That, then is us for day nine – thanks for your company – and join us again tomorrow from 12.30pm BST. But until then, peace out.
Also going on:
Djokovic is just a ridiculous combination of skill, power, athleticism, intelligence and mentality. Just as he’s elite at everything one might need to do on a tennis court, so he is at everything one might need to play any sport. I can’t wait to see his match with Sinner on Friday.
Updated
Djokovic beat Auger-Aliassime with 'the racket and heart'
“With the racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic says of how he won it. “Management of the nerves and the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches.”
It was even all the way through so anyone’s game in the match breaker, “but these are the moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it was finals so i don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow but I’m happy, happy that I won.”
He was telling his kids to go to sleep after four sets but they didn’t want to and he’s happy they stayed as this was one of the best matches he’s played on Centre Court; of course the crowd like that one.
He’s really tired now – he didn’t show it on court – so finally, is told this is his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, a 15th overall and a 55th in grand slams. But he’s not interested, at all, saying it’s about the match no the numbers, which he’ll look at when he’s finished. “Now, it’s all business. I still have to recover, I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in two days’ time.”
Updated
The two players share a nice moment at the end; this is the best I’ve seen Felix play, and he forced Djokovic to run and hit like a superhero. If he’s finally getting there, he’s a threat to anyone, but that level needs to be the norm, not an exception.
Updated
Novak Djokovic (7) beats Felix Auger-Aliassime (3) 7-6(10) 3-6 6-3 (4)6-7 7-6(4)
The greatest men’s tennis player ever, the greatest matchplayer ever, a bionic mentality monster and impossible to believe. Djokovic moves on to face Sinner in the semis.
Updated
To still be doing this at this age, five hours of pain and effort at 39, I don’t know. Another unbelievable rally and this is the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history, an absolute treat of an epic, of course Djokovic lasts longer, and at 9-4 he has five match points. Of course he does.
Updated
Felix goes long, Djokovic leads 6-3, and man he needs both service points coming up. But he floats a backhand long, and is this going how we always knew it’d go? Djokovic just does not make mistakes when it gets to this kind of situation, every shot asking a question – he’s the best matchplayer tennis has ever seen and I can’t think of many, if any, in anything else. He’s a freak of nature, a monster, a killer, and he’s running away with this now, backhand-to-backhanding further errors from Felix and Djokovic leads 8-4.
Djokovic reads Felix’s volley, picks the correct side, makes him play another, and he can’t; a service-winner follows, but at 4-3, it’s Djokovic with the mini-break. I really cannot grasp how ludicrously fit these boys are, which reads like a non sequitur, but we’ve just had a 19-shot rally, Djokovic controlling with backhands until Felix unleashes the fore … except the ball comes back at him, of course it does, and he errs; 5-3 Djokovic.
Djokovic serves first and Felix tries a drop and it sits up, but even so, the riposte – a fake down the line to pat cross-court – is lovely. Felix simply nails another first serve, but he needs another hold … and targeted on that wing, sticks a tame backhand into the net. No matter: though Djokovic consolidates on his first serve, he manages to make space to hit a forehand that’s been starved, whacks rto the corner, and the response is into the net. Djokovic leads the match tiebreak 3-2.
Mighty strokes from the back, jousting with the best ever to do it, and Felix goes long; pressure. And he responds well, wearing a decent return then cracking a forehand down the line and I’m loving his commitment to attack; this is the best version of him. But goodness me, he’s playing a monster, and Djokovic makes another decent return, then after slicing to one corner, suddenly leaps into a forehand down the line and into the other, just a complete madman; 15-30. Next, a return into the net … and then an ace. Felix is one point from a match breaker – and in even better news, so are we. So he thunders a serve down the T, again the return is dumped, and he incites a rapturous crowd having put on what is probably the show of his life, with his dad watching. First to 10 moves on!
We’ve seen Djokovic tire in longer matches this last year or so, but he looks pretty fresh out there. And he proves it as I type, unleashing a booming inside-out forehand winner – pretty much the most physically demanding shot to hit. At 30-0 Felix, coming in, slices viciously to the corner, a terrific shot that doesn’t come back, but from there, Djokovic polishes off the game, and these two are hitting a serious standard – incredible giving they’ve now been at it four hours 55 minutes. Djokovic leads 6-5 in the fifth; can he get some returns in?
I’m so glad to see Felix still in this. I say this a lot when covering him, but Coach Calv Betton messaged me after seeing him play for the first time, buzzing at how good he was. He still moves beautifully because he always will, but he’s not improved in the way it seemed fair to expect, even with time off during Covid to work on his weak backhand and second serve. Tonight, though, I’ve been really impressed with his mentality – not many trail Djokovic by two sets to one and a break, but still force a decider. But he races to 40-0 with the help of an ace, closes out the hold to 15, and Auger-Aliassime levels at 5-5 in the fifth set.
Evening all! Can’t say I expected to be back, but banging to be back. Felix makes 15-30 while I’m doing the whole politeness thing, but Djokovic responds with a serve out wide then a tantalising drop. A return hooked wide then gives him game point, converted with another into the net. Djokovic leads 5-4 in the fifth and noises up the crowd on the way back to his seat.
And with this centre court thriller going to down to the thinnest of wires – I drift into the wings, Daniel will take you home. Thanks for your company – bye!
