That’s all from me, folks. How good has this Wimbledon been? Loads of fantastic stories, not least a wildcard from Ukraine who has beaten three former grand slam champions to surge to the semi-finals. We’ve also got a perennial champion marching towards another title and a few youngsters hoping to etch their names into tennis folklore.
I’ve loved it. I hope you have too.
And now here’s Hanna Jane Parkinson on the phenom that is Novak Djokovic on Centre Court where he hasn’t lost in 10 years, 42 consecutive matches, 3,655 days – or, as Hanna says, “13 consecutive pregnancies”.
Take it from me, the writing is as good as Novak’s lunging backhands that scream over the net and down the line.
A report has just landed. It’s a goodie from Simon Cambers who was watching the 21-year-old Jannick Sinner become the youngest player to reach Wimbledon’s last four since 2007. He was brilliant but knows he’ll have to up his game when he plays Novak Djokovic in the next round.
As we wait for the reports to come in, I think it’s worth taking a read of Jonathan Liew’s latest column. In typical fashion he takes aim at those in charge of sport who have used what is supposed to be a force for communal good and squeezed every penny from it. Tennis is not exempt from criticism:
Some joy for a few of Brits at least. It’s been a tough time for the singles players but Neal Skupski and his Dutch partner, Wesley Koolhof, reached the men’s doubles quarter-finals today. They beat the Australia duo MAx Purcell and Jordan Thompson 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)
Elswhere, Jamie Murray and his Kiwi mate, Michael Venus, aw off the Polish double act of Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski 6-4, 6-3.
In the mixed doubles quarter-finals, Olivia Nichols and Jonny O’Mara beat the number five seeded Australian pair of Mathew Ebden and Ellen Perez 7-5, 7-5.
So still some hope that a Brit will lift a title this year.
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John Quackenroe. Just read that name again. That is a real person with a very important job. And when I say person I actually mean a rubber bath toy that helps monitor the rain at Wimbledon. I’m serious.
Djokovic is through to his 12th Wimbledon semi-final. It’s his 46th in a grand slam. He hasn’t lost on Centre Court for 10 years. Breathtaking numbers though he says he’s not interested in stats while the tournament is ongoing.
It ain’t happening! Ice cold.
"It ain't happening" 😤@DjokerNole is relishing the pressure#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/e4ky8L9FS5
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
Earlier in the day, Elina Svitolina shocked the world’s top ranked player, Iga Swiatek.
Tumaini Carayol was there. Read his match report and his piece with Svitolina, the Ukranian star with this poignant line: “Mentally I don’t take difficult situations as like a disaster, you know? There are worse things in life.”
It’s been another thrilling day at SW19. Paul McInnes certainly had a good time. Take a read of his Wimbledon diary live vicariously through his joyful writing:
Novak now signing autographs for kids on the side of the court. He goes to his bag to fetch bits and bobs to give away. A cap for a youngster here, a wristband for another. I think one got a shirt. He’s now chucking other gear into stands.
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Djokovic then jokes by calling himself “very humble”. That was such a good post match interview. He’s often accused of not being human. And I know the vaccine furore meant he lost a lot of fans (for the record, I wasn’t happy with his views). But he’s shown immense humanity in coming back after being frozen out and he continues to set the bar higher and higher. Sublime. What a giant.
46th grand slam final which equals Roger Federer’s record. He’s laughing on the court as he conducts an interview:
Thank you for making the atmosphere great for both of us players. I hope you enjoyed the match.
There were some thrilling rallies. Andrey is a guy I respect a lot. His forehand is kind of scary. He’s obviously someone who has been around the top 10 for a number of years and I have to congratulate him on a great match and a great tournament.
In terms of the numbers, thank you for bringing them up. But they’re just numbers. But I don’t like to think about statistics and achievements. It’s a tournament that is active for me. I’m still in it an that’s all I’m thinking about, directing my attention to the next match. It’s only going to get tougher. But I loved the energy I brought to the court today.
[How does he cope with the pressure?] I love it. [Big applause]. Any tennis player wants to be in the position where everyone wants to beat you. Pressure is a privilege. It never goes away. The pressure is paramount every time I come out on the court, especially here. It brings out the most beautiful emotions in me and inspires me to play my best tennis. They want to get a scalp and they want to win. But it ain’t happening.
Novak Djokovic beats Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.
A 33rd consecutive win at Wimbledon and a 10-year long winning streak at Centre Court continues. Unplayable. Unflappable. Unreal. Rublev didn’t do much wrong. He landed more first serves than Djokovic and was accurate from the baseline and effective when presented with the chance to unfurl a winner down the line. But the determination and tenacity from the 36-year-old champion proved too much. He continued to chase down lost causes and put away winners from impossible angles. A quite brilliant tennis match.
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Match point. Djokovic successfully challenges and follows that up with a backhand winner down the line that followed a bewildering save that kept the rally alive.
Djokovic returns with heat and takes 0-30 lead. Two hits away.
Djokovic one game away from semi-final. Clinical again. A well disguised drop shot and a few driving winners and some meaty serves. Not long now.
Game, Rublev. He’s down 3-4 in this fourth set and trails 1-2 on sets, but he has won over so many neutrals. Let’s not forget that he was barred from competing here last year because of the crimes of his nation’s government. He’s playing as a neutral without the Russian flag next to his name and he’s shown immense heart. He’ll likely lose this match in this set but I can’t stress how impressive he’s been.
