back now, but at the end of a punishing rally his drop sits up just enough for Zverev to charge in and flip a winner down the line. So another sapping exchange ensues, the pair swapping weapons-grade forehands … until Zverev annihilates one just long, and Fritz has the break! Taylor Fritz leads 3-1 in the fifth, having trailed 2-0! But can he hold it down now the pressure is on?!
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That Ostapenko slice…
Outstanding from Ostapenko 🇱🇻
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2024
A phenomenal display of ball-striking from the No.13 seed as she powers past Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 6-3 💪#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/TOv3OfmK6v
And now Zverev holds to 15. Through most of the match, the assumption has been that the German – the better player in the better form - will find a way to win it at some point. But Fritz is hitting it hard, rushing through another hold for 2-1, and he looks the stronger man at the moment; Zverev might be struggling to push off on his bad-knee side.
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Fritz is playing and moving very nicely now. He looked the vastly inferior player in the first two sets, out-served and out-hit from the back. But since then, he’s become looser and more aggressive, which is why he’s now one set away from the last eight; he holds to 15 to lead 1-0 in the fifth.
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On No 1, Krejcikova and Collins are out; Collins, of course, is retiring at the end of the season.
I’m going to be 31 at the end of the year and one of my biggest goals outside of tennis is to have a family.
Being able to have a family is challenging as a woman when your career depends on your body. It would be especially difficult to think about playing tennis while pregnant.
Added to this, I deal with two chronic health conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, external and endometriosis, external, which can affect fertility and your ability to have children.
Some research estimates, external up to 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility, and time isn’t on my side either.
I have a smaller window available to get pregnant and to make sure that hopefully happens. I’m also introverted and like to be at home mostly.
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Fritz makes 6-1 with an overhead, before Zverev eases a backhand winner down the line then cleans up a big serve with an overhead. But when a return that appears to have hit the line is called out, the set looks over, so Zverev challenges .. and will be aggrieved to discover that the ball was good, the rally aborted unnecessarily. Another colossal serve follows, and Fritz has levelled the match at two sets apiece! Fritz 4-6 (4)6-7 6-4 7-6(3) Zverev
Have a look! Sent to the forehand corner, Fritz finds a glooooorious forehand down the line for 4-0 and he’s three points away from forcing an unlikely decider! A big serve reduces the arrears, but the American repsoods with one of his own for 5-1!
Immediate mini-break for Fritz who does well to get his return in then, at the net, covers the right side when Zverev goes for the pass; an ace cements the advantage, likewise a one-two punch of a serve out wide and a backhand into the opposite corner. Fritz leads 3-0!
Fritz opens with an ace, makes 40-15, and fires another right into the furthest corner. It’s another breaker, and the American will want to play a much better one that he did earlier in the match – he lost it 7-4 but it was over well before then sat 6-1.
More monstrous serving from Zverev, who holds to 15 and manages an ace followed by a service-winner to close out; Fritz will shortly serve to stat in the match.
Sold hold from Fritz to make 5-5 in the fourth, and it’s getting tense again. Zverev still looks the likelier, but we thought that last set.
Thanks Will and hi again everyone. What a performance from Ostapenkz! I was in the car on match point so only heard about her matchwinning backhand slice, but i must see it immediately. She meets Collins (11) or Krejcikova next, and if she plays like she did today I’m not sure either is equipped to live with her.
Fritz draws first blood in the next game as Zverev volleys a wicked shot into the net. Fritz then volleys to make it 0:30 after looping the ball over Zverev. We are back at 30:30, aided slight by Fritz falling. Fritz cannot return the next serve and Zverev goes onto hold.
Daniel Harris is back with you now.
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Anything Zverev can do, Fritz can do equally as well. He pings his own serve down the middle and the German makes a vague attempt to return but knows he cannot. Fritz needlessly pings a forehand long from back of court to make it 15:30. Zverev has a sniff, although the odour is diminished by two rockets of aces as Fritz goes on to hold.
Zverev has rarely looked in trouble on serve and it continues with Fritz struggling to return the German’s best work, proven by the game-winning serve down the middle which is not returned.
