The Boodles Media Release, June 24, 2026

Day two at The Boodles 2026 saw the temperatures soar and the tennis catch fire at Stoke Park.

Kokkinakis back to winning ways on grass after several injuries

Thanasi Kokkinakis d. Andrey Rublev 6-7, 6-4, (10-4)

The first match of the hottest day of 2026 featured Thanasi Kokkinakis against his friend and former Wimbledon quarter-finalist, Andrey Rublev. The Australian, who is on a two-match winning streak at The Boodles, used his big serving game to score another notable at Stoke Park.

Thanasi Kokkinakis

“I served great today, especially when it is this hot, you want to make sure you can serve as well as you can to put pressure on the opponent. You get them missing a lot of first serves, it gives them chances to play and be aggressive – especially Andrey. When he has had a good hit of the ball, he gives it a nudge. Serving was important and I did well in the second set and did very well in the tie break and played a great one.”

On returning to Wimbledon after two years:

“I can’t wait for Wimbledon. Two years ago I had a really good first round win against Felix [Auger-Alissame] and saved a match point which was cool but then I had to pull out in the match against [Lucas] Pouille because I pulled my MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament). If I can stay healthy in the match, I will be able to get through it, and especially with the atmosphere in Wimbledon. I am going to go out there and try my best, it is always a great feeling to play there.” 

Andrey Rublev

“It is super hot conditions to play in. To be focused, to serve well, to have good first serves is the key. It was a good match, I was up at the break, I had a lot of opportunities. I lost a bit of focus and he found opportunities to go up.”

On the Andrey Rublev Foundation, one of the official charities of The Boodles 2026

“My foundation isn’t about me. It is more about how we can help the treatment with the children to recover. If I am able to help even a little bit, even if it is just one kid, I will do it. I thank god and the people around me for making this possible.”

Tommy Paul d. Arthur Fils 7-6 (3), 6-1 

Tommy Paul goes unaffected by London heat as he defeats Arthur Fils

Queen’s finalist, Tommy Paul, showed his grass-court pedigree under the sweltering English heat as he defeated former World No.14 Arthur Fils on Stadium Court.  Missing a portion of last year’s grass court season, the American showed this year’s preparation for Wimbledon is going well with clinical serving.

Tommy Paul

“I always enjoy coming over here and playing on grass, I feel like my game suits the surface really well and I am really excited to be out here. It is the first match I have played since Sunday, at Queen’s, the conditions are a little different here, a bit quicker, but these are fantastic grass courts.”

Experience playing in English heat

“It’s easier playing rather than sitting and watching a match. I have a purpose for being out there. I myself have gone out there and watched matches in the heat and I can’t sit there and watch it, it’s terrible.”

Arthur Fils

“He served, returned, played all his backhands and forehands really well and he managed to hit pretty good. (laughs)”

Hubert Hurkacz d. Sebastian Baez 7-5, 6-1

Hubert Hurkacz wins in straight sets at The Boodles

Eight-time ATP title winner Hubert Hurkacz defeated Argentinian Sebastian Baez with his signature aggressive grass-court game and big serves.

Hubert Hurkacz

“It is fun to play on the grass, it is a little bit different from other surfaces so it is harder to adjust. It is good to play a couple of matches so I am definitely pleased that I played a good match today. With Wimbledon next week, I’ve already played a few games on grass so I am well adjusted”

On working with Giles Cervara

“It’s been two months so it’s not been a long period of time but it’s exciting. I love working with him and the new things we are doing together. Time and patience, dedication and work, that is what is going to lead us to success – that is what we are aiming for. The first few months is us figuring each other out, learning, how we work, then we start to make adaptations. The work that we put in daily will end up being fruitful sooner than later.” 

Sebastian Baez

“The first set was very close and the second I started in not the best way. He was playing better than me and I think that was the result of the consequences.”

On what to take forward for Wimbledon

“Shorten the points, be closer to the net, be more aggressive, it is my second day here on grass courts so I will take more lessons going forward”

Day 3 at The Boodles sees more fun in the sun on the Stadium Court at Stoke Park.

Thursday 25th June – Order of Play

2.30pm
Jakub Mensik v Hubert Hurkacz

followed by
Sebastian Baez v Alexander Shevchenko

Not before 5pm
Camilo Ugo Carabelli v Mattia Bellucci