Magnificent! Rublev is serving and has the first point of this game in the bag. He hammers a shot that looks destined to smack into the back boards but Djokovic somehow reaches it. He returns a high defensive lob and Rublev, perhaps incredulous, misses the simple volley by a few metres. 0-15
But then the Russian gets on the board to make it 15-15 with a forehand winner that oozed class.
Love game Djokovic. That felt like he did that with his eyes closed. The final backhand winner down the line was effortless. 4-2 up.
These sort of takes always crack me up. “Just make him run more”. If only it were that easy.
#bbctennis #Wimbledon
— Mark ⚽ 🎾 🏁 (@footballmark808) July 11, 2023
I don't understand why a 25-year-old Andrey Rublev wouldn't be trying to make a 36-year-old Novak Djokovic run side to side as much as possible?
If anything, it's happening in reverse
We know he's a great player, but at least test his fitness 🎾
Rublev crunches a forehand and then annihilates the ball with an overhead smash. He’s 40-15 up and then takes the game. He trails 2-3 so will have to break. He’s at least holding his own serve now. Fair play to him.
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Bang! Game Djokovic. 3-2 with an ace. Rublev looks incredulous. He’s playing at the limit of his abilities and it’s still not enough.
Djokovic leans into the two-handed backhand and squares the game. 30-30. Driving on the front foot and keeping Rublev pinned back. A long rally goes to Dkojokic. A big first serve allows him to make it 40-30.
Two mistakes there from Djokovic. He is human. He’s 15-30 down on his own serve. First too short and then too long. Credit to Rublev who is hanging in there.
Djokovic breaks, takes a 2-1 lead. Oh, that’s not what Rublev needed. He’s facing a tough ask now. Some slick sliding drop shots and great driving strokes from the baseline were all present there. His ability to keep the ball alive is why Rublev can’t put him away. The thing is the Russian is playing well. Just not well enough.
Another long rally goes to Djokovic. Break point now for Novak. Hard to figure out why the longer exchanges are going his way. I guess the obvious answer is that he doesn’t make as many mistakes. A quick rally goes to Rublev. Still break point at 30-40.
Djokovic wins 20 shot rally. He’s 0-15 up in this third game of the second set. That’s just another example of his dominance when these exchanges go long.
Right back at ya, Andrey. Djokovic returns the favour and wins his service game without dropping a point. 1-1 in the fourth.
Rublev wins the first game. And without dropping a point. That’s exactly what was needed. 1-0 up but crucially 1-2 down on sets.
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A breathless match continues. Rublev serving in the fourth set. He’ll want to make an early statement.
Djokovic isn’t winning over the neutrals. He cupped his ear towards a few fans near the front row who were vociferously supporting Rublev. He might not be everyone’s favourite player, and he’s certainly not loved like previous champions, but my goodness you just have to admire the determination and skill of the man.
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Djokovic wins the scrap to take the third set 6-4. He lost the first set 4-6 and stormed the second 6-1. This one was a slugfest. Neither man conceded an inch, Djokovic had to fight for every point and eventually, after the “best game of the match”, according to McEnroe, that lasted 15 minutes, he takes the set.
Too good. Djokovic with a fifth set point. A crunching first serve has Rublev on the back foot. Rather than go to the open side Djokovic cramps his opponent with a swift forehand winner.
Sixth deuce. Djokovic gets this drop shot in and Rublev can’t get there in time. It’s from almost the same spot as the missed sitter earlier. If at first you don’t succeed….
Oh wow! Djokovic misses a sitter. Rublev does well to keep a thumping serve in play and Djokovic moves forwards and plays a drop shot that skews off his racket and goes wide. Rublev now with the advantage to break.
My goodness. This is going on and on. A rare mistake from Djokovic on the forehand that doesn’t get over the net means we’re back at deuce.
Rublev long again. He challenges after missing the backhand from a second serve return. Fourth set point for Djokovic.
Rublev misses the backhand and we’re back to deuce for the fourth time. Djokovic was doing all the hitting in that rally until Rublev went for the winner from the T. Too much on it.
Second break point. Rublev roars to the crowd and they roar back. Excellent rally. Djokovic drops and Rublev chases and dinks it over. Djokovic then goes short again and Rublev sends the winner across the court from an acute angle. Outstanding tennis.
Third deuce. Djokovic goes too long on a forehand. He’s blaming the wind. Rublev has been impressive in this third set. He’s fighting to keep it alive. Reminder that Djokovic is serving for the set and a 2-1 lead.
Now Djokovic with the advantage. Rublev slips and then Djokovic smashes from a serve and volley.
Rublev with the advantage. From 15-40 down he’s got the chance to break.
Rublev takes it to deuce. Two set points saved. One with a slick backhand winner and the other with a Djokovic double fault.
Djokovic aces. 30-15 with the added aesthetic bonus of a puff of chalk. Inch perfect. Two serves from taking the set.
Djokovic to serve for the set. Rublev holds but will now need to break Djokovic if he wants to avoid going 2-1 down. Better from the Russian, but he must reach even deeper.
Djokovic holds, 5-3 up in the third. Rublev can’t break the champion. Some swift work at the baseline and a powerful backhand meant he held his own, but Djokovic is too clinical and takes the game.
Both guys are hammering the ball. 15-15 in Djokovic’s serve as he looks to extend his 4-3 lead in the second. Phenomenal ball striking. Both fancy it when they exchange blows from the baseline.
This photo captures that perfectly:
Point of contact 📸#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/gBLQBHo4WQ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
Rublev holds. He’s made it 3-4 in this third set with some accurate serving at deuce and driving winners into the corner. He needed to show more fight after getting trounced in the second set and fair play to him. He’s done just that.