A roaring standing ovation for both players as they get up from their chairs at the change of ends. Auger-Aliassime for the serve, goes 30-0 up, But this old dog doesn’t go down fighting and a corking backhand down the line brings things back to 30-30. But Auger-Aliassine does him with a cross court forehand and punches the air 40-30 – an ace seals the deal! On we go
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 4-4 Auger-Aliassime
Djokovic summons up all the nouse of a long and epic career, to hold to love. Those bones want a rest.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 4-3 Auger-Aliassime
Another cross court, pitch perfect winner from Auger-Aliassime makes DJokovic drop his racket in disbelief. Boom: ace. Then a double fault. At 40-30. Djokovic stretches those calves, folding one leg over another. And Auger-Aliassime holds.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 3-3 Auger-Aliassim
Updated
Djokovic serve. Pleases everyone but most of all himself with a pick up forehand down the line, on the line. Auger-Aliassime is almost open mouthed. Holds the serve. The pair of them plod back to their chairs. Hang on a minute, there’s Cliff Richard in a whacky jacket. Things are getting surreal.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 3-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Auger-Aliassime to serve. He’s IN. THE. ZONE. Towering aces and a cross court, one kneed winner.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
For the first time, Auger-Aliassime loses a tiny fraction of cool as a line call goes against him. A Djokovic hold to 15. They take a break at the change of ends. Beautiful pictures of centre court, shining like a lantern over SW14.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Two outrageous aces – nos 23 and 24 of the match – take Auger-Aliassime to 40-15. But he nets one, (purls one) and hits one long. Novak, Novak chant the super fans. We have our first deuce of the set. AA hits wide and Djokovic has advantage, he sniffs. AA saves one break points, two, three and holds.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 1-1 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Djokovic v Auger-Aliassime - final set
Here we go – Djokovic to serve. Four hours eight minutes gone. And he’s won it before I’ve really locked in.
Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
…Djokovic saves the first one with an ace, but Auger-Aliassime takes the set as Djokovic nets! Fabulous, nerves of steel comeback from a break down. Put those dinner plans on hold, we will play a deciding set.
Two sets all Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 6-7 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Auger-Aliassime has three set points…
Silence as AA serves first. An easy win. And he continues with the advantage – 3-1 up, but Djokovic pulls one back as AA nets. Oooof an endless rally on the Djokovic serve but Djokovic nets 2-4 down at the change of ends.
Djokovic goes 0-15, then 0-30 down thanks to a lucky net chord. But hauls himself back with magic tennis and we have a fourth set tie break.
Djokovic 6-6 Auger-Aliassime.
This is fabulous tennis.Djokovic is giving it his all but Auger-Aliassime is matching him, hitting the line again and again with his serve and strokes. Djokovic needs to hold serve to take this set to a tie-break. The centre court, still almost completely full, is laser focussed.
Djokovic 5-6 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Auger-Aliassime sprints in for a volley but hits the net. Djokovic, up to the net on the stretch, nets a volley. Then Auger-Aliassime nets to take the score and Djokovic has two game points, wipes his forehead with his shirt. Auger Aliassime drop shots, drawing Djokovich into the net and then beats him. But. Bang. Djokovic aces. Game and draws level.
Djokovic 5-5 Auger-Aliassime.
An exchange of whippy blows but it’s Auger-Aliassime who is now vibing on centre court – and when Djokovic nets a return he holds his service game to love. Suddenly, Djokovic must serve to stay in the set.
Djokovic 4-5 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
It’s Djokovic as comedian now, smiling and laughing to himself as he goes 30-0 up on his serve. But then, inexplicably, he fluffs his lines. But Auger-Aliassime can’t grab his opportunities either and Djokovic holds. Djokovic is now having another rant. Auger-Aliassime is remarkably calm and quiet.
Djokovic 4-4 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Auger-Aliassime starts with an ace, a Djokovic back hand special draws level at 15-15. Another ace – Djokovic throws his hands up and asks for a replay. Then Djokovic goes long, Auger-Aliassime aces and he holds his serve.
Djokovic 3-4 Auger-Aliassime.
Judy Murray is in the royal box. She’s seen her fair share of Djokovic, and he isn’t giving this set up lightly – he wants to put his feet up and soon. Holds his serve relatively easily.
Djokovic 3-3 Auger-Aliassime.
The crowd have switched sides, fickle friends that they are, now roaring on Auger-Aliassime. It goes to deuce on the AA serve. Djokovic wipes stomach, forehead, cheek as he waits for the return. But AA has got this – a Djokovic backhand into the net and he’s won three games in a row. The Canadians have never had a grand slam winner, muses the BBC.
Djokovic 2-3 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
But knock me down, just as it seeemd as if this match was running away with Djokovic, Auger-Aliassime breaks back, and to love, with a Djokovic double fault for good measure.
Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Well played! Auger-Aliassime refuses to be completely bulldozed and holds his serve.
Djokovic 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
And so it goes on, eight points in a row.
Djokovic 2-0 Auger-Aliassime.
Run to grab a glass of water and come back to find Djokovic has broken Auger-Aliassime to love in the first game of the fourth set. Aliassime belts his racket against the chair in utter frustration. Unfortunately the chair can’t help: Djokovic has hit his MONSTER switch.
Djokovic 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
But he is only putting off the inevitable as Djokovic rolls back the years and powers through another service game to take the third set 6-3. “I think,” says a commentators, “that’s the best set of tennis he’s played this championships. Towards the end of that set he was belting the ball, giving Auger-Aliassime no time at all.”
Djokovic leads two sets to one: 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
A corking rally ends with Djokovic standing, both hands out in supplication to the umpire over a line call. She won’t be moved and AA pulls back to 30-30 and ends up holding the game.
