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Rafael Nadal won a classic late-night battle with old foe Novak Djokovic to reach the semi-finals of the French Open.

The Spaniard, looking for a 14th Roland Garros title, battled to a 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) victory over the defending champion and world No 1, in a match lasting four hours and 12 minutes which finished at 1.15 am local time.
 
Just wow. Some terrible gamesmanship from Nadal though with his unruly grunting integral to it
 
Rafael Nadal demonstrated once again why he is the greatest player in French Open history by beating long-time rival Novak Djokovic in a late-night thriller to reach the men's singles semi-finals.

Nadal, going for a 14th title, started superbly and fought off resistance from defending champion Djokovic to win 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) at Roland Garros.

Nadal secured victory at 1:15am local time after over four hours on court.

The 21-time Grand Slam winner now faces third seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.

Germany's Zverev, 25, reached the semi-finals for the second successive year after surviving teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz's fightback earlier on Tuesday.

"To win against Novak there is only one way: to play your best from the first point to the last," said 35-year-old Nadal, who thanked the Paris crowd for showing their "love".

"This is one of those magic nights for me."

Victory for fifth seed Nadal avenged his semi-final defeat by Djokovic last year and extended his all-time record on the Roland Garros clay to 110 wins in 113 matches.

The rivalry between the pair is the most enduring in men's tennis, with Nadal winning their 59th meeting seeing him narrow the gap to 30-29 in the head-to-head.

"Nadal showed why he is a great champion and stayed mentally tough. No doubt he deserves it," said Djokovic.

"He was the better player in the important moments, he started well and I didn't start so well.

"I gained momentum in the second set and I thought I was back in the game. But he was able to take his tennis to another level."

In front of an adoring crowd, Nadal earned another memorable win on the court where he has enjoyed the greatest successes of his career.

At the end of last year the Spaniard thought he would have to retire because of a chronic foot problem and was hampered by the issue at the Italian Open earlier this month.

A stress fracture of the rib also caused him to miss two months of the season shortly after his record-breaking 21st major win at the Australian Open.

Despite turning 36 later this week, and needing five sets to beat Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday, he dug deep into his physical and mental reserves to beat top seed Djokovic.

Nadal blew Djokovic away in fast starts in both of the pair's matches at Roland Garros in 2020 and 2021 and, although those matches ended in different conclusions, he set out to do the same this time.

The left-hander played superbly in the first set, pinning Djokovic back in the court and punishing him with fizzing forehand winners.

Nadal took two of his four break opportunities, while saving both of Djokovic's two, to win a 50-minute opening set.

Hitting 12 winners compared to six unforced errors was a complete contrast to his slow start in the previous round against Auger-Aliassime.

That laid the platform for Nadal to eventually go on to reach a record 15th semi-final at Roland Garros.

"It was an emotional night and I still play for nights like tonight," said Nadal, who won seven of 17 break points and saved eight of 12 for Djokovic.

"But it is just a quarter-final and I still have a semi-final to come. I will stay emotionally stable and get ready for the semi-final."

Djokovic unable to take chances

While Nadal has had fitness issues, Djokovic's season has been disrupted by not being allowed to play in the Australian Open and tournaments in the United States because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion looked to be heading towards peak form, winning the title in Rome and then not dropping a set at Roland Garros going into the quarter-finals.

Many had thought playing the match in the colder night-time conditions would also favour the Serb.

Maintaining his sky-high level proved to be the issue for Nadal against Djokovic in last year's semi-final, but the Spaniard broke again and moved into a 3-0 lead in the second set.

While temperatures started to drop, Djokovic began to warm up and fought back to level at 3-3 after a sixth game lasting almost 19 minutes.

Lengthy games with few routine holds continued and the set eventually tipped in the favour of Djokovic when Nadal cracked a forehand long on the second set point.

"He was the better player in the important moments, he started well and I didn't start so well," said Djokovic.

"I gained momentum in the second set and I thought I was back in the game. But he was able to take his tennis to another level."

Nadal broke to love at the start of the third set and moved into a 4-1 lead when a double fault from Djokovic was followed by the Serb dragging a crosscourt backhand wide.

That was Nadal's sixth break of Djokovic's serve from 15 opportunities and he served out for a two-sets-to-one advantage with few problems.

Despite time passing midnight in Paris and temperatures dropping to about 10C, few fans decided to leave and many of those who stayed were wrapped up in blankets.

Djokovic broke for a 2-0 lead early in the fourth but missed two set points when serving at 5-3 and was punished when Nadal nailed a crosscourt forehand winner to put the set back on serve.

Most of the 15,000-capacity crowd was supporting Nadal and their patience was rewarded when he dominated the tie-break to earn a stunning victory.

Nadal led 6-1 in the breaker and took his fourth match point with a driving backhand down the line before soaking up the acclaim of a jubilant Chatrier.

BBC
 
It wasn't vintage Djokovic or vintage Nadal but still the competitive and dramatic match that they often have. It was a strong performance from Nadal off the FH wing especially, shades of his FH in 2013.

There was a period when Djokovic fought back playing with immense power, average over 84mph on his FH. To put things into context, Nadal averaged 73mph on his FH all match. But it just goes to show how important Nadal's heavy topspin is.

Now this H2H, they have played 18 times at majors and 10 of those are in Paris. It kind of skews the H2H because Nadal is often not good enough to meet Djokovic on his territory whereas Djokovic is consistently good enough to face him on his territory.

I hope Nadal and Djokovic meet at Wimbledon, but my suspicion like most people's is that Nadal probably isn't good enough to get that far.
 
bones said:
Now this H2H, they have played 18 times at majors and 10 of those are in Paris. It kind of skews the H2H because Nadal is often not good enough to meet Djokovic on his territory whereas Djokovic is consistently good enough to face him on his territory.

I hope Nadal and Djokovic meet at Wimbledon, but my suspicion like most people's is that Nadal probably isn't good enough to get that far.
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Djokovic might be better on clay than Nadal is on grass or hard, but it doesn't reflect much on the H2H I'm afraid. There's almost no difference.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Nadal Djokovic rivalry is so close to being perfectly balanced.<br><br>Nadal 20-8 on clay<br>Djokovic 20-7 on hard courts<br>2-2 on grass<br><br>Djokovic 30, Nadal 29 overall</p>— Matthew Willis (@mattracquet) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattracquet/status/1531780037250277379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Firebat said:
Djokovic might be better on clay than Nadal is on grass or hard, but it doesn't reflect much on the H2H I'm afraid. There's almost no difference.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Nadal Djokovic rivalry is so close to being perfectly balanced.<br><br>Nadal 20-8 on clay<br>Djokovic 20-7 on hard courts<br>2-2 on grass<br><br>Djokovic 30, Nadal 29 overall</p>— Matthew Willis (@mattracquet) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattracquet/status/1531780037250277379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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I was referring to slams. They have played 10 times at RG (Nadal's pet slam) and only 2 times at Wimbledon and 2 times in Australia (Djoker's favourite slam).

If we put aside the Grand Slam argument, then Djokovic has many more cases of being the greater player. Sadly though since Federer beat Sampras' GS record tennis fans and pundits have come to the conclusion that only slams matter.

We have had 10 meetings between these two in RG, wouldn't it be nice if there were a couple more at Wimbledon?
 
Firebat said:
Djokovic might be better on clay than Nadal is on grass or hard, but it doesn't reflect much on the H2H I'm afraid. There's almost no difference.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Nadal Djokovic rivalry is so close to being perfectly balanced.<br><br>Nadal 20-8 on clay<br>Djokovic 20-7 on hard courts<br>2-2 on grass<br><br>Djokovic 30, Nadal 29 overall</p>— Matthew Willis (@mattracquet) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattracquet/status/1531780037250277379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Statistically Djokovic is the greatest
 
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic agreed their French Open quarter-final started too late after the four-hour match ended at 01:15 in Paris [00:15 BST].

Nadal won in four sets to beat his great rival in Tuesday's night session.

Asked if it was too late to be playing, Nadal said: "It is without a doubt. I understand television pays a lot of money but we need to find a balance."

Djokovic added: "Broadcasters say it's going to be night match, day match. They give the money. They decide."

Spanish fifth seed Nadal, going for a record-extending 14th men's singles title at Roland Garros, won 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) against Serbia's Djokovic.

Despite the late finish to Nadal's win over Djokovic and temperatures dropping to about 10C, few fans decided to leave Court Philippe-Chatrier and many of those who stayed were wrapped up in blankets.

BBC
 
James said:
Rafa to win another French then?
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No way he recovers from that marathon and the Felix match. Cilic has come from nowhere looking really dangerous with that serve.

Shame about Alcaraz who might go the Dimitrov route.

Would've loved Ruud/Rune, Rublev and zverev, though not his biggest fan, to be in with the chance of the biggest prize.

Rune looks like he has it to to do a Wilander.

Ooh, Ruud 6-2
 
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I never like to say a result conclusively because shocks and upsets can happen. But it's difficult to look past Nadal after he convincingly overcame his main threat.

Zverev has two of the biggest weapons in tennis, his 1st serve and his BH. I would go so far as to say that Zverev has the biggest and most reliable BH in the game right now and it will handle Nadal's FH better than even Djokovic could on this surface.

If Zverev can manage his 2nd serve properly, ie. not hit too many DFs and lose confidence and if his FH can hold up then he has a shot.

I cannot Ruud or Cilic troubling Nadal in the slightest because their BHs are not strong enough.

It's quite simple really, anyone without a great BH, will get annihalated by Nadal on clay. That is why Djokovic has been the only one to really challenge Nadal on clay.
 
American teenager Coco Gauff reached her first Grand Slam final with victory in the French Open last four, setting up a tantalising meeting with world number one Iga Swiatek.

Gauff, 18, won 6-3 6-1 against unseeded Italian Martina Trevisan on the Paris clay in her maiden major semi-final.

Swiatek, 21, completed a serene journey into the Roland Garros final with a 6-2 6-1 win over 20th seed Daria Kasatkina.

The Pole earned a 34th successive win to move into her second major final.