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Sensational from Djokovic. Rublev had got to the net and was resisting the Serb’s fierce returns but he can’t do anything about that passing forehand that whistles across the court and lands inside. Oh, but Rublev responds with a down the line backhand. Novak gives him the thumbs up. Game respects game and this game goes to deuce.
Game, Djokovic. He leads 4-2 in the third set. They exchange a few backhands each that get closer and closer to the baseline. Eventually Rublev goes too long and Novak takes the game.
Rublev smashes to make it 30-15. Better from the Russian who shows some initiative to advance on the net. More of that please.
Djokovic breaks Rublev. Relentless. He pounces on every second serve and returns every first serve with heat. 3-2 with the serve in the second set. Rublev has to find a way to break.
Djokovic triumphs on another long rally. That’s the 18th rally that went over nine shots and Dojokic has won 15 of them. He has it on a string now and flat-foots Rublev with a forehand. 15-15 on the Russian’s serve before it goes to 15-30.
“Djokovic upping the intensity”. So says McEnroe. He’s certainly upped his accuracy on first serve. He’s just claimed a love game to level the set 2-2. Rublev sends a blistering serve on the final serve but Djokovic sends it back with even more smoke.
The kids are alright…
Jannik Sinner is the youngest man to reach the semi-finals since 2007...
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
The youngest for a day anyway 😉#Wimbledon | @janniksin pic.twitter.com/RT2unB60s6
Rublev holds serve. He’s 2-1 up. Better from the Russian this set.
Djokovic wins the game. Because of course he does. He was 15-40 down before landing three first serves. A longer rally goes his way as Rublev over cooks another forehand. We’re locked at 1-1 in both sets and games.
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Rublev makes a mess of a forehand and gives up a big chance as he finds the net. He was leading on Djokovic’s serve 15-40. Still in with a chance to break. Nope, he now goes too long with a forehand. Deuce.
Rublev serving to get the third set going. He sees it out with a swift serve. Good work. Whatever he said to himself in the dressing room worked. His forehand was on point too. Djokovic not quite nailing his returns.
Rublev has rushed off for a toilet break. He might just need a breather and a quiet word in the mirror. He looked stunned at times. As if he wasn’t aware that Djokovic had a higher gear. He has beaten him once before, though that was in Belgrade on clay. Djokovic looks unbeatable on this surface.
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Djokovic takes the second set, 6-1. Rublev made him fight in that final game, but the champion closed it out with a screaming first serve that was preceded by another shot that defied belief. His ability to put away cross-court winners on either hand is unrivalled. How he manages to get his body around the ball and whip it with venom is just outstanding. What a player. Just two unforced errors as well so not only is he smashing winners he’s just not making mistakes. How does anyone beat this guy when he plays like that?
Rublev wins a game. It won’t count for much in this second set, Djokovic leads 5-1, but at least the Russian is on the board.
Jannik Sinner beats Roman Safiullin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
It’s all over on Court 1 as the 21-year-old Sinner gets to the promised land of the semi-finals of a grand slam for the first time in his career. Two consecutive breaks means he’ll meet the winner of this match in the next round. Brilliant ball striking. He won’t be a pushover if he plays like that.
SPECIAL SINNER 🇮🇹
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
The Italian reaches his first Grand Slam semi-final, beating Safiullin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/n9dBHVCYCG
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Djokovic 5-0 up in 20-odd minutes. Rublev has only won six points in this second set. He’s got those shark eyes. Ruthless and unnervingly accurate. Rublev looks stunned.
Djokovic breaks Rublev again, leads 4-0. He then aces his first serve in the fifth game. After losing the first set 6-4, the winning machine is humming at a frenetic pace. First serves are landing, forehand winners are becoming ubiquitous, it’s brutal is what I’m saying.
“That’s way too good”. If John McEnroe says that you must know that it’s a special stroke. Djokovic, all the way on the right at the baseline, whips a forehand to the opposite corner that couldn’t have been better placed if he walked over with the ball in his hand. Sensational. He wins the next two points off Rublev’s serve to take a 0-40 lead.
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Sinner breaks Safiullin, 4-2 up in fourth set. Massive moment on Court 1. The Italian is 30-15 up and if he can hold serve he will at least be serving for the match. He leads three sets to one.
Two unforced errors gives Djokovic the game, now leads 3-0. Rublev was holding his own but he’s coughed up three break points in that deuce game. Djokovic then hammers a first serve and seals the game. The champion taking control.
Djokovic takes it to deuce with a driving serve. He needed that. He was facing a break point. But Rublev has the advantage again.
Game Djokovic, leads 2-0 in the second set. What a rally. He ends it with a drop shot that Rublev can’t return. But the point was made safe with two sensational slides that allowed him to get into position to keep returning deep. That’s the break that Novak was looking for. Will now serve for a hold on this set. Reminder that he’s 1-0 down.
Rublev doubles. 15-40. He throws his head back in disgust. Big point coming up.
Djokovic returns with a trademark split. No one in the history of the game plays that shot as well as he does. Fully stretched, groins on fire, both feet pointing back towards the net, he wraps his racket round the ball and wins a point on the backhand. Rublev then gets a point to make it 15-30. Every moment feels immense.
Sinner holds serve to lead third set 2-1. The Italian is two sets to one up over Safiulin.
Djokovic takes the first game, leads second set 1-0. Rublev looked dangerous and was still wiped in the first game. Shows that even an off-form Djokovic is a dangerous beast. Clinical at the net to win a point.
Djokovic still struggling with his first serve. He’s 40-0 up in the first game of the second set, but you feel he has to sort this out sooner rather than later. Rublev is returning well.