Every lost point when serving seems a big deal in Fritz v Zverev. Fritz finds the net from back of court to make it 15:30 but a bad return levels things up. The German’s knee issues seem to be slowing him down. He can’t fancy this going to a fifth set, surely. Fritz holds on to make it 3-3 in the fourth.
De Minaur has looked in decent nick.
Back in the men’s singles, Zverev is looking superb on serve and makes light work of his latest efforts to make it 3-2 in the fourth.
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Ostapenko beats Putintseva 6-2, 6-3
Ostapenko whacks a cracking serve that hits the line and Putintseva can only return into the net to make it 30:0. The Latvian is the next to find the net thanks to a cracking Putintseva return. Putintseva has the net to thank again as she clips the top of it and watches the ball dribble over to level the score. Ostapenko powers a looping ball over. Match point … is not taken and we go to deuce. Putintseva cannot return the next serve but we end up at deuce again. A roaring backhand earns advantage for Ostapenko once more and she eventually gets over the line with a beautiful backhand slice.
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Putintseva does not want to gift the win to her opponent and reaches 40:15 but Ostapenko wraps a backhand return down the line to keep the pressure up. Putintseva rises to it, however, and takes the game. Ostapenka to serve for the match …
No one is winning anything with ease as Ostapenko is taken to deuce once more by Putintseva. The latter earns the first advantage but Ostapenko knows she needs to hold this and moves her opponent around until she stretches and sends the ball into the net. The Latvian roars with delight when she gets advantage and then takes the game.
Zverev wants to put down a marker with his opening service game of the fourth set. He puts in some powerful serves and breezes through it.
Ostapenko gets a break point after a Putintseva backhand is flung well wide to the Latvian’s left. Putintseva sends a shot long, she challenges but the break is confirmed. 4-2 to Ostapenko. She really needs to hold the next game.
Fritz wins the game to love and take the set! Zverev seems to be complaining about something or other but I do not know what.
GAME ON!
Ostapenko seems to be pretty uncertain on her serve, repeatedly throwing the ball up and needed to catch it before trying again. Putintseva takes her to deuce, sensing a little weakness, although that is forgotten with a rapid ace down the middle, not that she can complete the win. Putintseva is the next to get the advantage when her opponent whacks a backhand into the net, although Ostapenko whips a forehand just over the net to take us back to where we were. Ostenpenko gets there in the end to make it 3-2.
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Fritz earns two break points! This is a big moment in the set. Zverev’s first serve goes well wide and he then double faults. Fritz to serve for the third set. Oooof!
There is a decent little rally that Zverev wins with a lovely backhanded dink over the net when on the move. It is to be the German’s only point of the game as Fritz rushing through to level up.
Zverev plays a shot through his legs which looks great until it goes long and he loses the point. He gets the score back to 30:30 following his whimsy. Not to worry he can find a big serve when he needs; Fritz gets it over the net but the German swoops to whack the ball into space to earn a 4-3 lead in the third.
If Putintseva thought she was in with a chance, she might be thinking again after Ostapenko immediately breaks back. The Latvia speeds to a 40:15 lead on her own service game but is pegged back thanks to a double fault and a complete miscue. In the end, the Latvia holds her nerve to get the job done with some great work at the baseline.
Speaking of impressive service games, Zverev has just breezed through one, finishing it off with a powerful ace.
He might be two sets down but Fritz is still looking in decent nick, making light work of his service game to make it 3-3 in the third. He just needs a bit of luck to get back into this match.
Just as I say that … Putintseva breaks Ostapenko in the first game of the second set. She’s recovered well from losing 6-2 in the first. Can you build some momentum?
Ostapenko takes the first set against Putintseva. She will fancy her chances of getting this done quickly.
Fritz gets a break point against Zverev but the German does not let him take advantage, powering a serve that is just about returned before completing the point. Zverev does not mess about at deuce and takes the game – 3-3.
I’ve been spared nursery pick up today, so I can bring you the latest from SW19.
Fritz holds to level us up at 1-1 in the third and Ostapenkz holds for 5-0 in the first … then Putintseva gets herself on the board with one of her own. Otherwise, though, that’s it from me for the next bit – I’m off to do the school run, so here’s Will Unwin to hang with youse.