Swiatek, the 2020 Roland Garros champion, has dropped just one set this fortnight on the Paris clay.

"It is a pretty special moment and emotional," said Swiatek, who meets Gauff on Saturday. "I am grateful to be healthy and in that place."

Gauff, seeded 18th, was the heavy favourite against Trevisan and has become the youngest finalist at Roland Garros since Kim Clijsters in 2001.

"I think I'm in a bit of shock right now and I didn't know how to react at the end of the match," Gauff said.

"I have no words to describe how I feel."

The teenage phenomenon became a global star when she reached the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019 and has now become the Grand Slam finalist that many predicted.

Gauff won her maiden WTA singles title three months after Wimbledon and ended 2019 inside the top world's 100.

After her quarter-final win at Roland Garros on Wednesday, she spoke about learning how to manage expectations - internally as well as externally - and how "enjoying life" was helping to achieve her goals on the court.

Gauff's clarity of mind was particularly evident as she closed out victory against Trevisan, serving out the final game with a nerveless hold to love.

Gauff edged a tight first set, where there were breaks opportunities in eight of the nine games, by winning the final three games.

The American also managed to contain her frustrations. Trevisan makes a noisy groan after every shot and Gauff complained to chair umpire Marijana Veljovic that it was distracting her.

She also had a couple of disagreements with Veljovic about line calls and where ball marks were on the clay.

But Gauff put those interruptions behind her in the second set. She finally broke Trevisan's serve in a lengthy fourth game and then won the next three to earn an achievement that many thought was her destiny.

"I've not been nervous all tournament, which is surprising," said Gauff, who has also reached the doubles semi-finals alongside fellow American Jessica Pegula.

"In the morning I go for a walk and that clears my head and after that I feel great."

Not since Serena Williams in her prime has there been as strong a favourite for a Grand Slam women's singles title as Swiatek.

In a stunning start to 2022, the Polish player has won five consecutive tournaments - in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart and Rome - and taken over as the WTA world number one following Ashleigh Barty's surprise retirement.

A dominating win against Kasatkina moved her alongside Williams in holding the joint second longest streak by any WTA player this century.

Longest WTA winning streaks
All-time: Since 2000:

74 Martina Navratilova (1984) 35 Venus Williams (2000)
66 Steffi Graf (1989-1990) 34 Serena Williams (2013)
58 Martina Navratilova (1986-87) 34 Iga Swiatek (2022)
Swiatek will equal Venus Williams' 35-match streak as the longest if she wins the Roland Garros title on Saturday.

Swiatek, like she has in all of her matches so far, started strongly and broke the serve of her opponent at the first opportunity.

Kasatkina responded instantly to wipe that out but the Russian gifted another opportunity to Swiatek at 15-30 in the fifth game when she hit an overhead volley well long.

The gasps of the crowd indicated how bad a miss that was and that proved to be a turning point.

Swiatek punished her further with a forehand winner to break for a 4-2 lead, continuing to swamp Kasatkina and clinching a 35-minute set with a crosscourt backhand winner.

Kasatkina had actually lost fewer games than Swiatek in reaching the semi-final stage, but found the top seed to be a different class of opponent.

A break for 3-1 in the second set indicated Swiatek was going to forge ahead for a routine win and that proved to be case.

Swiatek seized upon a double fault from Kasatkina for 0-30 at 4-1, whacking clinical winners off both flanks to break and then served out victory with an ace.

BBC
 
bones said:
I never like to say a result conclusively because shocks and upsets can happen. But it's difficult to look past Nadal after he convincingly overcame his main threat.

Zverev has two of the biggest weapons in tennis, his 1st serve and his BH. I would go so far as to say that Zverev has the biggest and most reliable BH in the game right now and it will handle Nadal's FH better than even Djokovic could on this surface.

If Zverev can manage his 2nd serve properly, ie. not hit too many DFs and lose confidence and if his FH can hold up then he has a shot.

I cannot Ruud or Cilic troubling Nadal in the slightest because their BHs are not strong enough.

It's quite simple really, anyone without a great BH, will get annihalated by Nadal on clay. That is why Djokovic has been the only one to really challenge Nadal on clay.
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Very disappointed Alcaraz believed his own hype. It would've been perfect to have him v Rafa in final
 
Rafael Nadal will aim to reach a 14th French Open final on his 36th birthday on Friday - although it remains to be seen whether it could be his last.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion - a record 13-time winner in Paris - meets German third seed Alexander Zverev for a place in Sunday's showpiece.

But the Spaniard is yet to find a "solution" to his chronic foot injury.

"The last three months and a half, for me, the only thing that I can say is they haven't been easy," Nadal said.

"If we are not able to find an improvement or a small solution, then it's becoming super difficult for me. So that's it," added the world number five, whose encounter with Zverev is scheduled to start at 13:45 BST.

"It's not the moment to talk about [what happens after the French Open]. We are going to talk about that when my tournament finishes."

Nadal overcame defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set and four-hour encounter in Tuesday's night session.

His 110th win at Roland Garros leaves him two victories away from moving another title clear of 20-time major winners Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Despite winning the Australian Open in January after returning from the foot problem that he feared may end his career, it is clear the injury is still causing issues.

"I am just enjoying every day that I have the chance to be here, and without thinking much about what can happen in the future," Nadal said.

"Of course I'm going to keep fighting to find a solution, but for the moment, we haven't.

"I don't know what's going to happen after here."

Nadal has won six of his nine matches against Zverev - and four of their previous five meetings on clay.

The 25-year-old German's wait for a maiden Grand Slam title continues but he did record his first victory over a top-10 opponent at a major with an impressive four-set win over talented Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.

That display secured a second successive French Open semi-final for the 2020 US Open finalist - and victory against Nadal would set up his best chance yet of claiming a maiden Slam, against either Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud or Croatia's Marin Cilic.

"I'm not 20 or 21 years old anymore. I'm 25. I am at the stage where I want to win, I'm at the stage where I'm supposed to win," Zverev said.

"Yes, I have not beaten [Djokovic or Nadal] in majors, but I feel like I was very close," he added.

"I feel like I have had very difficult and tough matches against them. But there is a big difference between having a tough match and beating them. Still a major difference."

World number 23 Cilic, edged a captivating four-hour match against Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev in a fifth-set tie-break to book his place in the final four at Roland Garros for the first time.

With that achievement, the experienced 33-year-old became the fifth active men's player, after current world number one Djokovic and former top-ranked players Nadal, Federer and Andy Murray, to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams.

The 2014 US Open champion, who also reached finals at Wimbledon in 2017 and the Australian Open in 2018, meets a first-time major semi-finalist in Ruud - the first male Norwegian player to reach the last four at a Grand Slam.

Having ended unseeded 19-year-old Holger Rune's run in the previous round, Ruud has recorded the most ATP clay-court wins since the start of 2020 with an impressive 65.

"These are the matches that you dream about playing, and hopefully of course even the final if it's possible," said Ruud.

"I have to be really focused and bring my A-game in the semi-final. Marin has played great all week, and it's going to be another tough match."

Their semi-final will follow the Nadal-Zverev match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

BBC
 
Surbiton Trophy: Andy Murray inspired by Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic at French Open

Andy Murray says he is feeling inspired by the performances of Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic at the French Open as he continued his Wimbledon preparations by reaching the Surbiton quarter-finals.

Nadal, 35, and Cilic, 33, play in the semi-finals at Roland Garros on Friday and could meet in the final on Sunday.

"I can take some inspiration from those guys," the 35-year-old Briton said.

The three-time Grand Slam champion beat Gijs Brouwer to reach the last eight of the Surbiton Trophy on Thursday.

The Scot opted to skip the French Open to focus on getting ready for the grass-court Grand Slam - and is appearing at Surbiton for the first time since 2004 - but has been following the action at Roland Garros with interest.

"I don't know whether it's Rafa's last run or not because he seems to be doing physically really well during the event, so I hope he's able to continue going for a while," said former world number one Murray, who is now ranked 67th in the world after injuries derailed his career.

"Cilic as well, he's someone I grew up with in the juniors and played a lot with. He has just made the semis of the French for the first ever time at 33 and is playing really well."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61675661
 
Zverev is all over Nadal. His BH has been sensational so far.
 
Firebat said:
Zverev is all over Nadal. His BH has been sensational so far.
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Alexander Zverev cannot continue, Rafael Nadal is into the final.

Zverev collapsed to the ground after going over on his ankle and was instantly screaming in agony.

==

Nadal 7-6 (10-8) 5-6 Zverev rtd

It's a 30th Grand Slam final for Rafael Nadal. He's won 21 of his previous 29. Incredible numbers.
 
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Zverev was playing tremendously until his unfortunate injury. It seemed like a ligament rupture which will effectively rule him out for 6 months to a year. Get well soon sacha.
 
Damn, Nadal's gonna win now.

The guy Zverev that gave himself a girl's moniker, cried like a girl and bowed out like a girl.
 
Oh that was so cruel but Zverev has a confused style. Attempting a JMdP and being all pushy. Was causing huge problems though and even 35 year old Rafa isn't a robot.

Really bizarre injury; quite horrific and wouldn't be replayed in football.

Ruud is a skiier like Federer and Novak; could he become the first Norwegian to emulate the great Swedes?.

Rafa has an incredulous hold in Paris - 13 and 0 is the stuff of fiction.

It might be a better final than the ones he had against Thiem. Ruud is a relative clay specialist, he might be the one who's shown glimpses and might really smash his way to the top!
 
Top seed Iga Swiatek underlined why she was the red-hot French Open favourite by beating Coco Gauff in straight sets to win her second Grand Slam title.

Poland's Swiatek, 21, won 6-1 6-3 against the American teenager to record her 35th straight victory - equalling the longest WTA streak this century.

Gauff, 18, was contesting her first major final and made a nervy start.

Swiatek, who also won Roland Garros in 2020, took full advantage and went on to win her sixth successive title.

By fighting back from a break down in the second set, Swiatek won the 56th of her past 58 sets.

She also maintained her streak of winning in finals, extending that record to nine in a row.