Here’s the moment Svitolina stunned the world:
A five-star performance 🌟@ElinaSvitolina defeats the world No.1 Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the semi-finals at #Wimbledon once again pic.twitter.com/l6nUu17KHj
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
Rublev takes the first set, 6-4. Not sure how many people had Djokovic losing a set but in case anyone needed a reminder that Rublev can play, they just got one. Cracking first serves – Djokovic only landing 50% of his – as well as booming forehands from Rublev meant he controlled that set. Long way to go, mind.
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Djokovic returning with venom. It’s 30-30 now. Big serve for Rublev as he looks to take the set. Oh, but he can’t clear the net from a thundering forehand. Set point for Rublev.
Rublev breaks Djokovic. Now then. The Russian takes the lead in the first set – 5-4 – with two big forehand winners at deuce. Djokovic slipped on the first one and was unable to return and then got nowhere near the second. Djokovic looks a little sluggish it must be said.
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What a heck of a shift from Michael. Well done mate. Hi everyone. Looks like I’ve entered the scene just as things are getting tasty on Centre Court. Djokovic is serving with the first set locked at 4-4. Rublev showing real grit. Meanwhile on Court 1, Sinner leads 2-1 after taking the third set. He’s serving in the first game that’s square at 30-30.
The roof is now open on Centre Court, by the way. But because Sinner v Safiullin started under a closed roof, it has to stay under cover for the duration.
Anyway, my shift is over. I’m handing over to Daniel Gallan, who will guide you through the rest of the two men’s semi-finals. Enjoy!
Read Tumaini Carayol's report on Svitolina's victory
Sinner beats Safiullin to the third set 6-2!
Back on Court No 1, Sinner has found his mojo again. Double faults have cost Safiullin in this third set, with three in the Russian’s latest service game alone. From 40-15 up, Safiullin collapses and an errant backhand gifts Sinner the break and the third set. Ominous for Safiullin. It’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to the Italian.
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Here comes Djokovic, manoeuvring Rublev around the court that he calls home. Two break points for the Serbian, which Rublev does well to save with a couple of tasty serves. Djokovic comes again, forcing an error from Rublev. Back comes the Russian. Deuce again. Rublev has a chance to win the game, completely dominating the rally, but can’t finish Djokovic off. Just absolutely outrageous defence. Djokovic has no tight to get to any of these balls, but somehow clambers back into the rally and wins the point. Wow, Djokovic ran 83 metres in that rally, lasting 20 shots, 19 of which he was on the back foot. Still, Rublev holds his nerve, and he eventually holds. It’s 3-3, but it feels like the screws are tightening.
Impressive stuff from Rublev, who is keeping pace with Djokovic, and fires a flat, dreamy backhand to take the opening point of the Serbian’s service game. But Djokovic is so consistent. Even when he’s not firing down blockbuster winners, he stays in the rally, and often forces a mistake from his opponent. So rarely do you see an unforced error from the defending champion. After losing that early point, Djokovic wins four on the bounce to claim the game. It’s on serve in the first set, Djokovic leads 3-2.
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Have you ever heard of John Quackenroe? You have now.
Here’s Paul MacInnes’ report on Vondrousova’s win over Pegula
With the roof closed, the acoustics on Court No 1 are really amplifying the sound of Sinner and Safiullin’s shots. Both are absolutely booming their shots back at each other. It sounds like they are playing a match in squash court. It’s on serve in the third set, 2-1 to Sinner.
Safiullin takes the second set 6-3!
We’re all square at one set apiece! Safiullin closes out the set with an ace, and from 3-1 down, the Russian is back in this match against Sinner.
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Djokovic serves first, and gets to 40-30. And as if to prove my previous point, Rublev powers a low cross-court backhand to take control of the point, but Djokovic somehow gets to it, slippin’ and slidin’, stays in the point, regains the advantage and forces the error from Rublev to win the opening game. Classic Djok.
And so, Djokovic and Rublev are underway on Centre. The Russian must be at his aggressive best, and even then, Djokovic is the best defensive player (on any surface, but especially on grass) that I have ever seen. The way he slides across the turf at 36 years old is ridiculous.
Djokovic spoke about Rublev before the match, which I referenced earlier:
Rublev is a fantastic player, one of the best forehands on tour. He is a very good person who works hard to be in the top 10, which he has been for the last few years. He is one of the most consistent players across all surfaces. I have a lot of respect for him.”
But James W has emailed in to counter-balance those quotes.
“Rublev is also a complete headcase slash mindless ballbasher (see also Berdych and Shapo) who will win a lot of matches outside the slams but will flame out before (or during) quarter finals, almost every time. How many grand slams semis for Rublyov (not correct Russian spelling?) NONE. There is a reason for that.”
Coming onto Centre Court now, some guy called Novak Djokovic. With him Andrey Rublev, who is aiming to become the first man to beat Djokovic on Centre in over a decade.
With Sinner booming down serves and groundstrokes, Safiullin has got to change something, and he does. He comes to the net well, and starts to slice, and it seems to unsettle Sinner. Safiullin earns three break points, and takes the third of them, with the Italian shunting a weak backhand into the net. We’re back on serve in the second set, 3-3!
Safiullin, who was incredibly successful as a boy – no 2 in the world at youth level, started that first set like a train, with a host of huge winners. But Sinner grew into that set, and showed real class at the end. The Italian looks like the real deal, but credit to Safiullin, he holds his serve. He trails Sinner 4-6, 2-3.
Sinner beats Safiullin to win the first set 6-4!