Ostapenkz breaks again for 4-0 while Zverev finds himself down 0-30 … then holds to 30. Of course he does. He leads 6-4 7-6 1-0.
Is Ostapenkz on one? She breaks Putintseva in 108 seconds to lead 2-0, then holds again for 3-0 and looks in lovely touch.
Up 6-3, Zverev sticks a forehand marginally wide, but has another set-point on serve, so he goes out wide and keeps in control with forehands then, after going to Fritz on that flank, he changes it up to stick one in the backhand corner and the response sails long and wide. Zverev leads 6-4 7-6(3) and I’m not sure what the American can do to turn this around.
Zverev lands a forehand on to the baseline and Fritz can’t respond; the German has the first mini-break and leads 3-1. And, though Zverev is winning principally because he’s the better player, he’s also playing with greater risk and aggression, and he’s so consistent these days I don’t think Fritz can win waiting it out and hoping for mistakes – he needs to force the issue and if it doesn’t work, well at least he tried. Zverev now leads 6-2.
Yup, two more holds and here comes the breaker. If Fritz takes it, we could be set for an epic – and he opens up with an ace – but if Zverev does, it’ll feel close to the end.
Another hold apiece so Zverev leads 6-4 5-5 and we look to be headed for a breaker. On No 1, Putintseva and Ostapenko are with us.
A love hold and Zverev leads 6-4 4-4; it was at this point in the first set that he broke, a reality I’m certain will be lost on neither player.
Jelena Ostapenko is a long-time favourite of this blog, for the simple reason that she’s perhaps the most aggressive player in all sport. It means that when she’s on she can look unstoppable, but also that she’s capable to making a mess of any situation at any time. She’s got a much bigger game than Putintseva, but Putintseva has just won Birmingham and beaten Iga Swiatek, so will be properly feeling herself.
Zverev just looks to have too much for Fritz, able to answer every question he’s asked. At 6-3 2-3, a double hands over deuce, but he finds a lovely angle on the forehand to make advantage, then closes out from there.
Next on No 1 Court: Yulia Putintseva v Jelena Ostapenko (13).
“I’ll be alright,” Demon says of his ankle, resignedly. “I’ll find a way.” He’s “super-proud” to be in the last eight and playing in front of such a massive crowd. He made hard work of things, he says, and should’ve won sooner, but he stopped being able to serve so instead had to rely on his returns.
He’s beaten both Djokovic and Rune but he’s no preference in terms of who he faces next. He’s just happy to be in the quarters and have another battle, and one thing on which we can all rely is that he’ll go out there and try his hardest. No on on earth ever doubted that.
Back on Centre, Zverev leads 6-4 2-2, but his knee doesn’t look ideal, and in co-comms, Comeontim thinks he’s trying to be even more aggressive from the back and it’s working well for him.
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That was a very fun match. Fils is a proper talent, a bristling, bouncing bundle of power and imagination. The difference this time, though, was consistency, De Minaur’s ability to not miss and play big shots during big points decisive. Fils, though, is going places, and can be proud of how he’s done not just today but in the competition.
Alex De Minaur (9) beats Arthur Fils 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-3
Fils thrashes down the line … and Demon flances a deft drop-volley that finishes the match! But has he twisted his ankle playing that last point? He doesn’t look happy – in his box, though, Katie Boulter, his girlfriend, absolutely does – but he meets Holger Rune (15) or Novak Djokivic (2) in his first Wimbledon quarter.
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Fils breaks De Minaur again, keeping himself in the championships for at least one more game at 3-5 in the fourth. The way this match has gone – every time it looks like it’s getting close, it stops getting close – I’d not be surprised to see another break end it. And as I type, Demon makes 30-40 and match point … but Fils handles it well, a big shot to the corner backed up by a leaping overhead.
That Zverev break reminds me of the crocodile who chased someone lost in the jungle to a tree, then when they climbed it just waited patiently until they couldn’t keep themselves in it any more.
Yup, Fils just can’t play well enough for long enough. He snatches back a break but then overhits when down break point next game; De Minaur now leads 5-2 in the fourth and will shortly serve for the match, while Zverev rushes through a love hold to secure a 6-4 set. Fritz has only made three unforced errors and is playing well; that miss at 4-3 deuce will be haunting him.