With clouds darkening and thunder rumbling overhead, Swiatek brought up two championship points and took the first when Gauff hit a forehand long.

After a warm embrace with Gauff, Swiatek dashed off court to hug her team - and Poland footballer Robert Lewandowski, who came to watch on his day off from Nations League duty.

BBC
 
Rafael Nadal reclaimed his crown as the king of the French Open, winning a record-extending 14th title by beating Norway's Casper Ruud in straight sets.

Spain's Nadal, 36, won 6-3 6-3 6-0 against Norwegian eighth seed Ruud to also extend his record number of Grand Slam men's singles titles to 22.

He moves two ahead of his great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, who lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals last year, has won 112 of his 115 matches on the Paris clay.

After also winning the Australian Open in January, Nadal has claimed back-to-back major titles for the first time since 2010 - when he won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in a row.

BBC
 
Wow, incredible is Nadal.

A grand slam winning machine.
 
Wimbledon men's and women's champions will win £2m as record prize money announced

Total prize money for this year's Wimbledon will be a record £40.3m, tournament organisers have announced.

The winners of the men's and women's singles will each win £2m, a decrease from £2.35m the last time full capacity crowds attended in 2019.

The pot is an increase of 5.4% compared with 2019, when prize money totalled £38m, and an 11% increase on 2021.

In 2020, players who would have qualified received £10m in lieu of prize money for the cancelled event.

Last year's Wimbledon was played in front of reduced crowds because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Wheelchair tennis has received a significant increase, more than 40%, reflecting both an increase in prize money as well as the fact there will be double the number of wheelchair players competing this year.

Wimbledon has said the 2022 pot "continues to place importance on supporting players in the early rounds of the event," and has increased prize money in the qualifying rounds.

Qualifiers who make it through all three qualifying rounds will get £62,000 and will receive £50,000 if they win their first-round match in the main draw.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61744816
 
Andy Murray beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim his first victory over a top-five player since 2016 and advance to the Boss Open semi-finals in Stuttgart.
 
Andy Murray missed out on his first grass-court title since winning Wimbledon in 2016 as he was beaten by Matteo Berrettini in the final of the Stuttgart Open on Sunday.
 
Russia's Daniil Medvedev has replaced Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings, two weeks before a Wimbledon at which he will not be allowed to play.

Wimbledon has been stripped of its ranking points over its decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, that decision means Medvedev, 26, is likely to increase his lead over Djokovic at the end of the tournament because the Serb is defending champion so has more ranking points to lose.

Djokovic has dropped to world number three, with the injured Alexander Zverev rising to second.

It is the first time since November 2003 that none of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Andy Murray have appeared in the top two rankings spots.

Medvedev became the first player other than Djokovic, Nadal, Federer or Murray to top the men's rankings since American Andy Roddick 18 years ago when he briefly replaced Djokovic as number one in February.

BBC
 
The US Open will allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete later this year after deciding not to follow Wimbledon's lead in banning them.
 
Serena Williams will make her return to Grand Slam tennis at Wimbledon this month after being given a wildcard entry to the singles.
 
Nick Kyrgios smashes racquet and argues with umpire in win over Stefanos Tsitsipas

Nick Kyrgios beat world number six Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Halle Open - smashing his racquet and arguing with the umpire during the match.

The Australian, ranked 65th, came back to beat Greek Tsitsipas 5-7 6-2 6-4.

Kyrgios, 27, smashed his racquet after losing the opening set in Germany.

He then got into an argument with the chair umpire in the second set and received a warning for time-wasting - a delay Kyrgios said was due to needing to wipe sweat from his hands.

"He said I was playing too slow. Statistically I'm one of the fastest," Kyrgios said.

"I had to walk to the sidelines to get my towel. There is this thing called sweat in 30C heat that runs down on to your hands.

"I needed to wipe my hands and he gave me a warning."

It is a second successive quarter-final for Kyrgios as he prepares for Wimbledon, having gone on to reach the semi-finals in Stuttgart last week, and he will face Spanish sixth seed Pablo Carreno Busta next.

The Australian was given a penalty after smashing his racquet and exchanging words with the crowd as he lost to Andy Murray in Stuttgart. Kyrgios later alleged he was racially abused by a spectator.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61820080
 
<b>Eastbourne: Emma Raducanu will not play at pre-Wimbledon tournament</b>

Emma Raducanu will not play at next week's Eastbourne International, leaving her short on grass-court preparation before Wimbledon.

Britain's US Open champion managed just seven games against Viktorija Golubic at last week's Nottingham Open before retiring with a side injury.

The 19-year-old had until 16:00 BST on Friday to request a Eastbourne wildcard but did not appear on the list.

Raducanu reached the fourth round at Wimbledon as a wildcard last year.

This year's tournament, where Raducanu will be among the top 10 seeds, begins on 27 June.

Raducanu has struggled with injuries and a lack of consistency since her stunning run to the title in New York last September.

She is yet to win more than two matches at a tournament since her US Open win and has had three mid-match retirements this year.

The world number 11 managed just 35 minutes against Golubic after injuring her left side early in the match and she then missed this week's Birmingham event.

Harriet Dart, Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage have all received main-draw wildcards for Eastbourne as reward for their strong grass-court performances.

Dart and Boulter reached the quarter-finals of the Nottingham Open and Birmingham Classic respectively, while Burrage made the last 16 at Nottingham.

Seven-time Wimbledon singles champion Serena Williams will make her return to the WTA Tour in the doubles at Eastbourne after a year's absence.

The American great, a 23-time Grand Slam singles winner, will partner Tunisia's Ons Jabeur.

In the men's event, Britons Jack Draper, Ryan Peniston and Jay Clarke have received main-draw wildcards.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61840582
 
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from Wimbledon with an Achilles injury.
 
Karolina Pliskova has shot down suggestions Serena Williams could be a contender at Wimbledon, saying it will be "super difficult for her no matter which kind of player she is".

The 40-year-old caught the tennis world cold last Tuesday when she announced her intention to play the third major of the year and at this week's Rothesay International Eastbourne.

Williams suffered an injury to her right leg at Wimbledon in 2021 and was forced to retire in the first round but has accepted a wild card to return to the All England Club, where she has won the title on seven occasions.

After being absent from the WTA Tour for 12 months, the American will partner up with Ons Jabeur to play doubles at Eastbourne before she once again attempts to draw level with Margaret Court's tally of 24 Grand Slams.
 
Britain's Andy Murray faces a race against time to play Wimbledon because of the abdominal injury that forced him out of Queen's last week.
 
American great Serena Williams says it would be "dishonest" to say she did not have doubts over whether she would play top-level tennis again.

In her comeback after a year out, Williams earned a win alongside Ons Jabeur in the Eastbourne doubles.

Williams, 40, had not played since retiring injured from her first-round match at Wimbledon last year.

"Absolutely, for sure," the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said when asked if she had feared for her career.
 
Serena Williams' comeback continued as she and Ons Jabeur reached the Eastbourne doubles semi-finals with an entertaining win over Shuko Aoyama and Chan Hao-ching.
 
Stan Wawrinka says Rafael Nadal "looks like normal Rafa" after the Spaniard won his first grass-court match in three years as part of his Wimbledon preparations.
 
As far as unintended consequences go, Wimbledon's decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus leading to Russian Daniil Medvedev solidifying his position as the new men's world number one could be viewed as an uncomfortable irony.

It also speaks volumes of the complexity of a situation which promises to be one of the major talking points of the 2022 Championships, which start on Monday.

The grass-court Grand Slam's move, taken because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has received a mixed reaction - with Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the former top-ranked men's player, calling the decision "crazy".

The subsequent response by governing bodies the ATP and WTA to remove ranking points from, arguably, the sport's grandest stage led multiple-major winner Naomi Osaka to describe this year's Championships as having been effectively reduced to an "exhibition" event.

It has created a scenario that is set to have significant ramifications for the players - from those at the very top, to young Britons hoping to climb the ladder.

But what, exactly, does it all mean?

The major winners and losers at the top
On the surface, the biggest losers will be those who, like Djokovic, performed well at Wimbledon last year and will be unable to defend the points they won.

Djokovic, a six-time champion at the All England Club, will be heavily affected by the removal of ranking points because of being unable to retain any of the 2,000 points he earned by triumphing at SW19 last year. He could, as a result, end up seventh in the standings.

Having lost his status as world number one two weeks before this year's tournament, the 20-time major winner will fall even further adrift of Russian Medvedev who, despite not being permitted to play, will miss out on only 180 points by comparison after a last-16 exit in 2021.

Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Aryna Sabalenka, Karolina Pliskova
The decision by the ATP and WTA to strip Wimbledon of its ranking points is set to have big implications for some of the world's top players
Last year's men's runner-up Matteo Berrettini, another of those to be hardest hit, wishes the "unfair" decision to strip Wimbledon of its ranking points had been dealt with better.

"It is one of the biggest decisions the ATP took in the last 20 years or so. I wish it was handled a different way," the Italian world number 11 said.

"I understand we are living in difficult times, I just wish this decision was taken differently. Nobody contacted the players and asked our opinion.

"I don't think it is fair but I get it is a really complicated situation."

The ATP said Wimbledon's decision - taken to "limit Russia's global influence" in line with UK government policy - "undermined" its principle of ensuring players of all nationalities can "enter tournaments based on merit, and without discrimination".

The move is also set to shake up the WTA standings.

Belarusian world number six Aryna Sabalenka, a semi-finalist last year, and Czech world number seven Karolina Pliskova, the beaten 2021 finalist, are the top-10 players who will suffer the most.

Pliskova, who will at least still be able to enter the tournament, said last month the chance to win the trophy was her motivation to return - but she may drop out of the top 15.

Matteo Berrettini: "It doesn't matter how well I play because my ranking will drop. I don't think it is fair. But I get it is a really complicated situation".
Elsewhere, Belarusian Victoria Azarenka - a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist - and Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova are both banned, as are Russian men Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov, ranked eighth and 22nd respectively.

Rublev, who has spoken out against the war in Ukraine, previously described the ban by Wimbledon as "complete discrimination".