So, while I was pre-occupied with all that, I can tell you that Sinner held his serve to take the first set 6-4 against Safiullin. The Italian also has a break of serve at the beginning of the second set. He leads 2-1 and will serve for a 3-1 lead.
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Svitolina, who was given a wildcard for this year’s tournament, speaks:
I don’t know what is happening in my head right now. Unbelievable. I’m so happy I had the chance to play here. A great atmosphere, an unbelievable feeling. It is not easy, she is world no 1.
Iga is an unbelievable person. She was one of the first people who supported Ukrainian people. It was a huge help. It’s not easy to play against someone who you share a lot of good moments.
Thank you so much for cheering for me all the way.
I’m going to have a beer. Just going to enjoy with my team. If someone told me I would be in a semi-final before the tournament, I would say they are crazy. I’m going to relax, have a massage – much needed – and get ready for the next battle.
Svitolina, who lived for a while in London, is incredibly popular here, and walks off court to huge cheers and applause. She will meet Vondrousova in the semi-finals. What a match that will be.
Svitolina wins! She beats Swiatek 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2
She’s done it! Svitolina falls to her knees but recovers to embrace her friend and rival at the net. Swiatek, the world No 1, is out! It was another poor forehand from the Pole that handed Svitolina but take nothing away from the Ukrainian. Absolutely mesmeric tennis. She bossed Swiatek. The crowd erupts, a very popular winner.
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The first of which is a double fault! Nerves, people! Nerves.
Svitolina moves seamlessly to 40-0, with a beautiful backhand up the line. She is making Swiatek look very pedestrian indeed. The Pole didn’t even try to get to that one. Three match points …
Just a reminder that Svitolina came through another emotional epic match against Azarenka on Sunday. She only returned to the Tour in April following the birth of her daughter six months ago. Yes, she is playing well, but look at the context. And against the very best players in the world.
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Swiatek holds. At 7-5, 6-7 (5), 5-2, Svitolina will serve for the match.
Back on Court No 1, we are 4-4 in the first set, but Sinner has three break points to take a crucial lead. Safiullin saves one, but hits an errant forehand long, and Sinner has the break. He leads 5-4 in the first and will serve for the set.
In complete control of a point, Svitolina then chooses to skew an awful drop shot attempt into the net. She looks to the sky in disgust, but recovers well to move to 40-15. The double break has given Svitolina freedom, she is hitting the ball so pure right now, and Swiatek is just a passenger. Svitolina holds her serve. She leads 5-1 and is now just a game away from knocking out the world no 1 to move into the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Svitolina breaks! Wooooooooow. The Ukrainian has a double break in the third set. Swiatek is staring down the barrel here. Svitolina will serve and has a chance to go to 5-1!
Svitolina motors to 40-0 but is brought back to deuce, the first real grunts and squeals emanating from the 28-year-old. But Svitolina holds! Swiatek has got herself out of plenty of holes already in this match. It’s 7-5, 6-7, 3-1 to the Ukrainian. Still a long way to go with the world no 1 at the other end of the court.
The liveblogger’s curse, as just as I write my last entry, Swiatek is broken. Svitolina leads 2-1 and will serve next in the third set.
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Back to Centre. At 1-1, Svitolina is on the charge, and has two break points at 15-40 on Swiatek’s serve, with one forehand winner coming back at 87mph, much faster than Swiatek’s second serve of 78mph. Swiatek saves both points to force deuce. She hasn’t been playing well by her own lofty standards, but often seems to win the clutch points.
Safiullin holds again to love. The geezer is looking like prime Pete Sampras out here. He hasn’t lost a point on his service, and leads 2-1 in the first set.
Sinner reached the quarter-finals last year, remember, where he lead Djokovic by two sets, before succumbing to the eventual champion. He is the heavy favourite to progress here, even if Safiullin is playing out of his skin in the first game, an easy hold. Sinner responds to hold a service game of his own, but Safiullin is swinging freely.
On Court No 1, the first of our male quarter-final pairings emerge: Jannik Sinner and Roman Safiullin. The Russian is currently ranked 92 in the world, but will rise to 43rd even if he loses here. And 30th if he wins!
Absolutely breathless stuff. Take a moment, and maybe read this.
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Swiatek wins the second set 7-6 (5)! We're heading to a third!
Swiatek earns set point, on the Svitolina serve, and the Ukrainian is not aggressive enough! Swiatek dominates the rally, Svitolina is forced long, and the world no 1 has fought back from the brink to tie this match up at one set all!
Swiatek attacks the second serve, bunting a return winner just inside the baseline. She gets the mini-break back! It’s 4-4, but another uncharacteristic forehand error gives Svitolina a 5-4 lead. But then, another forehand winner! From the sublime to the ridiculous for Swiatek. It’s 5-5 and still on serve.
Ballsy from Swiatek, back to 2-4, with a worldy backhand that lands three centimetres inside the tramline. Another excellent passing shot up the line and the Pole is back to 3-4 in the tie break. What drama.
Mini-break for Svitolina! She leads 2-1 in the tie-break. Swiatek is haemorrhaging errors on the forehand – 3-1 to Svitolina – before the Ukrainian finds a timely ace. She leads the world no 1 4-1 in the tie break. A crucial couple of serves coming up for Swiatek now.
Back against the wall, Swiatek finds two excellent winners down the line, before a second-serve ace (!) down the T secures a comfortable hold. It’s 6-6 in the second set. To a decisive tie-break we go!
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Interestingly, in that last service game, there was a Svitolina serve that was out, but it was not called, not challenged, and the Ukrainian went on to win a crucial point.
