LONDON, July 6, 2018
The top half of the men’s draw was in third round action at Wimbledon on Friday. Top seed Roger Federer took on comeback man Jan-Lennard Struff, who has recovered from 0-2 down in both of his first two matches at The Championships but was without any chance against the Swiss maestro.
Federer stretched his Wimbledon consecutive sets won streak to 29, securing a 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 in 94 minutes.
“I really take every match one at a time, not necessarily as it will be my last, but I try hard every time,” Federer told BBC Sport.
“I will never underestimate any opponent.
“Regardless of how many matches I’ve played at Wimbledon, and especially on Centre Court, it is such a wonderful feeling playing out there.
“It is the most special court in the world for me.”
Next up for Federer will be No. 22 seed Adrian Mannarino of France, who battled past Daniil Medvedev of Russia 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3.
Tsitsipas writes history
Stefanos Tsitsipas made history, as he has become the first Greek man in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam, and just the fourth all-time from his country to do so. The 19-year-old sealed a comprehensive 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Italian Thomas Fabbiano.
“It’s an amazing feeling, and I feel very proud that I represent Greece and that all of my hard work has paid off,” Tsitsipas said. “There is so much satisfaction. It’s just such a nice feeling to be the first from your country to do so, so it’s amazing.”
The No. 31 seed will next challenge big-serving John Isner from the United States, who defeated Moldovan Radu Albot 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
Gael Monfils has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time. The 31-year-old Frenchman came back from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 against 11th favourite Sam Querrey after having a medical timeout for a groin injury.
“I slipped a little bit and I thought I pulled my groin. It was bit tight,” Monfils said.
“I had a very bad first game but when I was told I could go for it I wasn’t worrying about my legs anymore.”
After struggling yesterday, down two-sets-to one Tayler Fritz, Alexander Zverev lost just three games today in the resumption to win 6-4-, 5-7, 6-7(0), 6-1, 6-2. The encounter lasted three hours and 12 minutes. The No. 4 seed from Germany will next take on Latvian qualifier Ernests Gulbis.
Zverev’s compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber missed to reach the fourth round at SW19 for the first time. The 34-year-old lost to eighth favourite Kevin Anderson 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.
Seeds continue to fall in women’s draw
Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams became the eighth of the top 10 seeds to be knocked out after a third-round defeat by Kiki Bertens. The tournament’s No. 9 from the United States was beaten 6-2, 6-7 (5), 8-6 by the 26-year-old Dutchwoman on Court One.
The moment @kikibertens sealed a #Wimbledon fourth round spot for the first time
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) 6. Juli 2018
“It means a lot, I cannot really believe it. It was a tough match, a big fight but I am so happy I won this one,” Bertens said.
“I will have a little celebration, rest a little, but I can celebrate a little because I am in the second week of Wimbledon.”
Williams’ compatriot Madison Keys lost nine consecutive games in her defeat to qualifier Evgeniya Rodina. The 10th seed lost 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 in two hours 10 minutes against the Russian, who is ranked 120th in the world.
Venus’ sister Serena Williams, however, advanced to the fourth round. The 23-time Grand Slam champion beat France’s Kristina Mladenovic 7-5, 7-6(2).
“I think a lot of the top players are losing, but they’re losing to girls that are playing outstanding,” Serena said. “I think, if anything, it shows me every moment that I can’t underestimate any of these ladies. They are just going out there swinging and playing for broke.”