"I think everyone will play Wimbledon regardless [of the points decision]," said Queen's champion Berrettini.

"It will be record prize money this year so everyone is willing to play, but also because it is Wimbledon and one of the most important tournaments we have."

Points or prizes - what's it all about further down?
It's not just those at the top that are set to be affected.

Emerging young players may also miss out on valuable points, in a sport in which an improved ranking can offer a springboard to greater sponsorship and endorsement opportunities, as well as a greater chance of securing more regular appearances at major events.

"Obviously at the moment ranking points are a big thing for me as I work my way up," said British 22-year-old Paul Jubb, who has been granted a Wimbledon wildcard.

"But the pay cheque is also a good bonus for me at the moment," added the world number 219.

Wimbledon prize money: The winners of the men's and women's singles competitions will receive £2m
For lower-ranked players, some of whom compete predominantly to make ends meet in the world of professional tennis, first-round appearance money at Grand Slams can often dwarf the winnings from smaller competitions.

This year a player will earn £50,000 for playing one main-draw match at Wimbledon - as much as eight times the amount available for the same achievement at an ATP or WTA 250 event.

One win in the singles draw can raise that prize money figure to £78,000.

All things considered, the absence of points does not diminish Wimbledon's appeal for Jubb as he seeks to maintain an upward trajectory.

"The experience of playing all these big players goes a long way early in your career," the Briton said.

"I think without the ranking points there's still many, many positives for me to play there."

For young British players, there are also the potential life-changing opportunities that accompany playing in front of expectant home fans to be considered.

An appearance at SW19 offers the chance to rub shoulders with the greats - just as Jack Draper experienced against Djokovic last year.

Making his Wimbledon main-draw debut, the 19-year-old wildcard was drawn against the then world number one on Centre Court to begin the 2021 Championships.

He managed to win the first set before falling to defeat against the eventual champion.

"I am looking forward to playing, whether there are points or no points," said Draper, who debuted in the world's top 100 earlier this month.

"It is obviously unfortunate but it is a bit of an impossible situation for everyone involved - for Wimbledon and the players.

"But it will still be a really big tournament."

BBC
 
Serena Williams says a big motivating factor behind her Wimbledon return was not wanting last year's tearful injury retirement to be her final SW19 memory.
 
A stellar cast of ageing greats has assembled for what could be one of the final times at Wimbledon as the jewel of the British sporting summer returns.

Many of the world's biggest names are set to take part at the All England Club, led by Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Emerging stars like Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz are also playing.

However, it will be another SW19 tournament which has a different feel because of a major global crisis.

There are no ranking points available for the players because Wimbledon, unlike its Grand Slam partners at the French Open and US Open, decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing because of the invasion of Ukraine.

Daniil Medvedev, the Russian who is the men's world number one, is the biggest absentee because of the move.

With the 135th edition of the championships starting on Monday, BBC Sport runs through the major talking points in SW19.

Despite thinking last year his career was over because of a chronic foot injury, 36-year-old Nadal has battled back to win the Australian Open and French Open titles this year.

Shortly after winning a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam men's singles title in Paris, attention quickly turned to Wimbledon and whether Nadal would be able to play.

The Spaniard needed anaesthetic injections to numb the pain at Roland Garros, saying he "could not and did not want to" continue playing under those circumstances.

But after having radiofrequency ablation treatment - which uses heat on the nerve to quell long-term pain - he decided to travel to London.

"It's obvious that, if I am here, it's because things are going better," said second seed Nadal.

"If not, I would not be here. I'm quite happy about the things, how they evolved. I can't be super happy because I don't know what can happen."

After playing an exhibition at the Hurlingham Club, Nadal headed to the All England Club and took part in the first practice session allowed on Centre Court.

Top seed Djokovic, 35, remains the favourite to retain the men's singles and win a seventh title which would move him alongside Pete Sampras and one behind Roger Federer's record.

"I didn't have any lead-up tournaments to Wimbledon, but I've had success in the past without having any official matches and tournaments," said Djokovic.

"Over the years, I had success with adapting quickly to the surface, so there is no reason not to believe that I can do it again."

Federer is not playing as he recovers from a knee injury which needed a third surgery in August.

The 40-year-old Swiss has not played since losing in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year but plans to make a comeback at the Laver Cup and Swiss Indoors tournament later this year.

Serbia's Djokovic is tied with Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and is aiming to close the gap on Nadal in the continuing battle to finish with the most majors.

The plan is for the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion to play in the singles at the All England Club.

Williams, 40, has been given a wildcard for the tournament where she has won seven of her major titles, but has not played singles since she retired injured during her first-round match at Wimbledon last year.

The American made her comeback to the WTA Tour at Eastbourne this week, playing in the doubles alongside Tunisia's Ons Jabeur.

After the pair won their opening match on Tuesday, she said she did not know if this was the start of a longer comeback or a farewell tour.

"You know what, I'm literally taking it one day at a time," she said.

Dubbed 'Onsrena', the team won again on Wednesday before pulling out of their semi-final match, citing a knee injury for Jabeur.

As the centrepiece of the British sporting summer, Wimbledon thrives even more with the presence of some strong home hopes.

The biggest stars are, of course, Murray and Raducanu. But both have seen their preparations disrupted for their home Grand Slam event by injury.

Two-time champion Murray, 35, has been left frustrated by an abdominal injury which he picked up in the Stuttgart final on 12 June.

England's Raducanu, 19, is short of grass-court preparation after pulling out of Eastbourne with a side problem.

But both players were upbeat in their pre-Wimbledon news conferences, with Murray saying training over the past few days had been "really positive" and Raducanu insisting she was "ready to go".

Poland's Swiatek is the dominant player on the WTA Tour this year, having won her sixth tournament in a row at the recent French Open. A 35-match winning streak has taken her into a huge lead at the top of the world rankings.

The 21-year-old has filled the void left by Australia's Ashleigh Barty, who retired shortly after winning her home major, in some style.

Barty, 25, also won the Wimbledon ladies singles title last year, meaning it is still to be decided who opens play on Centre Court on Tuesday - an honour given to the reigning women's champion.

Despite her injury concern, Jabeur is among the favourites behind Swiatek.

The 27-year-old won the Berlin grass-court title recently.

"I love grass," she said. "My game suits it very well.

"You can really disturb a lot of players with the slices, the drop shot. You can never know if I'm hitting or changing the rhythm so I think that's a big advantage for me."

American teenager Coco Gauff famously reached the fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019 and, three weeks after losing to Swiatek in her first major final, is tipped to go far again.

Estonia's Anett Kontaveit is seeded second, but has only won back-to-back matches once since reaching the Doha final in February.

The 26-year-old has never progressed past the third round at Wimbledon and lost in the first round last year.

Brazilian 23rd seed Beatriz Haddad Maia is a name to watch after an incredible grass-court season which has seen her win the titles in Nottingham and Birmingham, and reach the last four at Eastbourne.

In the men's draw, Italy's Matteo Berrettini is rated as the second favourite behind Djokovic as the 26-year-old aims for a first major title.

The eighth seed's hefty serve and powerful groundstrokes are well suited to the grass and, after coming back from hand surgery, has won nine matches in a row on the surface to win the Stuttgart and Queen's titles.

Spanish 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz is seen as a future multiple Grand Slam champion and could be a threat, while Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, who won the Halle title last week, is aiming to match last year's run to the semi-finals.

Norway's Casper Ruud is seeded third after reaching the French Open final, but has only won two matches in his career on a surface which he once joked was for playing golf on and not tennis.

Fears Wimbledon would be an 'exhibition' prove unfounded
The ranking points on offer to the players were stripped by the ATP and WTA in response to Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing.

That led to four-time major champion Naomi Osaka saying it could leave the grass-court Grand Slam tournament feeling like an "exhibition" event.

The 24-year-old Japanese star is not playing after pulling out because of an Achilles injury.

But fears that many of the world's leading stars would withdraw as a result of the decision have proved unfounded.

Ninety-one of the men's top 100 and 83 of the women's top 100 are set to play.

What else has changed at Wimbledon this year?
The banning of Russian and Belarusian players has had the greatest effect on the look of the seedings.

Along with US Open champion Medvedev, fellow Russian Andrey Rublev is another top-10 player not present in the men's draw.

World number two Alexander Zverev is out with the ankle injury which he suffered in the French Open semi-finals.

On the women's side, Belarusian world number six Aryna Sabalenka is the most notable absentee.

The seedings for Wimbledon now directly follow the world rankings after previously taking into account past performances on the grass.

What about the other Brits?

British men's number one Cameron Norrie is the highest-ranked home player and will be seeded ninth as he looks to reach the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.

The 26-year-old left-hander has never progressed past the third round of a major.

Dan Evans, 32, is the only other seeded Briton at 28th as Murray - who briefly returned to the top 50 recently for the first time since 2018 - fell short after he was unable to play Queen's.

Joining Norrie, Evans, Murray and Raducanu with direct entry into the singles main draw are Jack Draper, Harriet Dart and Heather Watson.

The All England Club has given wildcards to 10 other British players, including Katie Boulter, Jodie Burrage and Ryan Peniston, a trio who have earned some notable results in the grass-court season so far.

World number one Joe Salisbury heads the home interest in the doubles, with 29 others taking part in the men's and women's events.

In the wheelchair events, Alfie Hewett, Gordon Reid, Andy Lapthorne and Lucy Shuker lead the challenge.

BBC
 
<b>Selected Wimbledon results (day one)</b>

• Andy Murray levels at 4-6 6-3 against James Duckworth on Centre Court

• Emma Raducanu beats Alison van Uytvanck 6-4 6-4

• Novak Djokovic wins 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 against Kwon Soon-woo

• British number one Cameron Norrie beats Pablo Andujar 6-0 7-6 6-3

• GB's Yuriko Miyazaki and Jodie Burrage beaten in women's singles

• Men's fifth seed Carlos Alcaraz into deciding set against Jan-Lennard Struff

• Seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz defeated by Davidovich Fokina
 
<b>Emma Raducanu wins Wimbledon opener to reach second round</b>

British number one Emma Raducanu made a winning start to her first Wimbledon as a Grand Slam champion with a straight-set victory over Alison van Uytvanck.