Oh yes! Lots of forehand to forehand with Fritz down 30-40 on serve, then a fine shot up the line from Zverev changes pace and angle, setting up the backhand winner cross-court … and he doesn’t miss out. Fritz has played pretty well so far, but one loose game is all it takes and the German will now serve for set one at 5-4.
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Up 4-3, Fritz sends us to deuce on the Zverev serve then, after hitting a decent return swats a backhand wide when nicely placed at half-court. A service-winner follows and that’s how quickly chances are extinguished; it’s 4-4 in the first.
De Minaur is back in charge, forcing a point for the double-break and playing it superbly, Fils doing well to get back a forehand down the line, but in no position to retrieve the drop which follows. Demon leads 4-1 in the fourth and is almost into the last eight.
A gorgeous drop-shot from Zverev – words no one supposed to type a coupe of years ago – clinches a hold for 3-3 in the first, while De Minaur plays two terrific points to make deuce from 15-40 and two big first serves do most of the rest of the work. D-Min leads 6-2 6-4 4-6 3-1, and Fils is running out of road.
Good news: regular – and irregular – readers of this blog will be familiar with Coach Calvin Betton, whose insights have, over the last few years, made me look like I know what’s up. Well Henry Patten, the lad he looks after – and along with his partner Harri Heliovaara – made the quarters of the doubles this morning. And from there, who knows?
We’re on serve on Centre, Fritz leading Zverev 2-1. He’ll have to target the Gewrman’s forehand to win here – his backhand is one of the finest shots in the game – but it’s improved a lot over the last 18 months and it took Carlos Alcaraz the best part of five sets to break it down when they met in the final at Roland Garros.
But Fils gets himself break point, and though De Minaur saves it, he soon faces another on advantage; this time he’s saved by a big first serve down the T. And from there, he closes out, though Fils was in both rallies; he just doesn’t quite have the consistency to sustain pressure so trails 1-2 0-2.
Yeah, I can’t say I’m surprised to see this: De Minaur nips off for a slash then breaks Fils immediately in set four. Michael Johnson has a phrase he uses a lot, “speed endurance”, but in tennis it’s not so much for how long can you play your best, rather how well do you play when not playing your best. And, though I reckon Fils’ top level is higher than Demon’s, Demon’s modal level is higher than Fils’, and that’s why he’s winning so far.
On Centre, Fritz and Zverev are almost ready to start, and I wonder if this might be a closer match than many are expecting. The number four seed is playing beautifully at the moment, but anyone who serves as well as Fritz does has a chance. I doubt he can come from behind to win, but if he gets in front, we shall see.
On No 1, Fils has somehow taken the fourth set against De Minaur to trail 2-6 4-6 6-4. Even when the Demon looked certain to win, up two sets and a break, it was the young Frenchman with the bigger game. The question is whether he can sustain his level, because if he can, he can win this.
The other bottom-half quarter is Sun v Vekic, while the top has Putintseva v Ostapenko (13) and Collins (11) v Krejcikova (31).
Of all the players left in the draw, Rybakina is probably the one Svitolina least wants to face and not just because she’s the best of them left – which she is. The problem is also that Rybakina has proper weapons – her serve, but also nails groundstrokes off both sides – that might be too much for a canny but underpowered operator.
Elina Svitolina (21) beats Wang Xinyu 6-2 6-1
Very impressive from Svito, who meets Elena Rybakina (4) next.
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Elina Svitolina is primed for another quarter-final – she’s just broken Wang Xinyu to lead 6-2 5-1, and with the top three players all gone, will fancy herself to make it rain.
Thanks John and hi everyone. No more Manic Monday, it’s true, but there’s still a bit going on today – the two men’s matches on Centre, Taylor Fritz (13) v Alexander Zverev (4) and Holger Rune (15) v Novak Djokovic (2) could be a lot of fun, and any chance to watch Jelena Ostapenko on a show court – never mind against Yulia Putintseva, conqueror of Iga Swiatek – is to be relished.
And that concludes my shift on the goings-on at SW19, which leaves you with Daniel Harris.