Djokovic 5-3 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
And Djokovic piles on the pressure with an another easy service hold. He sits on his chair and folds left ankle over right knee as he swigs a water bottle. The other side of the umpire’s stool, Auger-Aliassime is breathing heavily, staring ahead. Now he must serve to stay in the set.
Djokovic 5-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
AA misses a forehand and then nets a volley to go 0-30 down on his serve. While his face remains calm his feet reveal his frustration as he jumps up and down. Another long forehand and Djokovic has three break points. And there’s it is -Auger-Aliassime nets a forehand and Djokovic BREAKS.
Djokovic 4-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Djokovic’s Lacoste polo shirt is starting to stick to his back, but he’s done this before. A smooth serve and an easy hold. At 2 hours 47 minutes in, we’re not even half way through the third set.
Djokovic 3-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Auger-Aliassime seems to be taking this in his stride. He’s not over freaked by the mammoth game on his last serve and holds this service game pretty easily.
Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
That’s more like it, Djokovic holds without a single deuce.
Djokovic 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
Djokovic is still troubled by that left leg, but he has AA on the ropes on his own serve at 15-40. But Djokovic isn’t the only on with staying power, and AA hauls back to deuce. Has game point when Djokovic goes long but then he hits long to make a second deuce. AA fires a cross court forehand winner to have a second game point, but a scorching returns brings deuce number three: Ace. Deuce number four: An AA volley goes wide. Break point Djokovic. Ace – deuce number five. Deuce number six – a leaping forehand smash, then a backhand goes long. Deuce number seven. Djokovic has a smal rant to his box and wearily gets back into position to receive. Another ace followed by a huge serve that Djokovic hits out. At last! AA punches the air, saves three break point, and holds his serve. The longer he can string this out, the more important his youthful legs will be.
Djokovic 1-1 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
One set each: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6 Auger-Aliassime
The roof duly shut we move into the third set, lights on, atmosphere heightened. AA has break point on the Djokovic serve, but Djokovic holds. Djokovic 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.
Updated
But Djokovic has magic yet in his racket, returns two beauties to make it 0-30. AA pulls out an ace, Djokovic nets. AA tries to nutmeg himself and nets and Djokovic has break point back. Back and forward they go but AA double faults to hand Djokovic a second break point.
And what a stunning point – appreciated by Benedict Cumberbatch in a brown suit who applauds as enthusiastically as everyone else – won with a stunning backhand by AA. Another deuce – a volley brings AA advantage – and there’s an ace down the middle to win the set 6-3 and level the match at one set all.
And they’re going to close the roof on the centre court. Djokovic isn’t keen, says they could easily play another set with the roof off, but he’s told he’s got no choice.
News from centre court, where Auger Aliassime has broken the Djokovic serve and, at 5-3, can serve for the second set.
Mixed home news in the men’s wheelchair singles: British No. 1 Alfie Hewett beat Tom Egberink 6-1, 6-3 and Andrew Penney won on his Grand Slam debut, defeating Maarten Ter Hofte 6-3, 6-4. But no luck for 2016 champ Gordon Reid, who lost to Tokito Oda, the No.1 seed, 3-6, 1-6.
Updated
While Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime get stuck into the second set, a quick reminder of what has already unfolded today:
Defending champion Jannik Sinner knocked out Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets 7-5, 7-6, 6-3 – and will play the winner of the current centre-court battle in the semi-finals.
Karolina Muchova won the plaudits and the points on No. 1 court in a thrilling victory over Naomi Osaka (7-6, 6-4) that takes her to a semi-final on Thursday against Coco Gauff. A nervous Gauff came back from losing the first set of her match against Jessica Pegula to reach a first Wimbledon semi: 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
In the match held over from Monday evening, Alexander Zverev went on to beat Jiri Lehecka: 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, and he will take on Taylor Fritz in the quarter final on No.1 court tomorrow.
An incredible exchange of shots, moon balls and serves later, Djokovic takes the first set at the fifth time of asking 7-6 (12-10). Fabulously entertaining tie break.
Updated
Blood and fury takes them to 5-5, then Djokovic’s return goes out. Djokovic serves at 5-6, pressure on, but it’s good and they change ends at 6-6. Both pause for a drink of water. Djokovic’s second serve is good and AA is serving to save the set. A huge pinpoint return to the Djok return is – just – on the line. 7-7. And he wins the next point to leave Djokovic now serving to stay in the match. Pressure? Huh -he produces an ace: 8-8.
Then 9-9. Djokovic is enjoying himself here.
A mini-break for Djokovic but AA gets a mini-break back after a epic rally. A brilliant return by AA straight into the corner beats Djokovic who slides full pelt into it, but then AA nets a low voltage dink. 3-3.
Augert-Aliassime holds and we have a first set tiebreak!
Updated
Hmmm, all is not well with the Djokovic leg. He’s cramping a bit, trying to take weight off it – AA pulls back to deuce but a limping Djokovic is an awesome Djokovic – shades of Gordon Greenidge - and he holds. They take a break and Augert-Aliassime must serve to stay in the game.
Updated
We get a close up of Djokovic’s long lean muscular legs. No 39 year old should be allowed to have legs like that – and he seems to be moving ok, and in fact soon has two set points. But AA pulls things back to deuce and then wins the game and draws level with two aces.He pumps his fist. 5-5.
Updated
Djok is back up and running and we go again. AA to serve, at 4-5, first set.
The trainer is giving Djokovic’s left shin a long massage. Djokovic’s face isn’t giving much away but he doesn’t look distraught. Auger-Aliassime is up and bouncing about the court.