The 19-year-old overcame a nervy start on her Centre Court debut to win a tricky first-round encounter 6-4 6-4.

Backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, the US Open champion showed no sign of the side injury that hampered her build-up to the event.

She will face French former world number four Caroline Garcia next.

A year ago Raducanu burst on to the scene with a run to the Wimbledon fourth round having come into the tournament ranked 338th in the world.

This time she arrived as the 10th seed and as a Grand Slam champion and she was greeted as such by a passionate crowd that played its part in getting her through.

"I'm extremely pleased to have come through that match and looking forward to hopefully playing in front of you guys again," she said in her on-court interview.

"I've been feeling it [crowd support] ever since I stepped on to the practice courts, people behind me going, 'Emma, you've got this'. And I'm like, 'Yeah, I've got this'.

"I'm just so happy to stay another day."

This was a difficult draw for Raducanu against world number 46 Van Uytvanck, who reached the fourth round here in 2018 after beating the then defending champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round.

The Belgian had also won two second-tier grass titles in the run-up to Wimbledon this year.

By contrast, the Briton's grass-court campaign had been derailed by a left side injury that forced her to retire from her Nottingham opener in the first set and ruled her out of Birmingham and Eastbourne.

It meant she arrived at Wimbledon with just seven games on grass to her name this year, and she was playing only her seventh match as a professional on the surface.

Whether it was the occasion of walking through the new central entrance on to Wimbledon's main show court, or the lack of match practice, Raducanu made a slow start in her first service game as she fended off three break points in a lengthy game featuring six deuces.

After trading breaks midway through the first set, Raducanu made the key breakthrough with a break to love for 5-4 before a series of Van Uytvanck errors, including a backhand into the net on the second set point that handed the opener to the Briton.

Raducanu had the chance to take an early lead in the second set but she just could not convert any of the six break points she had in the opening game.

She seemed to start moving a little slower between points in the second set but a break for 5-4 quite literally put a spring in her step and she sealed victory with a beautiful crosscourt backhand after bringing Van Uytvanck to the net with a drop shot.

Centre Court leaped to its feet and Raducanu herself was jumping up and down as she celebrated her success.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61953816
 
Britain's Andy Murray maintained his record of never losing in the first round at Wimbledon with an encouraging win over Australia's James Duckworth.

After a slow start, likely a result of a recent abdominal injury, Murray found rhythm and his quality shone through.

The former world number one, now ranked 52nd, won 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 at 21:35 BST under the floodlights on Centre Court.

The 35-year-old Scot will now face big-serving American John Isner, seeded 20th, in the second round on Wednesday.

"It is amazing to be back out here again with a full crowd," said Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion.

"I'm getting on a bit now so I don't know how many opportunities I will get here.

"I'm pleased I managed to get through and hopefully I will get another match here on Centre in a couple of days."

Questions had been raised all week about Murray's fitness and he answered with more than a hint of doubt last Monday when revealing he had not been able to hit specific shots - thought to be the serve.

An abdominal injury picked up in the Stuttgart final earlier this month had stalled his progress in an encouraging grass-court season and prevented him from playing at Queen's Club.

But as the week went on, and he was seen in practice sessions at Wimbledon hitting serves, it seemed clear he would be fine to return to the scene of his finest triumphs.

Of course, the intensity of a match is a different circumstance to practice and it took a little while for him to find his rhythm with his serve.

But once he did, Murray looked completely at ease against world number 74 Duckworth.

"The ab felt absolutely fine today," said Murray, who added another scan this week showed the injury had healed.

While it was not quite vintage Murray, there were lots of moments of quality to keep the enthusiastic home crowd entertained.

There was even opportunity for Murray to throw in an underarm serve - rarely seen during his career - in the third set to bring laughter from the fans.

But the main takeaway for those who stayed late was the 2013 and 2016 champion, a dangerous unseeded floater in the draw, looks fit enough to cause problems for more opponents this fortnight.

Murray's slow start allowed Duckworth to successfully implement his intended plan of playing aggressively and dictating the points.

With Murray often left scampering, he knocked a forehand into the net for a break point at 4-4 and Duckworth took it with a rasping forehand winner to leave him serving for the set.

Another blast from that wing sealed the opener for the Australian, leaving the home fans on Centre Court murmuring their surprise.

Murray started to land more first serves in the second set, giving him the platform to quickly put pressure back on to Duckworth.

Murray only dropped two points in his service games, helped by landing more first serves and winning 100% of those points.

His returning game also started to improve, with Murray highlighting that as a key factor in the turnaround.

Like Murray, Duckworth has also seen his career hampered by injuries and had hip surgery earlier this year.

Since coming back in May he had played just eight matches - losing six of them - and adrenalin alone was never going to be enough to win a five-set match at a Grand Slam.

Murray's superior quality continued to shine through in the third, dominating to move into a 4-1 lead before digging deep to see off pressure in his next service game.

With the court getting darker, Duckworth wanted the roof closed and the floodlights switched on but was made to wait until Murray wrapped up the third set.

The fourth set was delicately poised without any breaks of serve until two double faults from Duckworth at 4-4 enabled Murray to serve out victory.

BBC
 
<b>Wimbledon: Ryan Peniston wins on debut after overcoming childhood cancer</b>

Ryan Peniston described the cancer treatment that stunted his growth as a child as a "blessing in disguise" after a dream Wimbledon debut.

The British wildcard beat Swiss world number 95 Henri Laaksonen 6-4 6-3 6-2 to reach the second round on Tuesday.

He said overcoming a rare cancer with chemotherapy and surgery at the age of one, had given him "so much strength".

"I didn't start growing until ...15, 16. I was always about a foot smaller than all my peers," he said.

"They all were growing and getting bigger serves and everything. I was struggling just trying to run around and get the balls.

"It made me definitely tougher as a player and a person I think. Yeah, it's a blessing in disguise really."

Peniston, ranked 135th in the world, has been in terrific form coming into the grass-court Grand Slam, reaching the quarter-finals at Eastbourne, Queen's and Nottingham.

He says he thinks he might be actually be dreaming.

"I was chatting with my coach, Mark Taylor, like yesterday. I was kind of saying I'm waiting for someone to pinch me and wake up kind of back in May sometime," he grinned.

"When I was younger, like a teenager, you always have people ask, 'You play tennis. I'll see you at Wimbledon one day.' I'd always say, 'Yeah, yeah, hopefully, hopefully.' Now to just say it's happened is unbelievable."

The left-hander, who defeated French Open finalist Casper Ruud during his run at Queen's, made the perfect start against Laaksonen as a break of serve in the opening game of the match proving enough to seal the set.

In a crucial couple of games midway through the second set, Peniston saved three break points before striking again for a 4-3 lead and two holds of serve brought the second round within his sights.

Following an exchange of breaks in the third set, he wrapped up a clean victory with a further two breaks of serve to complete an impressive opening performance.

The British number six plays American Steve Johnson next, after Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov withdrew with injury.

They will play on Thursday and Peniston does not mind which court he plays on: "You could put me on the practice courts, I'd still love it."

Ryan, if they put you on a practice court, that definitely is some kind of dream.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61973223
 
<b>Wimbledon [BBC] latest scores/results:</b>

• Serena Williams levels with Harmony Tan 5-7 6-1 on Centre Court

• Rafael Nadal defeats Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4

• Britain's Liam Broady wins 4-6 6-3 7-5 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 against Lukas Klein

• Alastair Gray, Jack Draper and Ryan Peniston through; Dan Evans out

• Paul Jubb loses in five sets to Nick Kyrgios

• GB's Katie Boulter beats Clara Burel 7-5 6-3; Heather Watson also into round two; Swan, Clarke & Kartal out

• Women's number one seed Iga Swiatek beats Jana Fett 6-0 6-3

• Raducanu and Murray went through on Monday
 
Serena Williams loses to Harmony Tan on Wimbledon return after year out

Serena Williams' hopes of a victorious return to Wimbledon after a year out ended with a loss to Harmony Tan.

The American great, 40, returned to the same Centre Court where she had limped out injured last year with a passionate display in a 7-5 1-6 7-6 (10-7) defeat.

Willed on by a fervent crowd, Williams answered questions over her fitness with a dynamic display that put her two points from a win before Tan edged it.

The burning question now is surely 'was this her last Wimbledon'?

"That's a question I can't answer," she told a news conference. "I don't know.

"Who knows? Who knows where I'll pop up."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61971291
 
She appeared tired and spent. It would be amazing if she returned next year!
 
Serena Williams' hopes of a victorious return to Wimbledon after a year out ended with a loss to Harmony Tan.

The American great, 40, returned to the same Centre Court where she had limped out injured last year with a passionate display in a 7-5 1-6 7-6 (10-7) defeat.

Willed on by a fervent crowd, Williams answered questions over her fitness with a dynamic display that put her two points from a win before Tan edged it.

The burning question now is surely 'was this her last Wimbledon'?

"That's a question I can't answer," she told a news conference. "I don't know.

"Who knows? Who knows where I'll pop up."

It is almost a year to the day since Williams limped tearfully off Centre Court after slipping and hurting her right ankle in her first-round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The crowd that day might have wondered if they would ever see the American great back at the grass-court Grand Slam, with age and injury against her.

Even she herself admitted while at Eastbourne this month - where she made her comeback in the doubles alongside Ons Jabeur - that she had harboured her own doubts.

But Williams walked on to the same court, where she has won seven of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, to a rousing reception.

Now ranked 1,204th in the world, she had needed to request a wildcard to enter the draw.

And she soon showed why she was never going to be turned down.

Shaking off a slightly rusty start in which she was broken by the Wimbledon debutant in the first game, Williams found her feet - and her voice - as she roared when a smash sealed a break back.

The pair traded further breaks, with Williams hitting balls on the run, moving much better than a year out of the sport might have suggested, and delivering some of the trademark powerful shots that have made her one of her sport's all-time greats.

But a break for Tan in the 11th game left the Frenchwoman serving for the set, which she sealed with a forehand winner.

