The final day of the first week threw up predictable results as the top 10 seeds in the men’s draws prevailed to the quarter-finals.
However, the same could not be said for the women, with massive shocks across the board providing former champion Elena Rybakina a clear path to the title.
Women’s Results:
Emma Navarro [19] d. Coco Gauff [2] 6-4, 6-3
Lulu Sun (qualifier) d. Emma Raducanu 6-2, 5-7, 6-2
Jasmine Paolini [7] d. Madison Keys [12] 6-3, 6-7(6), 5-5 (retired)
Donna Vekić d. Paula Badosa 6-2, 1-6, 6-4
If the women’s draw was not already wide open, it certainly is now after Coco Gauff’s stunning exit.
The world No.2 bowed out to American compatriot Emma Navarro in straight sets, outclassed in all facets on Centre Court.
"We had a game plan going in, and I felt that it wasn't working. I don't always ask for advice from the box, but today was one of those moments where I felt like I didn't have solutions," said Gauff after the loss.
New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun’s fairytale run continues, taking out the last remaining British hope, Emma Raducanu. The 21-year-old will face Donna Vekić in the quarter-finals, offering an incredible opportunity for the pair.
Former Grand Slam finalists Jasmine Paolini and Madison Keys made a strong case for producing the match of the tournament, but it ended in bitter circumstances.
Pure ball striking, power from both wings, net approaches, and gripping rallies had a bit of everything in an entertaining contest from start to finish.
Keys was up 5-2 in sets two and three before failing to solidify those leads in both, surviving a second set tiebreak but picking up a devastating injury at 5-5 in the decider to end her Wimbledon dream through retirement.
Never has Croatian talent Donna Vekić been considered a realistic potential Grand Slam champion - but is that about to change? An impressive three-set victory against a reawakened Paula Badosa sees Vekić seal her first Wimbledon quarter-final - with a dark horse well and truly brewing.
Men's Results:
Carlos Alcaraz [3] d. Ugo Humbert [16] 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5
Jannik Sinner [1] d. Ben Shelton [14] 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(9)
Daniil Medvedev [5] d. Grigor Dimitrov [10] 5-3 (retired)
Tommy Paul [12] d. Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-2
Ripping forehands and ridiculous angles created by reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the first set had fans applauding out of their seats - admiring a magician at work who claimed a one-set advantage thanks to two breaks.
From two sets to one down against Frances Tiafoe in the previous round, scares similar to that one are sometimes what the top players require as a wake-up call and settle into the Slam with a quality match under their belt.
Despite losing the third set 1-6 in a lacklustre period, Alcaraz found a way through to book his stay at the All England Club for at least an extra two days.
World No.1 Jannik Sinner has raised his hand as possibly the slight favourite to leave with the title, displaying some of the best tennis seen this tournament against explosive American Ben Shelton.
Coming off three consecutive five-setters, Shelton looked gassed in the opening two sets as Sinner capitalised without being perfect. The key difference between the pair was Shelton’s poor number of 48 percent second serves won, as Sinner was clinical to punish the 21-year-old.
The Italian sensation saved three set points in the third-set tiebreak to come away unscathed.
Another unfortunate retirement occurred - this time for Grigor Dimitrov who was unable to complete the opening set against Daniil Medvedev, while Tommy Paul is a dangerous threat in the quarter-finals, defeating veteran Roberto Bautista Agut with relative ease as he prepares to face Alcaraz in the quarters.
CATCH ALL THE ACTION ON STAN SPORT.
Comentários