Djokovic calls for the trainer
Djokovic wins his service game to love but he’s not entirely happy with his left leg. Half limps back to his chair. And the trainer kneels to his side.
The cameras pan back to the spectators, darting like well-dressed ants around Sw19. The show courts are throwing out deep, dark shade and it all looks gorgeous.
Time though to zone back in on centre court, where Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime are pounding outrageous rockets at each other. We’re still in the first set, Djokovic in a baseball cap receiving the Auger-Aliassime serve in the sun. AA serves from the shadows creeping from the back of the court. Goran, Goran, chant a section of the crowd at deuce. After a ferocious rally, AA nets a backhand to hand Djokovic break point.
But he can’t snaffle it as AA pulls out two great serves – and then we hit a third and then a fourth deuce. Finally AA plays two consecutive aces and holds the game. 4-4.
The two women have a hug at the net - disappointment for Osaka, who after knocking out Sabalenka in the last round can’t go on. She played such great tennis too – until seizing up in that last service game. And there’s a first Wimbledon semi-final for Muchova, who was unbelievably good today, and who will play Coco Gauff.
“It’s unbelievable I’m super happy,” she says. “I played three times on this court and its 0-3 so I didn’t have a good relationship with this court -but I’m super happy to make it today and finally get the win, thank you for supporting us. I was very nervous, Osaka is an unbelievable athlete, we know each other pretty well and I know you can’t lose focus, you give her a little chance she takes it. I love to play on this surface, the season is so short. I’m happy I can prolong this short season.”
Muchova beats Osaka 7-6, 6-4
Osaka needs something here but an awesome serve and a mis-hit leaves her down 0-30. Her shoulders slump. An ace – three match points. And Muchova seals it with another ace!
Updated
A fabulous rally on the Osaka serve – both women going for it at full pelt. Thrilling! At 30-30, Osaka pulls out an ace, but then double faults. Another ace, this time on the far side – game point. And then another double fault. The crowd clap, shout ,to encourage Osaka. But she nets – yet Muchova can’t take advantage of her break point. Suddenly both players are nervous, Osaka has lost track of her serve. Muchova has a second break point – and grabs it when Osaka volleys wildly and wide.
Osaka sits on her chair and stares ahead. Muchova eats a banana and will serve for the match.
Updated
The crowds are massed on Henman Hill, grateful for the shade of the mature Wimbledon trees. Osaka and Muchova have just had a little break and are back on court. Muchova with the serve, the wind ruffling her skirt. Osaka slips from toe to toe, breathes out through her lips, twirls her racket, oof, and that’s a rocking forehand, kissing the net for a winner. 30-all. But Muchova takes the game with an ace. 4-4.
There’s a very tasty match coming up soon on centre under blue July skies. Ah, there they are, waiting to come on court, standing upright like mannequins in immaculate white – amazing posture, the pair of them.
Felix Auger-Aliassime, the No.3 seed in his mid-twenties full bloom, is up against a 39 year old. But not just any old 39 year old - seven-times champion, Novak Djokovic.
It’s still over 30 degrees on court, and the spectators are busy fanning themselves. Muchova holds her serve more easily, but she’s got something in her eye which is vexing her and she’s asked the umpire for some drops to be brought out.
Back to No. 1 court, where we’ve had a couple of games of the first set, so far going with serve. Muchova, who is rolling back the years with a Steffi Graf inspired headband wrapped horizontally across her hairline and her hair in a pony tail, is working hard on this Osaka serve. A glorious forehand down the line gives her break point but Osaka hauls back with a epic serve. Muchova is furious with herself as she fluffs a shot and after four deuces, Osaka holds. 2-1.
Zverev beats Lehecka 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6)
Zerev has a third match point on the Lehecka serve – and he collects it! He clenches his fists and looks to the skies – he is through to the quarter finals at Wimbledon for the first time. Lehecka gets a warm round of applause as he leaves, and he salutes the crowd all round the court before signing a few autographs. Zverev claps him off from his chair – he must face No. 6 seed Taylor Fritz tomorrow.
Updated
Muchova has four set points… and she grabs the third one clenching her right fist as she walks back to her chair, first set (7-6) in her back pocket… back to centre…
Updated
Lehecka slips on the run and nets a backhand… meanwhile over on No.1
There’s a tie break over on Centre too, a fourth set decider, and Zverev, two sets to one up, is closing in on the match. He’s 4-1 up with power to add.
A killer forehand from Osaka, then Muchova dinks a volley into the net to put Osaka 30-0 up. Muchova brings things back to 30 all, but some sublime strokes from Osaka takes us to a tie break in this first set. Osaka’s coach takes off his sunglasses and gives some advice.
Updated
Osaka has break point on the Muchova serve, but a corking forehand brings things back to deuce. There’s another deuce fought and lost but Muchova eventually holds and takes a 6-5 advantage into a brief break.
Thanks Daniel! There’s been some fabulous tennis tennis today and we’ve still got lots more to come. Straight to No. 1 court, where Osaka and Muchova have reached the crucial point of the first set – which sits at 5-5.
Updated
I’m glad to hear Martina talking about her wife – the last series of Real Housewives of Miami left us with concerns for her and Julia’s relationship. But back to the lowbrow, Muchova holds for 4-3 in the first; Osaka does likewise for 4-4; while Zverev is forced to deuce for his hold at 2-1 4-3; and in the doubles, we’re playing a match breaker.
Otherwise, though, that’s it from me and I can’t pretend it doesn’t pain me to leave these matches. But happily for youse, Tanya Aldred is here to chill with you through them, so here she is.