Such was the excitement at times during some lengthy and high quality points that the umpire even had to remind the packed Centre Court: "I know it's very exciting but as a courtesy to both players please be quiet during the rallies."

And that was before the roof went on before the start of the second set to raise the decibel level further.

Williams held quickly to love and then broke in a near 20-minute second game, which featured 12 deuces, on her way to a 5-0 lead. Tan, 24, earned a morale-boosting hold before Williams served out to take it to a deciding set.

The American, whose only matches in the past year were last week's two doubles, broke early in the third but tenacious Tan soon pegged her back.

Williams had celebrated as if she had won the match when she broke for 5-4 in the decider but it proved premature when, having led 30-15 while serving for the match, she was broken again.

Williams forged a 4-0 lead in the final-set tie-break but it slipped away as Tan delivered some stunning winners and the American netted a forehand on match point.

"For my first Wimbledon it's wow - just wow," said world number 115 Tan.

"It's a dream because, you know, I saw Serena on the TV when I was young. She's a legend. When you play her, I was scared. I mean, I was scared when I was on the court, but really happy to be there."

What next for Williams?

There had always been sense that Williams had unfinished business at Wimbledon after the way her tournament ended after six games last year and one of the big motivating factors behind her return was not wanting that to be her final SW19 memory.

She has always remained motivated by the desire to equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, and her best chance of doing that is likely to be on a fast grass surface.

She can take some encouragement from the fact she stayed at a high level during a draining encounter that finished after 22:30 BST and lasted three hours 11 minutes.

But whether that is enough to keep her in the sport when she has huge business interests and family life to enjoy remains to be seen.

Asked whether she would be OK with this match being her last Wimbledon memory, she was categorical: "Obviously not. You know me. Definitely not.

"But today I gave all I could do, you know, today. Maybe tomorrow I could have given more. Maybe a week ago I could have given more. But today was what I could do.

"At some point you have to be able to be OK with that."

But she said coming so close to victory made her want to hit the practice courts and she did not rule out an appearance at the US Open in August-September.

"I mean, when you're at home, especially in New York, and the US Open, that being the first place I've won a Grand Slam [in 1999], is something that's always super special.

"There's definitely lots of motivation to get better and to play at home."

BBC
 
Andy Murray joins Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in Laver Cup team

Andy Murray will make his Laver Cup debut in September having joined a European team which already includes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The event in London sees six European players take on six from the rest of the world over three days.

Murray, 35, said: "I love playing as part of a team and there is a great atmosphere and intensity to the event.

"I've heard lots of good things and I'm excited to be teaming up with both Roger and Rafa for Team Europe."

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray has struggled with injury in recent years after having hip surgery but will play in the second round of Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Eleven-time major winner Bjorn Borg will captain Team Europe - who have won all four of the previous Laver Cups - and said he is "extremely excited" about Murray's involvement, adding: "He is a dedicated, ferocious, and inspirational competitor."

Team World will be captained by John McEnroe, with world top-15 players Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Diego Schwartzman so far named in his team.

Federer is continuing his recovery from knee surgery and has only played 19 competitive matches since the start of 2020.

The Swiss 40-year-old is scheduled to play the Laver Cup, which begins on 23 September, before an ATP Tour event in his home city of Basel in October.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61977734
 
Emma Raducanu has crashed out of Wimbledon after losing in the second round.

The 19-year-old US Open champion was defeated by France's Carolina Garcia who won in straight sets 6-3 6-3 on Centre Court.
 
Third seed Casper Ruud was stunned by Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the Wimbledon second round, while defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced with ease.

Norway's Ruud, runner-up at the French Open earlier this month, was beaten 3-6 6-2 7-5 6-4 by Humbert, who arrived on court without a racquet.

Three of the vital pieces of tennis equipment were soon brought to court two and Humbert put them to good use.

Top seed Djokovic, meanwhile, beat Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 6-2.

The 35-year-old Serb is aiming to win a fourth successive title at SW19, where he is a six-time winner.

The vastly superior Djokovic was in fine form against the Australian world number 79 on Centre Court and will play compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic next.
 
MenInG said:
Emma Raducanu has crashed out of Wimbledon after losing in the second round.

The 19-year-old US Open champion was defeated by France's Carolina Garcia who won in straight sets 6-3 6-3 on Centre Court.
Click to expand...

Makes you wonder just how she won the US Open.

Her career has rapidly nosedived since that victory.
 
Andy Murray suffers his earliest ever Wimbledon exit after losing to John Isner 3-1. Isner gets his first win against Murray at the ninth attempt!
 
Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu have both been knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round.

Two-time champion Murray lost in four sets as he was blown away by big-serving American John Isner on Centre Court.

Isner won their clash 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-4, helped by 36 aces.

It was the first time Murray had failed to reach the third round at SW19 as the 6ft 10in-tall US player secured his first career victory over him at the ninth attempt.

British fans suffered a double disappointment after Raducanu was earlier knocked out in the women's singles.

The 19-year-old US Open champion was defeated by France's Caroline Garcia who won in straight sets on Centre Court 6-3 6-3.

But there was better news for British men's number one Cameron Norrie who booked his place in the third round with a 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-0 6-2 win over Spaniard Jaume Munar.

Murray had threatened another of his epic, late-night comebacks from two sets down when he won a third set tie-break.

But this time he was unable dip into that seemingly endless well of reserves as the American, 37, clung on to win.

The 35-year-old Scot managed to win only 15 points against the relentless Isner first serve.

The roof was closed late on in the fourth set due to bad light.

The Briton's preparations for this year's Wimbledon had not been ideal after he suffered an abdominal strain a fortnight ago.

The former world number one had faced a race against time to recover from the injury.

Also, Harriet Dart won her delayed first round match - becoming the 10th Briton to go through to round two - the best start to the Championships for home players since 1984.

SKY
 
GB's Katie Boulter comes from set down to stun sixth seed Karolina Pliskova 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4

Heather Watson matches her best Wimbledon singles performance by beating China's Wang Qiang in straight sets

Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Jordan Thompson in straight sets

Britain's Alastair Gray beaten 6-3 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 by 11th seed Taylor Fritz

Harriet Dart beaten in three sets by eighth seed Jessica Pegula

GB's Joe Salisbury & partner Rajeev Ram through to second round

Men's 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain has withdrawn after positive Covid-19 test
 
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<b>Wimbledon: Katie Boulter, Liam Broady and Heather Watson win on good day for British players</b>

British wildcard Katie Boulter delighted Wimbledon's Centre Court with a stunning fightback to beat 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova.

After a 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 win, Boulter fought back tears when revealing her gran Jill died two days ago.

"I'm going to get so emotional. I'd like to dedicate it to her," she said after securing her best Grand Slam run.

Fellow Britons Liam Broady and Heather Watson also earned memorable wins on Thursday to reach the third round.

Wildcard Broady, 28, won 6-2 4-6 0-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 against Argentine 12th seed Diego Schwartzman to also record his best performance at a major.

British number four Watson, 30, matched her best Wimbledon singles performance with a 7-5 6-4 win against China's Wang Qiang.

More British success looked on the cards when Harriet Dart won the first set against eighth seed Jessica Pegula, only for the American to fight back to win 4-6 6-3 6-1.

British wildcard Alastair Gray, ranked 288th and making his men's singles debut at the All England Club, had chances against American 11th seed Taylor Fritz before falling to a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 defeat.

Later, Jack Draper will round up the British interest in the singles on Thursday when he faces Australian 19th seed Alex de Minaur.

The prize for one of those two will be a meeting with world number 132 Broady in the third round on Saturday.

Boulter, once the emerging and exciting talent in the British women's game, is trying to rebuild her career after it was heavily interrupted by injury problems in recent years.

The British number three reached a career-high 82nd in the world rankings and was on an upward trajectory before her injury problems began in early 2019

Boulter, now ranked 118th, proved she still has the talent to beat the best when she earned the biggest win of her career against world number seven Pliskova in Eastbourne last week.

Now the 25-year-old has eclipsed that with another victory over the Czech former world number one, this time on the one of the greatest stages in the sport and against a backdrop of personal grief.

Boulter struggled for words in the on-court interview immediately after she sealed victory, with an ecstatic crowd initially thinking it was solely down to the magnitude of her achievement.

When asked later about her gran, Boulter said: "Her favourite tournament was Wimbledon. That's why it's a special one for me. She'd watch every single match that was on the TV.

"It's been a tough few days for sure. I've tried to kind of get my emotions out and deal with the situation, try and keep my head on the tennis.

"I was lucky because my grandpa managed to come down from Leicester, and so we could keep him company and keep supporting him at the same time."

When Boulter won the second set, the family members supporting from her box - which included her mother Sue, brother James and grandfather - shared emotional and jubilant hugs.

It was a similar scene when Boulter clinched a memorable win with a net volley.

Shaking both fists in the air, Boulter smiled as she looked towards her family and moments later revealed why the celebrations meant so much.

On Saturday, she will aim to reach the last 16 when she faces France's Harmony Tan.

Tan, making her Wimbledon main-draw debut this year, beat American great Serena Williams in the first round and backed up that memorable win with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo.

"It's a dream come true for me and if I can have you behind me for those I can probably go a long way," Boulter, who lost at the same stage on the 15,000-capacity show court last year, told the Centre Court crowd.

British number five Broady is finally starting to reap the rewards of a more professional outlook as he celebrated making the last 32 of a major at the seventh attempt.

A promising junior who made the 2011 Wimbledon boys' final, Broady won his first ATP Challenger title last year and reached a career-high ranking of 116 earlier this season.

The left-hander has achieved several more notable milestones this season, including qualifying for a first appearance at the Australian Open, and has spoken about how his fortunes have improved after limiting his nights out.

Now his increased dedication has resulted in one of the most unforgettable days of his career in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Broady trailed by two sets to one, and was a break down in the fourth, after 2020 French Open semi-finalist Schwartzman won 11 games in a row.

But he recovered to win a fourth-set tie-break and then sealed victory by winning the final five games of the decider.