It’s all happening, back to Centre Court we go! Swiatek held up her end to get to 5-5, before Svitolina did the same to reapply the pressure, roaring into a 6-5 lead with an amazing cross-court winner on the run. Swiatek was in complete control as she came to the net, but the Ukrainian somehow found the angle. The crowd go beserk, and Svitolina screams in delight. Swiatek will once again serve to stay in the match.
Vondrousova beats Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-4!
Vondrousova is in tears, overwhelmed by the enormity of reaching the semi-finals. She races to 40-0, and converted match point at the second attempt with a volley. Her ability to come to the net, and her booming forehand proved too much for Pegula, who must be devastated.
“I’m loving grass now,” says the triumphant Czech in her post-match interview.
Semi-final secured.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
The emotion pours out as Marketa Vondrousova seals her place in the last four#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bUrxTupHkq
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Back on Centre, Svitolina has fought her way back to 4-4 against Swiatek but faces two break points for the Pole. Svitolina saves one with Swiatek bunting a shot into the net, and the world no 1 again makes an error to hand her rival deuce. That is so uncharacteristic from Swiatek, who continues to struggle with her forehand. Two more forehand errors, and suddenly Svitolina leads 7-5, 5-4! The tournament favourite will serve to stay in the match.
Pegula is hanging in there, both her and Vondrousova are striking the ball well, pummelling groundstokes back and forth towards each other. Vondrousova rips a forehand down the line to send the game to deuce, before Pegula wins a ridiculous 31-shot rally, surely one of the best of the tournament. The quality is sky high, amnd the Centre Court crowd are loving it. Vondrousova forces break point, prevailing on another monster rally in which both hit the baseline, before the 24-year-old breaks again. Vondrousova will serve for the match! She leads 5-4, having won the past four games!
Vondrousova is full of beans, and with new balls in her hands, sends down some hearty serves towards Pegula. It feels like Vondrousova should be taller than she is, in the mould of Kvitova maybe, but she stands only at 5ft6in, so her 107mph serves are most welcome. Vondrousova holds, and we are all square at 4-4 in the third. What a finale in store.
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Things are hotting up on Court 1. Pegula has retained her early break and leads 4-2, but Vondrousova throws herself to her right to somehow pull out a clutch volley at the net. Great point, the Czech lefty is now out of it yet! She earns two break points by coming to the net again and converts the second, forcing Pegula into the error. Things are back on serve in the third set, although Vondrousova still trails 3-4. She is piping the tennis ball though, and has momentum here.
Thanks Tom, back with a can of fizzy pop. I can’t overstate what an awful error that was from Svitolina. Mentally, she completely folded in the rest of the game, she double faulted and let Swiatek dominate the rallies. “To be a great tennis player, it’s good to have a short memory”, cries the BBC commentary. That’s not a bad piece of advice. It’s vital that Svitolina puts the error behind her and tries to get back into the set.
Swiatek holds and consolidates the break, winning the game with a rip-snorting backhand cross court past a flailing Svitolina. The Pole leads 3-1 in the second, but a set down of course.
Swiatek breaks for a 2-1 lead in the second set. Swiatek initially looks as if she still can’t get anything out of Svitolina’s serve, which is accurate but not venomous. The Ukrainian races to 40-0 before netting a ridiculously soft attempted drop volley. A proper howler, and this one could be a turning point. It’s followed with a double-fault for 40-30. And suddenly, we’re at deuce when a probing return from Swiatek prompts another return into the net. Svitolina’s second double-fault of the game takes us to a second deuce, and Swiatek then earns a break point with a deep looping forehand winner, which she converts after controlling a rally that ends with Svitolina backhanding into the net.
And Michael’s back and full of omelette and good cheer. So I’ll hand you back.
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Swiatek shows signs of restoring her forehand mo-jo with an effortlessly firm winner into the corner. And gives her backhand a strong workout before one of them reels off an equally fine winner into the corner for 40-15. And it’s an easy, and hugely needed, hold. 1-1, second set.
They’re back out and warming up on Court One for the other quarter-final.
Aaand … we resume where we left off. Svitolina holds to love, dominating the rallies and inducing more overhit returns from the Pole. She’s now won 20 out of the last 22 point. Svitolina leads 7-5, 1-0
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They’re back out on Centre Court. Swiatek’s been in deep and honest conflab with her coaching team in the box.
The break in play might be what Swiatek needs. She’s recovered from these sorts of situations aplenty, including in this fortnight, but her game really did fall apart at the end of that set. Svitolina’s playing well, striking the ball cleanly and judiciously, but hasn’t had to produce anything spectacular to take the set.
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Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula has an early break in the third set against Vondrousova and leads 3-1. And then spots of rain are felt and the roof is called for. Likewise on Centre Court so we’ll have a wee pause. The covers are on the outside courts too.
Svitolina wins first set against Swiatek 7-5
Match on! Svitolina pins Swiatek to the back of the court in a lengthy rally, inducing an error, and it’s 0-30 when she dobs a neat drop-volley just over the net. But Swiatek finally keeps her composure and control in a long rally to win her first service-game point in seven. No matter though because Svitolina responds brilliantly to earn two set points, which she takes at the first opportunity, a testing angled backhand forcing Swiatek to stretch slightly and volley a backhand wide.
She’s won 16 of the last 18 points, and, having already enjoyed some remarkable wins in the past week and a half, the biggest and best of the lot now beckons. But Swiatek’s dug herself out of bother before.