Oooh yeah, that’s more like it. At 30-15, Muchova wallops to the corner, and Osaka retrieves so, at net, she slams on the breaks and plays a gorgeous half-volley drop– one beyond every other player left in the draw, kvels Martina. And it’s soon 30-40, Muchova beginning to play her game, but from there, Osaka wins three straight points and we’re level at 3-3 – as we are on Centre, with Zverev leading Osaka by two sets to one.
Updated
Back with the dubs, Patten/Heliovaara lead Andreozzi/Guinard 5-4 in the decider, march breaker looming – they had to win one to progress on Saturday. And on No 1, Muchova, makes 40-15, Osaka sends a return out, and that’s the first hold of the match for 3-2. So far, the clash of contests hasn’t materialised because both players are still feeling things out; at change of ends, Osaka brings out the trainer to tape her ankles, so let’s hope she’s OK.
We’re on serve on centre, Zverev up 2-1 2-2, while Muchova pushes Osaka to deuce as she seeks a consolidation for the second time. And when Osaka overhits, the break-back is in prospect … and donated with a tame forehand into the net, neither player yet at it at 2-2 in the first.
It’s a bit of a struggle on No 1, Muchova framing a forehand to offer break point at 30-40. And though she finds a first serve, then plays a decent volley, Osaka nashes along the baseline to curve a forehand pass around Muchova and down the line. She moves really nicely on grass now, but I’m interested to see what happens if she’s given drops to chase; meantime, she leads 2-1 in the first.
If I was scheduling, I’d have put Muchova v Osaka on centre – much as I love Gauff, this is a far more interesting contest, and both players are hitting it hard. The Czech makes 15-40 and though the first break point is saved, Osaka then digs out a forehand from close to the net … which sails over the baseline for 1-1.
Muchova and Osaka are ready; last time they met, in the final at Bad Homburg, Osaka retired when down 6-1 1-0, but when they met in last year’s Aussie and US Opens, she won both times. And today, she breaks immediately for 1-0, whole Zverev takes a break after losing set three; we’re back playing again now, though.
Does Lehecka look like late Busby Babe, David Pegg?
Front row, far right…
Heliovaara/Patten have levelled against Andreozzi/Guinard at a set apiece and look the better pair now, while Muchova wins the toss and will serve when she and Osaka are ready.
Osaka comes out in a slightly stripped-back version of her white kimono; Lehecka serves out to love, having won 12 of 13 points played today, and we might just have ourselves a ball-game.
Updated
A decent return from Lehecka lands close to the baseline and he has 0-15; he then nails a block-back, again to the line, converts it, and at 0-30, are things happening? Maybe! At 15-30, Lehecka steams in to attack a mid-court ball, finishes the point, and when Zverev nets a forehand, his break is secure. At 5-3 in the third, he’ll now serve for the set.
We’re back under way on Centre, Lehecka holding to trail Zverev 0-2 4-3.
On No 2, Henry patten and Harri Heliovaara, legends of this blog – Henry’s coach, Calv Betton, is our resident expert and they’ve also won two majors – are behind. The no 1 seeds trail Andreozzi/Guinard, seeded eight, 2-6 5-4…
Lehecka and Zverev are out so, while they warm up, some thoughts on Gauff. I’m continually blown away by how utterly she competes – she has the ability to improve through matches and willpower her best tennis out of herself when she needs it the most. If Sabalenka or Swiatek had her mentality, they’d have several more majors each, and though I fancy Osaka or Muchova to beat her, she’s a player i don’t like backing against because though he faults – second serve, forehand – are obvious to all, her intangibles are off the scale.
Next on No 1: Naomi Osaka (14) v Karolina Muchova (10).
Sinner says Struff is very tough to play against, but deserves all he’s done and achieved in his career as a great person off the court with an amazing team.
Early in the match, he felt he was struggling a bit with Struff the better player, but he started serving better and though he was a break up in set two and couldn’t use it, he tried to stay there mentally and is happy to be back in the semis.
The second set could’ve ended in a different way as he sees tiebreakers at 50/50, but Struff’s first-set percentage dropped and he’s very happy to have beaten a difficult player to face.
Finally, asked about the heat, he laughs “thanks for reminding”. He and his team worked hard trying to work out what happened in Paris but they’ve prepared in the best possible way, today was a huge test, he felt physically really comfortable, and it’s a good step forward. If what happened in Paris happens again, he hopes not, but they’ll change some things and go again.
Next on Centre: Jiri Lehecka (13) 4-6 5-7 3-3 Alexander Zverev (2).
Jannik Sinner (1) beats Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5 7-6(4) 6-3
Struff gave it all he had, but Sinner was far too good and might, perhaps, have played himself into a bit of form. Next for him: Auger-Aliassime or Djokovic.
Updated
Sinner quickly makes 40-15…
More on her in a sec, but back on No 1, Sinner has 2-0 4-3 15-30, lifting a backhand towards the sideline; Struff’s attempted winner down the line is wide. Gosh, and then a forehand, larruped well long, means two break points which, should one be converted, means the champ will shortly serve for the match … but the first is saved, just about … for all the good it does. A booming backhand then a colossal forehand, sent to opposite corners, mean that, at 7-5 7-6 5-3, he’ll shortly serve for the match.
“Oh my goodness,” says Gauff when reminded she’s made her first Wimbledon semi. “Pretty insane” – which I guess it is, but in her case, that it’s taken so long, rather than that it’s happening.
Considering I hadn’t won a match on grass in two years before this tournament, I’m just really happy,” she says, praising Jess an “an incredible person and opponent,” so she’s just happy to be through.