"Sometimes I struggle a bit to put the ball in the court but my heart is always there," said Broady, who initially walked off court before realising he had to give a winning on-court interview.

"With everyone out there it was incredible and there was no way I was giving up."

Watson, 30, needed only one game to wrap up victory in a match halted by darkness on Wednesday.

Watson, who has played in singles every day of the tournament and only had four hours' sleep on Wednesday night, will face Slovenian Kaja Juvan on Friday.

"I woke up not feeling great this morning," the world number 121 said.

"It's been a really tough few days for me with the scheduling. It's not been on my side at all.

"I've just tried to do the best I could. In every situation try to stay positive and in the moment. I feel like I've handled it really well."

Watson, who said she had to take a caffeine gel before playing on Wednesday which had then affected her sleep, said she might have to have a nap before her doubles match scheduled for later in the day. But that match, where she is playing alongside compatriot Dart, was later moved to another day.

In the men's singles, 24-year-old Gray served for the second set against Fritz but was eventually beaten by the recent Eastbourne champion.

Gray saved two set points in the second-set tie-break and thought he had saved a third, running away in celebration after stretching for a forehand volley, but a diving Fritz managed to get to the ball and send it back over the net.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61997315
 
Game, set and match - Nadal

Berankis 4-6 4-6 6-4 3-6 Nadal

Rafael Nadal, for the second round in a row, gets through in four sets. Ricardas Berankis gave us lots of entertainment and played at 100% until the end, but two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal does what he needed to.
 
Nick Kyrgios said he "just wanted to remind everyone" that he is "pretty good" after reaching the third round at Wimbledon in straight sets, as two-time champion Rafael Nadal also progressed.
 
Rafa Nadal's brutal admission after 'bungled' Wimbledon drama

Rafa Nadal has admitted he needs to improve after his tough second round Wimbledon victory, which was disrupted due to a rain delay and controversial roof closure decision.

Nadal overcame Ricardas Berankis 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a tough match where the Spaniard struggled to put his opponent away with his usual swashbuckling groundstrokes.

The 22-time grand slam champion took the first set and many would have predicted Nadal to step it up a level on Centre Court.

However, he was made to work for the second set after losing his serve and needing to recover. was then stunned in the third, before recovering to close out the match.

And in his on-court interview, Nadal made the brutal admission that improvement was needed before he comes up against the dangerous Lorenzo Sonego in the next round.

"I need to improve. But I think the fourth set was much better," Nadal said right after the match.

"I think it was a good level of tennis in that fourth set. The serve worked much better.

"In the end I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand.

"At the beginning, it was too many mistakes, but that's a process. It's important for me to accept that things are not perfect and [that I need to] just keep working, being humble and accept the challenge."

Nadal has now lost the third set in consecutive matches, but has recovered to regain momentum.

Rain and roof delay causes confusion at Wimbledon
At 3-0 in the fourth set, rain fell on Centre Court.

Nadal and Berankis played through the drizzle for a little while, before officials decided to close the roof.

However, the interruption to the match took nearly an hour.

While Nadal had no qualms about the process, the Spaniard did admit the court was 'slippery' when they returned.

"It's part of tennis, no complaining," Nadal said when questioned on whether the roof closure disrupted him.

"I think they thought at the beginning it was going to be a quick shower. So they did’t want to close the roof straight way, so they wanted to keep playing outdoors. I respect that.

"No problem at all. I think they did the right process…it’s true maybe we could close the roof three minutes before because it takes a long time ad the court was wet.

“Even when we were playing, when we came back to the court, it was more slippery.”

Many viewers were left perplexed to why the game was halted for close to an hour when officials knew rain was on its way to SW19. Nadal said he understood Wimbledon would be challenging after having not played on grass for three years.

"Every day is a challenge, that's the truth. All the opponents are difficult," Nadal said straight after the match.

"We are playing against the best players of the world and especially even in these conditions, it will be more [difficult].

"I didn't play much on grass for the past three years. Every day is an opportunity to improve and today I'm through, so that gives me the chance to keep going. [I am] very happy for that."
 
GB's Heather Watson beats Kaja Juvan 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 on Court One
Watson reaches fourth round at Wimbledon for first time
Angelique Kerber v Elise Mertens & Oscar Otte v Carlos Alcaraz follow on Court One
Novak Djokovic next up on Centre Court, followed by Britain's Cameron Norrie
Earlier, Tunisia's third seed Ons Jabeur beats France's Diane Parry 6-2 6-3
 
Game, set and match - Djokovic

Djokovic 6-0 6-3 6-4 Kecmanovic
 
<b>Heather Watson</b> reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam in singles for the first time as she overcame Kaja Juvan to reach the Wimbledon fourth round.

The British world number 121 raised her arms aloft in celebration as she withstood a late Juvan resurgence to convert her first match point in a 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 win over the Slovenian.

Watson, 30, plays 97th-ranked German Jule Niemeier in the fourth round.

"It wouldn't be me if there wasn't a bit of drama at the end!" Watson said.

Recording her first third-round win at her 43rd Slam, the British number four clinched the first-set tie-break at the fourth opportunity before eventually confirming victory having at one point led the second set 5-0.

She received a standing ovation, returning to the court to enjoy her breakthrough triumph and placing her forehead on the ground to "thank the grass".

"What an atmosphere. There is nowhere I would rather make round four," Watson said. Addressing the crowd, she added: "I wasn't even that nervous but you guys got me over the line.

"It means everything, playing here at home in front of you guys, the atmosphere is everything."

In 2015, the first of her three third-round appearances at Wimbledon, Watson served for the match against American great Serena Williams but eventually lost in three sets.

Since then, she said it had been her aim to reach the fourth round.

Watson celebrated an emotional victory over Tamara Korpatsch in her first-round match on Court One earlier this week, following what she described as a "disaster" on the very same stage last year as she missed a match point in defeat by lucky loser Kristie Ahn.

She produced a superb display as she once again returned to the show court, having equalled her best Wimbledon singles performance by ousting China's Wang Qiang in straight sets in the second round.

Making her 12th Wimbledon appearance, Watson has played every day of the tournament so far in a demanding start after her first two singles matches were halted late on Monday and Wednesday.

Despite three comfortable opening holds and a break point of her own, it was the Briton who first lost serve in the seventh game but she maintained her composure to hit back immediately.

Resilience was a key factor in Watson's victory. She led the tie-break 6-3 but after getting back to 6-6, the Slovenian conceded the set with a double fault under the pressure of a fourth break point.

Somewhat unexpectedly, that quality was required again in the second set as a free-swinging Juvan rallied to claw back one of the three breaks she trailed by - and held four break points on Watson's serve at 5-2.

However, roared on by the home crowd, Watson battled back, closing out her biggest career singles win with a forehand volley.

Awaiting her in round four at SW19 is the world number 97 Niemeier, who progressed with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/62004892
 
<b>Katie Boulter</b> is taking inspiration from Leicester's 2016 Premier League title victory and Emma Raducanu's 2021 US Open win to fuel her Wimbledon run.

The 25-year-old takes on France's Harmony Tan, who knocked out seven-time singles champion Serena Williams, at 11:00 BST for a place in the last 16.

"I hope I can take a leaf out of their book," said Boulter of Leicester before Saturday's match.

"They were something else. Maybe I can hopefully create that this year."

Leicester defied 5,000-1 pre-season odds to clinch the title ahead of the top-flight's established powerhouses, while Raducanu, ranked 150 in the world at the time, became the the first player to come through qualifying and clinch a Grand Slam title in an astonishing run at Flushing Meadows last year.

Raducanu was knocked out of this year's Wimbledon on Wednesday, overpowered by Caroline Garcia of France. But Boulter says her Davis Cup team-mate's run in New York has made her reimagine what is possible.

"She came out, she surprised everyone, and she played some fearless tennis," said Boulter, ranked 118 in the world.

"That's what's so impressive. I hope I can go out there and do the same thing. I'd love to do what she's done. You never know, one day it might happen."

Liam Broady is another Briton aiming to join compatriot Heather Watson in the fourth round. The 28-year-old from Stockport defeated 12th seed Diego Schwartzman in five sets and, like Boulter, is competing in the third round of a Grand Slam event for the first time.

However, Broady admits that he would understand if, for once, he didn't get his compatriot's support, given he is playing Boulter's boyfriend, Australian 19th seed Alex De Minaur.

"I won't judge her if she sits in 'Demon's' box. She kind of has to, doesn't she?," Broady said.

"I know his game pretty well. He's a fantastic player. He's very good on the grass.

"But I fancy myself against anybody, to be honest."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/62016496
 
<b>Venus Williams and Jamie Murray's</b> keenly anticipated Wimbledon mixed doubles partnership made a winning start on an enthusiastic Court One.

The wildcards beat Alicja Rosolska and Michael Venus 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 in an entertaining evening match.

American five-time singles champion Williams, 42, is competing unexpectedly 11 months after last playing.

Their pairing was last-minute but Williams said she had eyed it for some time, adding: "He played hard to get."

It proved to be a popular and effective partnership.

Every Williams winner - and there were plenty at the net - sparked big cheers.

Like with sister Serena's appearance in the singles this week, there was a sense fans were savouring the chance to see Venus for one of the last times.

The partnership clicked, with former doubles number one Murray flawless on serve and Williams sharp on the volleys at the net.

An early break was all they needed to take the first set, which they served out to love, but they were then pegged back in the second to take it to the decider.

At one point a huge Mexican wave erupted, which even the umpire could not stop, and so Williams proceeded to serve anyway while the noisy party continued.

The roof came on, the decibels rose, and Jamie Murray launched three aces in a row in the opening game of the third set. From there the momentum grew as they broke in the fourth game and Murray served out the victory, bringing the crowd to their feet.

The pair hugged and Williams looked emotional at the end, as if she was just taking it all in that she was back on the grass that she says makes her heart beat faster.

"Just at the last it was like, 'Oh, my god, wow'. I just not only played a match but won a match. I'm never like that kind of player. I always expect to win," she said.

"But when I sat there, we wanted to win, but when I sat there at the end, it was like real. Yeah, I felt something in my heart."