Svitolina and Wang has a fierce battle being fought over the fourth game in the second set, and the Ukrainian eventually takes a commanding 3-1 lead. De Minaur and Fils meanwhile has taken a turn, with Fils’ blasted forehand, a beauty, levelling the third set at 4-4.
De Minaur remains on course, 4-3 up on Fils, and for all the young Frenchman’s talent, he has no answer to an opponent working harder and picking his shots better. Still, De Minaur will have to serve this one out.
De Minaur has broken Fils in the third, and that seems crucial. There’s another singles match in session, on Court No 2, and the winner of Elina Svitolina v Wang Xinyu will play Rybakina. The Ukrainian has taken the first set 6-2.
“I wish her a speedy recovery,” says Rybakina of Kalinskaya, acknowledging that a wrist injury is always a serious one for a tennis player. “I’m really enjoying my time here,” she continues. “I don’t feel pressure, I know I need to bring my best. I am enjoying every time I step on the court.”
Kalinskaya retires hurt, sending Rybakina down
Rybakina is turning it on, even if the Centre Court crowd are not exactly loud. Break points to go 3-0 up, duly delivered, opening up her body to drill the ball…but that’s it. Kalinskaya decides she can go no further and Jannik Sinner, her boyfriend looks on, rather sadly. Rybakina won eight games in a row. The 2020 champion is through.
De Minaur goes 30-up, sending Fils to remonstrate with his coaches. It’s probably not his fault. De Minaur has three set points, the first is netted. Fils challenges a call down the line after a long rally but he’s out of luck. That’s 6-4, and two sets up for the Australian. Fils’ improvement didn’t last long enough.
Rybakina took that first set 6-3, recovering well from that opening break. She breaks Kalinskaya in the next game, too.
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Fils is fighting hard to save himself, and a huge roar as he holds serve. De Minaur must serve to go two sets up.
That’s 14 consecutive points from Rybakina, with Kalinskaya looking shaken and shaky. De Minaur is now back in the swing, He’s 5-3 up.
Kalinskaya looks in trouble, and the treatment is taking time. Will she be able to continue? She resumes, still 4-3 down.
Rybakina is back in business and the flow of the match is in her direction, and she goes 4-3 up. The trainer is on, too, for Kalinskaya, who seems to be having problems with her wrists. So is De Minaur, with a break, and the chance to equalise at 3-3.
Fils in full command of that second set, 3-0 up, while Kalinskay and Rybakina have both struggled for fluency, even if the Rybakina serve is beginning to return to its usual output. It’s 2-3, and Kalinskaya is serving.
Kalinskaya sees out her service game and leads 2-0 in the first. De Minaur, for the first time, is struggling with Fils, and is broken, his first serve letting him down. It’s 2-0 in the second set on Court No 1.
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De Minaur takes that first set, 6-2, as Kalinskaya starts with an opening break of the Rybakina serve.
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De Minaur goes to 5-1 up in that first set. The Centre Court now open for business, and Elena Rybakina against Anna Kalinskaya, Kazakh v Russian takes the eye.
A Fils thunderbolt prevents him being bageled – or is it beigel-ed – and it’s 1-4 in a very chatty No 1 court, under the roof. Fils is a big fan of London, perhaps he can head to Brick Lane – both beigel shops back open, I am happy to report.
In 11 minutes, De Minaur is 3-0 up on Fils, who also happens to be big mates with the very recently vanquished Mpetshi Perricard.
Court No 1 is open for business, and Arthur Fils, a fan of Top Boy and Leo Di Caprio, according to the interview that preceded this match, will take on Australian hope Alex de Minaur, looking to go past the fourth round for the first time at Wimbledon. ADM surges into a 2-0 lead.
Musetti beats Mpetshi Perricard 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-2
If this was a cricket match, you’d expect some swing in the bowling, grey cloudy skies overhanging. Mpetshi Perricard, at 2-5 down in the final set, is serving big. That’s his only possible way back in. But he drops 0-30 behind due to some more fine returning from Musetti. A potential backhand winner is blammed wide too for three match points. An ace saves the first. Then comes another crashing serve. 30-40. The longest rally of the match ends with Musetti on his back after 30 crashing hits but the ball out of play from Mpetshi Perricard. The Italian heads to his first grand slam quarter-final.