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Swiatek’s forehand is really misfiring, another shank handing Svitolina a 30-0 advantage and a low one at the net also drifting wide. And another one gives Svitolina the hold. I’d make her the likelier winner of this set now. 6-5.
Over on Court One, we’re on serve in the decider. One set all, one game all between Jessica Pegula and Marketa Vondrousova.
Svitolina breaks back! And to love, to boot. A horrible service game from the top seed as she mis-hits two forehands long for 0-30, the second from a particularly probing Svitolina return it must be said. Make that three forehands overhit, and the Ukrainian has three break points. To round things off, a double-fault hands Svitolina the break-back. 5-5, first set.
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Svitolina, serving, claws back a deficit for 30-all and goes on to hold, dominating her rallies impressively, and pumping up a crowd that’s largely on her side. Swiatek is not at her imperious best here – the odd error pockmarking her play – but she will serve for the set at 5-4.
Pegula wins the second set 6-2 against Vondrousova
Jessica Pegula breaks again to 30 to secure the set 6-2, and take us into a third
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A tricky service game for Swiatek but she prevails. She races to 30-0 lead but a better back-of-court forehand from Svitolina seals her the next point and that’s followed by a sloppy Swiatek forehand into the net. Another wayward forehand from the favourite takes us to deuce, the first of two as Swiatek nets after a long rally. She eventually seals the hold with some confident serving and Svitolina will serve to stay in the set at 3-5.
Svitolina offers a sprightly response to a couple of disappointing games, that strong forehand serving her well as she holds to love. Pegula stretches her lead against Vandrousova in the second set to 4-1. Looks as if we’re headed for a decider there.
Swiatek pushes Svitolina all over the court for 30-0 before an emphatic angled forehand gets the Ukrainian in the game, but it’s a comfortable hold. 4-2.
Over on Court 1 Pegula has a much-needed break against Vandrousova and leads 3-1 in the second set, with the Czech a set up.
Thanks Michael. Afternoon everyone. Never had Swiatek pegged for an AC/DC fan I have to say. (Guess the Tennis Player’s Playlist could make a decent game). Anyway, after her last service game was a bit of a highway to hell (sorry), the No 1 seed is back to her tenacious best on Svitolina’s serve, taking it to deuce and then going on to break with a firm angled forehand. She leads 3-2, first set, and a break up.
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Svitolina breaks! The Centre Court crowd are certainly rooting for her a little more than Swiatek, as the Ukrainian gets the scores back on serve at 2-2.
I’m off for my lunch, My wife has just described the omelette she has kindly made for me as “one of the worst looking omelettes in history.” I can confirm it looks like an absolute mess, but tastes bloomin’ lovely. Tom Davies will take you through the next hour.
From the moment she stepped on Centre Court, with those headphones over her ears, Swiatek has looked like a woman possessed. She thumps a forehand crosscourt winner to get back to 30-30, and then follows it up with the deftest two-handed volley at the net, the ball dying beautifully in front of Svitolina, who quietly applauds the shot.
For those that want to know what Swiatek is listening to in those headphones, it’s rock‘n’roll music.
There are a few bands that I listen to before a match,” Swiatek told reporters in 2022. “Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, they were always the three that were really kind of perfect for the situation.
“So I use music to kind of have something that’s going to get my brain busy and relaxed before the match. But also when I want to be more energetic, it really helps me.”
Back on Centre Court, Swiatek has an early break, but Svitolina rallies to hold her next service game, angling a fierce serve into the body of Swiatek to cramp the Pole. It is 2-1 in the first set to the world No 1, who will serve next.
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That set was a weird one. Both Pegula and Vondrousova flickered with intent, but ultimately it was the serving that separated the pair.
Pegula’s first and second serve percentage was 41/50%, while Vondrousova’s was 68/74%.
Vondrousova beats Pegula to the first set! She wins 6-4
Vondrousova sets up set point with an ace, which hits the chalk and glides under Pegula’s racket, and an unforced error hands the Czech player the set. She is half-way to the semi-finals at Wimbledon!
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Pegula ties it up at 4-4! But then immediately falls 0-30 down. It doesn’t feel like a pattern or a narrative in this match has been established. Both players are ebbing and flowing between form and inconsistency. Vondrousova hits a cleeeeeean backhand return winner to get to 15-40 but Pegula hangs in with some neat work at the net to get back to 30-40, and then deuce.
Pegula’s touch at the net has really improved with her doubles game – she and Coco Gauff are within the top 10 ranked pair – but Vondrousova forces yet another break of serve with some powerful hitting. The Czech will serve for the first set at 5-4.
On Centre, Swiatek and Svitolina are knocking up in front of the royal box. This is the first time in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for Swiatek, so nerves will be jangling.
“Spotted your comment about it being more than a decade ago that Djokovic lost on Centre Court Wimbledon,” emails Laura Albero. “As my daughter pointed out, last time he was beaten she did not exist (she just turned 10 yesterday).”
Happy birthday to your daughter, Laura!
Confidence is flowing for Vondrousova, who holds to go 4-2 up. The Czech is not afraid to mix things up with pace and bounce and spin, and Pegula is obviously not comfortable.
Our man at SW19, Tumaini Carayol, concurs.
Vondrousova is just a complete nightmare to play against. A nightmare.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 11, 2023
Vondrousova holds and then wins an absolutely sublime point to go 0-40 up on Pegula’s serve. Both players shows great grit in defence and sent some booming forehands down the line. Vondrousova brought Pegula to the net with a drop shot and then put her away with a backhand. Oooof. Vondrousova gets the break, and has now won the last three games to lead 3-2.