Pegulas ball’s are so flat and low she needed to trust that she’d be there in the rallies and could just play the shots she wanted to play.She began to land more first serves and trust her shots – in the first, she made too many errors rushing out of the rallies too quickly but the last two sets she showed “really great tennis” and she’s been going three sets every match so she doesn’t panic when losing one.
After seven yeards playing Wimbledon, this was the first time she walked out on to Centre court and didn’t feel nervous. She doesn’t know if she’s becoming a vet but it’s a beautiful court and, waiting to come out, her attention was attracted by the beautiful artwork and artefacts, so she had to tell herself to stare at the door as she was losing focus with “Ooh what is that, what is that?”
Otherwise, she’s just really enjoying the process of being at Wimbledon, thanks the crowd, and she knows people are giving up days to be there, so she always works hard and tries her best, knowing people put their lives aside to watch her play.
What a brilliant woman she is; her parents must be very proud.
Back with the men, Sinner now leads Struff 7-5 7-6 3-3, but I can’t lie: much as we’d all love a contest, it feels more like we’re waiting for the champ to seize a moment. Struff, though, is a gamer, going for his shots, but can he offer enough on return to break?
Coco Gauff (7) beats Jessica Pegula (4) 4-6 6-3 6-3
A colossal win for Gauff, who personalitied herself into playing well – her forehand and serve weren’t bad today – and she meets Osaka or Muchova next. Pegula, meantime, will rue not forcing home her 1-0 advantage, but ultimately she surely knows: she doesn’t quite have what it takes to win a major, and that’s unlikely to change.
Updated
At 30-15, Pegula nets a forehand, the resigned look on her face suggesting she’s losing belief. A forehand down the line then falls long, meaning Gauff has match point at 5-3 30-40…
Another brilliant point on Centre, both players running side to side as well as back and forth. But it’s Gauff in control, even when she’s lobbed, and she secures her consolidation when Pegula chases in after a drop only to flick her forehand wide, just. Art 5-3 in the third, Gauff is a game away while, on No 1, Struff battles to hold for 0-2 2-2.
Updated
A Gauff forehand is too hot to return, then she does well at the net and a lob falls long; 0-30, the standard improving. And , as if to underline the point, offered a rare backhand, Gauff steps in and hits hard to the line, Pegula unable to respond, then she nets a forehand and that’s the break, back. The lead is 4-3 in the third.
A terrific game on Centre, Gauff winning the rally of the match with a ridiculous drop from an improbable angle. But Pegula, playing with more energy and conviction, makes advantage, Gauff nets, and we’re back on serve in the third at 3-3. This is intensifying.
A decent hold for Struff, meaning Sinner leads 7-6 7-5 1-1, but he just doesn’t have the weapons to do much once he’s served. Imagine a parent holding their child at arm’s length, child swinging like Scrappy Doo, unable to reach their target, and you’ll have a good picture of what this match looks like.
Updated
Both Sinner and Struff disappear between sets, then Sinner holds to love, setting the tone; I’d not be shocked if he breaks next game. Back on Centre, meantime, Pegula does really well to rebound from 0-30 to hold, though she remains a break down at 3-2in the third.
It’s absolutely nuts that, at 22, Gauff is playing her seventh Wimbledon – as it is that this is her first quarter-final. But she’s looking good to move into her first semi, an inside-out backhand winner giving her 15-all, then a well-considered net victory making 15-40. Pressure for Pegula, whose approach isn’t quite good enough … and nor is her volley, into the net, and Gauff has the break for 2-1 in the third … then consolidates to 15 for 3-1. She’s serving much better now, and that part of her game is working, she’s a proper threat here.
Another first serve, a return that misses the baseline by inches, and this must be soul-destroying for Struff, who’s playing as well as he’s being allowed to and making the sets close, only for Sinner to do whatever he needs to do to win them. A 7-4 breaker gives him a 7-5 7-6 lead, and this now feels like a formality.
Struff nets a backhand to give Sinner 3-1 and the mini-break; it’s 4-2 at change of ends, the champ hitting every first serve. Struff is trying his best to attack, but the precision is extreme and he’s just not got the tools to counter, soon down 5-2. He does, though, close to 4-5, meaning Sinner is under pressure … quickly alleviated with a service-winner that gives him 6-4 and set point.
Sinner holds to 30 and the match is right here: if he wins the breaker, it’s as good as over; if Struff does, who knows?
Gauff makes 40-30 then lands a serve on the outside of the T, and that’s one set apiece. She can play so, so much better than this, which is part indictment of her form, part praise for her mentality. I don’t think Pegulas has the tools to beat her today, but I’d not back her against whichever of Osaka and Muchova makes the semi.
Updated
Pegulas first serve forsakes her and Gauff tucks in, unable to win points off return but setting up the rallies and making 0-40. A double follows, and at 4-6 5-3, she’ll serve for the second set, while Struff holds to trail Sinner 5-7 6-5.
Sinner serves his way out of shtuck, three big first serves helping him to 7-5 5-5. I’m not sure he’s playing well enough to beat Djokovic, his potential semi-final opponent, but every match is different and he’s doing enough to lead in this one.
Pegula is, I think, nicely loose and playing her natural game; Gauff is relying on hitting more winners than errors. She finds herself down 0-30 just as Struff plays a lovely forehand-volley combo for 30-all, then Sinner hoiks a backhand wide and now faces a break point. He saves it well, though, a big serve good enough, while Gauff secures a tricky hold to trail 4-6 4-3.