Musettl races into a 4-1 lead with a neat hold of serve, the Frenchman’s serve something of a bust at this stage with another break against him. It will be a long way back for Mpetshi Perricard.
The weather seems to have been seen off for now, and Musetti is trying to knock this one on the head. Though maybe we spoke too soon as the darkest of clouds looms over the Southfields sky. Musetti takes the first game 1-0, by virtue of some unforced errors. Three more of those force three break points after a long rally. The youngster looks tired. Musetti gets the job done, and is 2-0 up in the fourth via his fine, intelligent defensive game.
Musetti takes the third set 6-3, leads 2-1 on sets, and does so by continuing to read Mpetshi Perricard’s serve, to the Frenchman’s frustrations. He’s winning on 56% of his first serves.
Perricard’s serves are being read by Musetti in this slight rain, and at deuce he has another break point, the first saved, the second saved by a fine backhand overhead requiring all his height. The third by an almighty smash. Six deuces in this game, the final one seeing a big hold completed by a clubbing winner. Five break points saved. It’s 4-3 in the third.
Dark, grey skies now. Musetti keeps the pressure on Mpetshi Perricard with some well-negotiated point-making. He’s a clever player, the Italian and is 4-2 up.
Mpetshi Perricard seems to recover some of his serving mojo to go 40-0 up, and so it’s 3-1 in the third set, 1-1
Musetti now dominant on his own serve, and he holds for 1-1 in the third. Then comes a further break, and an impressive shot to hold for 3-1 in the second set. But…there’s rain coming down. The hoods and brollies are going up.
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Musetti lets out a roar as he serves out to level 1-1 in sets, having twice broken the Frenchman’s huge serve.
Mpetshi Perricard wobbling now as Musetti goes up a break, and can now serve for the second set. 5-3, 1-0 down.
Musetti hits back – it’s 2-2 now, and with the sun shining, his greater experience is being brought to bear. Perhaps this contest will last longer than thought; they’ve met before, in Frankfurt, the Italian winning 7-6 7-6 against Mpetshi Perricard. Musetti holds his next service game, too.
Hugely impressive from Perricard in breaking Musetti then smashing through his own service game to lead 2-0 in the second set. He’s on his way.
Perricard takes the first set 6-4 from Musetti. Perricard reads a line call well – the ump had called it out – to set up two set points. The first is miscued, but no doubt about the second, a huge serve gets the job done.
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Perricard’s serve is brutal and he blows Musetti away to lead 5-3. He’s quite the prospect, the 20-year-old. Musetti holds the next but he must face that serve to stay in the set.
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They go to 3-3, and then 4-3 after a deuce on the Musetti serve. These are both powerful men, and Perricard’s return is powerful, blasted down the baseline, lands a break of serve.
So, Court 2, and Musetti v Perricard, currently going with serve at 2-2. Both have long-haired bearded coaches.
The weather, as it stands, is OK to begin play. It’s grey and cloudy, with rain expected, just like the rest of the summer.
And the Murray fallout continues.
Read Emma John’s diary for your vintage car needs and nicknames.
Padel and pickleball are endangering tennis, apparently. Does racquetball still exist? Elvis Presley loved a game of it.
Two big hitters made it through the men’s singles.
Sunday’s news centred on the departure of Emma Radacanu.
Further singles action on Court 2 will kick us off at 11am:
(25) Lorenzo Musetti (Ita) v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (Fra),
(21) Elina Svitolina (Ukr) v Xin Yu Wang (Chn)
Preamble
Morning, all. Welcome to another day at occasionally rainy, occasionally sunny Wimbledon. After last night’s loss for Emma Radacanu and the departure of Cam Norrie, we’re lacking plucky Brits but a full card awaits. The main courts will start at lunchtime but plenty else before that.
Order of play
Centre Court from 1.30pm:
Elena Rybakina (4) v Anna Kalinskaya
Alexander Zverev (4) v Taylor Fritz (13).
Novak Djokovic (2) v Holger Rune (15)
Court One from 1pm:
Alex De Minaur (9) v Arthur Fils
Eelena Ostapenko (13) v Yulia Putintseva
Danielle Collins (11) v Barbora Krejcikova (31)