Pegula actually looks like she’s targeting the Vondrousova forehand, which is an interesting tactic. But the Czech has settled, perhaps Vondrousova had some early nerves, and Pegula struggles with her serve. One second serve comes down at just 83mph, and Vondrousova is able to break straight back. We are back on serve. 2-1 in the first.
Pegula holds her own service game, and then breaks Vondrousova at the first opportunity to lead 2-0 in the first set! Vondrousova’s strength is her forehand, but the lefty hasn’t got it going yet and a few sloppy errors gave Pegula the break.
Overcast conditions today at Wimbledon but no rain, so the roof is off. Court No 1 only looks about two-thirds full, although I’m sure it will fill out. Disappointing, though.
We get underway with Pegula-Vondrousova, with the American to serve first. Swiatek v Svitolina will start in around half an hour from now on Centre.
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Pegula and Vondrousova have just come out on No 1 Court. Both look very focused, this is new ground for both of them. Neither has ever made it past the Wimbledon third round before. Vondrousova reached the French Open final back in 2019, but has had three wrist surgeries since then. She has certainly found some form here, though, losing just one set so far this tournament.
An email from Jeremy Routledge.
“Just to say I saw Marketa Vondrousova in her doubles match yesterday out on Court 17 and thought she looked in imperious form, she’s such a guileful, intelligent player with beautiful ground strokes (and lots of tattoos). I’m now a big fan. Go Marketa!”
Just to flag a fairly ridiculous stat: Djokovic has not lost on Centre Court IN OVER A DECADE. Ten years, people. His last loss on Centre Court came to Andy Murray on 7 July, 2013, which was the final that year. Since then he’s won 43 matches in a row on the world’s most famous tennis court and hoping to make it 44 today.
We all know about Djokovic. The GOAT, at least in terms of grand slam titles won, he has won the past four Wimbledon men’s singles titles. Preeeeeeettty, preeeetttty good. Barney Ronay wrote something on Serbian, if you are craving some Novak content, and it’s (also) excellent.
But his opponent today, Andrey Rublev? Well the Russian hit one of the best tennis shots I have ever seen in the last round against Alexander Bublik, whose reaction to the shot is extremely memeable, but probably reflects my own face in the Guardian office on Sunday. A triumph of athleticism, timing, and determination.
"That is one of the great shots we've seen here in YEARS!"@AndreyRublev97, take a bow! 😱#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/uEHcbcf1k8
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2023
Here’s what Djokovic had to say about Rublev before their match today, which starts on Centre after Swiatek v Svitolina concludes.
Rublev is a fantastic player, one of the best forehands on tour. He is a very good person who works hard to be in the top 10, which he has been for the last few years. He is one of the most consistent players across all surfaces. I have a lot of respect for him.”
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And just like that, our first email, from Joe Hoyt.
“I’ve been following Wimbledon here and with their own highlights. Has anyone else noticed that while Wimbledon persists with line judges it has added AI generated commentary to the match highlight packages? I find it excruciatingly daft and distracting".
I had read about it (here) but I haven’t seen any of the AI stuff yet. I have just tracked down a vid though. Here’s AI highlights of Chris Eubanks v Stefanos Tsitsipas, for your consideration. It’s as dreary and lifeless as you would expect, although not a whole lot worse than some of the TV ‘personalities’ out there.
Please get in touch, if you have any feelings about today’s events. I’m at michael.butler@theguardian.com or on dwindling social media platform Twitter: @michaelbutler18.
Two contrasting stories from yesterday …
First of Centre Court is arguably the game of the day: Swiatek v Svitolina. The world No 1 versus the most popular player at this year’s Championships.
Svitolina has certainly made her mark here, particularly in Sunday’s emotion-filled win over Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, but there are many factors at play here: her nationality, the fact that she only gave birth to her daughter nine months ago, her openness and disarming personality (Harry Styles has since offered her tickets to an upcoming concert, don’t worry).
Elina Svitolina on giving away her Harry Styles tickets:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 9, 2023
“Well I hope Harry is watching maybe… I’m just a big fan of us. So you know… just like… 🫶”
Priceless. 😂
pic.twitter.com/3fU5GLIrgT
But above all, it’s Svitolina’s tennis ability that is centre stage. Nobody has more wins against current No 1s in the past 10 years than the Ukrainian. Swiatek will be worried.
This is great, from Guardian snapper Sarah Lee.
Jessica Pegula is having a fine time at the moment, and she will get today’s action underway against Marketa Vondrousova. Pegula has dropped just one set (in the first round) in this year’s tournament and looks in fine fettle as she aims to make her first grand slam semi-final.
Pegula has had a real late resurgence in her career, and didn’t break into the top 100 until she was 25. Now 29, she is one of the world’s best player, and has found a real consistency outside of the slams. Tumaini did this excellent interview with her earlier this year, well worth a read (she is the daughter of a billionaire who owns the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres).
Her opponent, Vondrousova, is no mug. Unseeded but ranked 42nd and a former French Open finalist, the Czech lefty could easily cause Pegula some problems today. It’s an intriguing opener on Court No 1.
Preamble
Hello world. We’re down to the last eight in the men’s and women’s draw. Big boy/big girl tennis. Loads of storylines, loads of drama. It should stay dry, so the roof on each court should stay open but This Is England, so no promises.
Here’s the order of play today, on Centre and Court No 1.
As you can see, play to get underway at around 1pm BST, although not everyone is happy about that.
But with just two quarter-final matches on each of the show courts today, we shouldn’t have any more 11pm finishes (although Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis are pairing up in a ladies invitational doubles round robin later on No 1, which is quite fun).