Updated
A quick hold apiece on No 1, meaning Sinner leads 7-5 4-4, and can Struff handle the business-end pressure this time? His first-serve percentage is going in the wrong direction, but he needs just two more holds to force a breaker – at least. I actually think he’d be a threat were he playing in late-80s to mid-90s conditions, which suited serve-volleyers, but it’s not as easy now you’ve got to fight your way in, and when he turns 0-30 into 30-all, you worry for him. So it’s no great surprise when Struff hits long – nor, in fairness, when he saves break-point with a service winner – and from there, he closes out the hold to trail 5-7 5-4. That’s unlike Sinner, who I’d usually expect to force home his ascendancy, but he’s just not playing that well nor has he in quite a while now. Back on Centre, meanwhile, Pegula leads Gauff 6-4 2-3.
Updated
We’re still on serve at 7-5 2-3 Sinner but Struff makes 15-30 and might he break for the second time in a row? Well, at 40-30 he whips a tremendous forehand winner cross-court .. so of course Sinner responds with an ace, then again when brought back to deuce. From there, though, the champ closes out to lead 7-5 3-3, while Gauff is serving at 4-6 1-1 deuce … then spanks down an ace, at 126mph her joint-fastest of the competition. That gives her advantage, and she converts with emphasis, an overhead annihilated with maximum prejudice. Pegula leads 6-4 1-2.
Updated
Yes, it was roundabout 1988 I or anyone else used the word eggy to describe anger; what of it? Meanwhile, Gauff is in more trouble, down 15-40, and if she loses her serve here, she’s in big trouble. She was fortunate to beat Solana Sierra in round two and in that match, as well as against Liu and Bencic, she more or less personalitied her way to victory – it was good character rather than good play that got her through. But she makes it to deuce, retrieves a lob then hits a winner for advantage, then closes out a vital hold. Pegula will have noticed, though she leads 6-4 0-1.
A framed forehand and a double give Struff an unlikely 0-30, then at 30-all, Sinner fails to put away a ball he really should, erring as the rally progresses. Then, on break-back point, he overhits a forehand, and somehow, Struff is back in set two at 2-2. Sinner is, by his standards, very eggy with himself.
At 15-all, Pegula offers a tepid second serve so Gauff attacks it, but schlepping the ball from over her shoulder, she can only send it long, then a backhand down the line means she’s down to break points. And only one is required, a very poor forehand landing in to the net, halfway up, and Pegula leads 6-4.
Updated
Struff’s first-serve percentage is plummeting – I fear Sinner has his measure now. Two errors give him 15-30, then a backhand return is too good, earning two break points, and a forehand return then secures the break. Sinner leads 7-5 2-1 and already, this feels over; Gauff holds for 4-5, forcing Pegula to serve for the first set.
All that effort and Gauff returns her break-back in tame fashion – she plays those kinds of games far too often, and they’re one reason I was a little surprised she won majors when she did. Of course I expected her to eventually, but I didn’t think she was ready, nor ready to win in Paris; Pegula consolidates and leads 5-3 in the first.
Down 15-30, Struff finds a service-winer, but then nets a volley, letting it drop too far below the level of the net. A service-winner follows then, playing the second break point, a ball falls out of Struff’s pocket, so they go again – if it happens a second time, eh loses the point – but this time, he’s good to go, another service-winner makes deuce, and from there, the German closes out. Sinner leads 7-5 0-1.
Gauff hits the tape and the ball clambers over then drops; 0-15. And when Pegula goes wide on the backhand, she’s a chance to make something happen, lashing a return on to the line that requires too much footwork, too quickly, to get back. And when Pegula again goes wide, we have that predictable break-back, to love, and we’re back on serve at 3-3 in the first.
Updated
Up 30-0, Sinner swats wide; a mahoosive ace out wide follows, then Struff sweeps a backhand wide, and that concludes a 7-5 first set, tight until it wasn’t. There was one drop, the champ was there to take advantage, and that is a lesson in elite sport; can Struff learn from it?
Pegula, meanwhile, is playing nicely, up 3-2 with a break, but there were signs in Gauff’s last hold that she’s settling.
Updated
OK, Sinner holds for 5-5, then nails a forehand and a return; Struff can’t get close to the first, then nets the second, and at 0-30, he’s in trouble – all the more so when his first serve is long. Sure enough, Sinner’s return is on point, the riposte hitting the net, meaning hr’s three break points. The first is confiscated via ace … and the second …but then given a look at another second serve, an inside-out forehand winner secures the break, the champ upping it when he needed to, and he’ll now serve for set one at 6-5.
Oh man, serving at 4-4 15-all, Struff doinks a simple smash into the net, which both reflects and brings pressure. But from there, he secures his hold for 5-5, while Pegula consolidates to lead Gauff 2-0.
We’re away on Centre, Gauff netting a forehand for deuce, and Pegula will surely target that wing – if she has to, a netted backhand giving her advantage. And I’m afraid no one will be surprised to learn that a double follows;[Pegula leads 1-0, with a break.
Updated
Down 40-0, Struff makes room for a winner sent from corner to corner, then Sinner frames a forehand and misses a first serve; pressure. And when he goes long, again off the forehand, we move to deuce, the German floating a poor rally-ball backhand slice over the baseline, then a netted forehand hands over the hold for 4-4 – but Sinner is not yet settled.
Another love hold for Struff and suddenly, Sinner will be noticing a bit of scoreboard pressure, down 3-4 in the first. He’s not yet made any kind of impression on return, nor hit many winners, both of which are surprising.
Updated
On Centre, Gauff and Pegula are out; Pegula wins the toss and has to think for a short while before deciding to receive.
Struff makes 0-15 and is well in the next point, until he swipes a forehand wide, then he again loses patience in a 19-stroke rally, wellying wide once more. A service-winner follows for 40-15 then, offered a second serve, Struff attacks, coming in to dispatch a fine volley, doubles hands to the fore. The more situations of that ilk he can generate, the better for him, and when Sinner spins a forehand long, to deuce we go … but not for long. The champ quickly serves out, and we’re level at 3-3 in the fifth.
Updated
Now a love hold for Struff, who’s started pretty well and leads 3-2 He looks confident, but he’s not yet been put under pressure and I wonder if he can offer more testing returns. Even if he needs to stand back to give himself a better look at Sinner’s serve, he has to try and dig into it rather than hope e can struggle to a tiebreaker.
Nana Sinner appears to have been busy knitting Jannik’s top; that, or Nike have rinsed him with gear yet again.
Here he is as Luigi.
Taking advantage of the US Open dress code to rock a fetching shade of rust.
The famously complementary colours of olive, white and yellow.
Anyroad up, Struff makes deuce from 40-0 – for all the good it does him. Sinner secures the hold in short order and we’re level at 2-2 in the first.
At 30-0, Struff nails one down the T, then Sinner swipes an inside-out backhand wide and that’s another comfy hold for the German; he leads 2-1, and they’re still feeling each other out.
Er yeah, about that. Sinner holds to love for 1-1; Struff is playing the long game.
A 6”6, 36-year-old man with socks pulled up and a baseball hat on backwards; has anyone got a number for The Hague? Meantime, Struff holds to 30 and will feel much better about life; I reckon he’ll go at Sinner’s serve, especially on second delivery.
Our players are almost ready. Sinner elected to receive, perhaps hoping that Struff, at 36 the oldest man in the open era to reach a first major quarter-final, is nervous. Play.
To our first match, and how does Struff get at Sinner? Well, the unpalatable truth is I’m not sure he does – if Sinner plays properly, this isn’t a contest, whatever Struff does. But Sinner’s hitting from the back, especially down the line – usually so consistent – has been a bit off lately, so perhaps, if Struff can’t finish points early with his concussive forehand length, it might be worth seeing if he can incite the error by hitting balls deep and down the middle of the court.
More likely, though, I expect Struff to take the Stanimal approach and attack everything, hoping to hit a a seam. I also wonder if he’ll try and drop-shots, looking to get Sinner tired but also to use his doubles-generated volleying advantage.
On BBC, they note that Gauff hasn’t made a Wimbledon quarter until this year, though she made round three as a 16-year-old. Mainly, that’s because grass doesn’t suit her game as well as other surfaces – her serve isn’t where it needs to be, and it’s harder to hide her forehand than it is on clay, where theres more time to adjust feet.
Pegula, on the other hand, is a better-rounded player, but without the big weapons you need to win majors. Her returning, though. is good enough to give Gauff fits and the two, who used to play doubles together, are good mates, which adds a further dimension to this match. Bottom line: I don’t think either are ready to win this title.
Also going on:
Preamble
Wotcha and welcome to Wimbledon 2026 – day nine!
Now we’re getting serious. Two show courts, 10 players in form, and each of them tingling, contemplating the feeling of a lifetime.
We begin on No 1 Court with Jannik Sinner, one of only two players in either draw to have won this title before. But, after an astounding run earlier in the year, his body failed him at Roland Garros and he hasn’t looked his usual impregnable self since.
Naturally, elite sport being the ruthless brute that it is, the other players have twigged; where once they knew they were done for, now they fancy it, and though Jan-Lennard Struff isn’t the likeliest candidate to dethrone the champ, to get to this point he’s beaten Sebástian Báez, Brandon Nakashima, Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz. Or, in other words, he’s in form and feeling himself.
Opening up on Centre half an hour later, we’ve got Jess Pegula – desperately chasing the maiden grand slam title but constantly crashing into her athletic ceiling – against Coco Gauff, taken to a deciding set in three of her four matches so far, but one of sport’s great explorers; few are better at finding a way to win. If Pegula plays well, pulling it off isn’t beyond her and, at 32, she’s running out of time so, given the way the seeds have fallen, knows she’ll never get a better shot. She’ll tell herself to the contrary because how else can she go on, but in her heart she knows: her career is on the line here.
The match of the day, though, comes second on No 1, where Naomi Osaka, fresh from dispatching Aryna Sabalenka, now faces a very different challenge. Karolina Muchova – another chasing the debut major she’s seen players of far less talent seize – blends touch, craft and power in a way that’s ideal for grass courts. Can Osaka thrive against an opponent able to put her in uncomfortable positions and likely to haul her to the net? She’s going to have to.
Second on Centre, an interlude: Alexander Zverev leads Jiri Lehecka by two sets to love, and the pair will return locked at 3-3 in the third to finish a match called off last evening. Most likely, the no 2 seed finishes the job in short order, but both players know that if his level drops, he’s vulnerable.
Then, finally for today, we’ve Novak Djokovic – another pondering an opportunity he feared might never come, but in pursuit of the tricky 25th grand slam title that, so far, has eluded us all. Generally speaking, Felix Auger-Aliassime is exactly the kind of opponent he’d dismiss in that quest, a fine athelete unable to play well enough for long enough to beat the best in the biggest tournaments. But at 25, he might just be maturing into the player he promised to be and, if he can make it physical, he can make it happen.
Play: 1pm BST on No 1 Court, 1.30pm BST on Centre Court
Updated