It brought back memories of another Murray-Williams team, with their siblings Andy and Serena teaming up at SW19 three years ago for a headline-grabbing partnership.

Williams is a two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, winning titles at the 1998 Australian and French Opens. She appeared in the mixed doubles here last year but her campaign came to an early end because of an injury to partner Nick Kyrgios before their second-round match.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Murray has won five mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, including two at Wimbledon in 2007 and 2017 with Jelena Jankovic and Martina Hingis respectively.

Aside from the joy of being back on the grass, being back on the tennis court is having another advantage for Williams, who has been busy with her business interests since her last match in Chicago last August.

"I think it's easier to be on tour than off tour," she said. "I think I should just come on back so I can sleep a little more."
 
<b>British ninth seed Cameron Norrie </b> joined compatriot Heather Watson in securing a first Grand Slam fourth-round appearance with a dominant win over American Steve Johnson.

Norrie comfortably beat world number 93 Johnson 6-4 6-1 6-0 on Centre Court.

He sealed victory in style as an ace closed out a faultless final set.

Norrie will next face another player from the United States, Tommy Paul, after the 30th seed beat Czech player Jiri Vesely 6-3 6-2 6-2.

World number 12 Norrie's victory came just hours after Watson defeated Kaja Juvan to also reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam in singles for the first time.

"Today I was very, very relaxed," said Norrie. "[It was] one of the bigger matches in my career obviously, to make the second week for the first time. I had a great opportunity today and I managed to play at the level that I wanted to.

"It's a lot of fun being the British number one, playing on Centre Court, being in the spotlight, and playing to that level that I did today. I embraced it and really enjoyed it."

Norrie has remained inside the top 15 since first arriving there in October on the back of consistent tour performances.

And while that form has already seen him double his tally of ATP titles during 2022 - following triumphs at Lyon and Delray Beach - he has so far been unable to produce a deep run at a major.

Reaching the third round in five of his past seven Slams, he at last broke new ground on his fifth Wimbledon appearance, and 19th major overall, as he became the 12th British man to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon in the Open Era.

The left-hander was forced to fight back from two sets to one down against Spaniard Jaume Munar in the previous round, before displaying the necessary steel to come through his first ever five-set match at SW19.

He faced no such difficulties against Johnson who, unlike Norrie, previously reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2016 - although that remains his best Slam result.

The American, yet to defeat a top-20 ranked player at a major, ended British wildcard Ryan Peniston's hopes in the second round.

But he made 43 unforced errors and eight double faults as he failed to put Norrie under any meaningful pressure, with the crowd enjoying a hugely impressive win for the home favourite.

There was already a party atmosphere on Centre Court well before Norrie's final love hold confirmed a victory that had long been inevitable.

He had been unable to take his first two break point opportunities of the contest as Johnson battled back to deuce, eventually holding serve with an ace for 2-2.

The American repeated that feat two games later, frustrating his opponent from the exact same position and employing his serve to great effect.

However, Norrie was at last rewarded for his persistence as he seized his second set point with an assured backhand winner to end Johnson's resistance.

Having faced two break points in the opening game before escaping with another fine backhand, an expectant Centre Court became increasingly vocal as the home favourite struck early in the second set - confidently consolidating his break with a love hold for 3-0.

Norrie, who frequently outmanoeuvred his opponent, then responded emphatically to a break back chance for Johnson at 3-1, winning three successive games to take a big step towards victory before closing out the match in spectacular fashion.

Johnson looked all but beaten as he eventually conceded on a fifth break point in the opening game of a must-win third set, and the crowd rose to their feet to acknowledge Norrie's efforts once the formalities had been completed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/62015232
 
<b>Wimbledon 2022: GBR’s Liam Broady loses to Alex de Minaur at All England Club</b>

British wildcard Liam Broady's memorable Wimbledon run came to an end as Australia's Alex de Minaur dashed the hopes of another home player.

Broady, 28, was competing in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time and found 19th seed De Minaur to have too much quality.

De Minaur beat Britain's Jack Draper in the second round and added Broady to his list in a 6-3 6-4 7-5 win.

Broady's defeat leaves Cameron Norrie as Britain's final man in the singles.

Norrie, 26, plays in the fourth round against American Tommy Paul on Sunday, while Heather Watson - the home nation's last representative in the women's singles - faces 22-year-old German Jule Niemeier in the last 16.

British number five Broady is finally starting to reap the rewards of a more professional outlook, leading to his finest run at a Grand Slam and to what he described as the biggest match of his career.

While the meeting with De Minaur ultimately ended in disappointment, the left-hander will reflect positively on a remarkable week where all of his talent and heart was on show.

After De Minaur took his fourth match point, almost everyone on Court One immediately rose to acknowledge Broady's performance and the volume reached a crescendo as he walked off to a richly-deserved ovation.

A promising junior who made the 2011 Wimbledon boys' final, Broady won his first ATP Challenger title last year and reached a career-high ranking of 116 earlier this season.

He has achieved several more notable milestones this season, including qualifying for a first appearance at the Australian Open, and has spoken about how his fortunes have improved after limiting his nights out.

That increased professionalism has enabled him to reach the last 32 of a major at the seventh attempt, following a memorable win over Argentine 12th seed Diego Schwartzman on Thursday.

The Manchester City fan marked the victory by mimicking England star Jack Grealish's goal celebration, but there was little opportunity to bring that out again against the accomplished De Minaur.

A single break in each set was enough for the Australian to seal victory, although he only eventually got over the line after a nervy finish.

Broady showed all of his renowned fighting spirit to break back for 5-5 when De Minaur served for the match and, having lost serve in the 11th game, threatened again with four more break points.

But De Minaur recovered to save them and, after more resistance from world number 132 Broady delighted the home crowd, finally got over the line to reach the Wimbledon last 16 for the first time.

BBC
 
<b>Watson wins again in wonderful Wimbledon week</b>

<I><b>Heather Watson's winning Wimbledon week continued when she and Harriet Dart reached the women's doubles last 16.</b></I>

Watson, into the singles fourth round for the first time, is having a hectic week where she has played every day.

On Saturday she was even scheduled to play twice but withdrew from the mixed doubles, citing a knee injury, after the 6-4 6-2 win with Dart over Natela Dzalamidze and Aleksandra Krunic.

She faces Jule Niemeier for a place in the singles quarter-finals on Sunday.

Meanwhile, fellow Briton Lloyd Glasspool advanced in the men's doubles as he and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara beat Norway's Casper Ruud and American William Blumberg 6-1 3-6 6-3 3-6 6-4.

Wildcard British pair Ken Skupski and Jonny O'Mara saw off the challenge of South African Raven Klaasen and Brazilian Marcelo Melo 6-2 6-4 6-4 on court 15.

They will face two-time French Open men's doubles winners Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies in the third round.

Eight of Saturday's doubles matches at the All England Club feature home hopes.

That includes the return of former British number one Kyle Edmund after almost two years out injured.

The 27-year-old partners Olivia Nicholls in the mixed doubles against Americans Jack Sock and Coco Gauff.

BBC
 
World number one Iga Swiatek saw her 37-match winning streak ended as France's Alize Cornet caused one of the biggest upsets so far at Wimbledon.
 
Nick Kyrgios fought back to knock out Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and reach the Wimbledon fourth round in a dramatic and fiery four-set encounter in which both players were given warnings by the umpire.

In a remarkable, incident-packed match, Kyrgios called for Tsitsipas to be defaulted after the 23-year-old hit a ball into the crowd and narrowly missed a spectator when he lost the second set.

The Australian had already received a warning for an obscenity by then, while Tsitsipas was given a point penalty for a second code violation as he sent a ball away in frustration.

But it was 2014 quarter-finalist Kyrgios who eventually came through in an enthralling final tie-break with his second match point to win 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9-7) in front of a captivated crowd under the Court One roof.

He will play American Brandon Nakashima next, after the 20-year-old world number 56 beat Colombian Daniel Galan 6-4 6-4 6-1.
 
Rafael Nadal's "best match" of this year's Wimbledon ended on a testy note after the Spaniard took opponent Lorenzo Sonego to task at the net.

The Spaniard won 6-1 6-2 6-4 with a stunning display to reach the fourth round that showed a marked improvement on his first two matches.

But it ended with boos as Nadal continued a discussion with Sonego, having had words in the third set.

Nadal later said he felt "bad" if he "bothered him".

The roof came on with Nadal leading 4-2 in the third, with the Spaniard unhappy by the interruption.

In the following game he was upset over a noise Sonego had made during a point as the Italian set up his first break points of the match.

Nadal spoke to the umpire but then called Sonego to the net to speak to him, with the Spaniard then going on to lose his serve.

While Nadal then regained control over a match he had dominated and wrapped up victory quickly, he carried on speaking to the Italian at the net after they had shaken hands.

"I didn't make it in a negative way. I feel sorry if I bothered him but I did it in a right way," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

"I feel really bad now if I bothered him so I feel sorry for that. That's it - I will talk to him after but this is not a problem."

Before that episode Nadal had made serene progress in a thoroughly dominant display that underlined in emphatic style his claim to a third successive Grand Slam title.

Just a day after main title rival Novak Djokovic had come through a similarly one-sided match, Nadal sent his own message back.

The Spaniard dropped just two points on his serve in the first set and did not face a break point until the eighth game of the third set.

He won nine games in a row to take the first set and put himself in command of the second before world number 54 Sonego got back on the board with a hold that the Centre Court crowd cheered as if he had won the set.

Early in the third set the Italian had suggested to the umpire that the light was fading and that it might be time to switch on the lights, but it was not until 4-2 when his wish was granted.

He went on to break to love, a game in which he greeted one of his own spectacular shots noisily, thus irritating his opponent, but Nadal recovered to win the next two games to set up a last-16 match against Dutch world number 25 Botic van de Zandschulp.

Nadal is making his first Wimbledon appearance since 2019 and playing in his first grass matches since then.

He had dropped a set in his first two matches but against Sonego it was as if he had never been away from the place where he has won two of his major titles.

"It was my best match without a doubt," Nadal said
 
Cameron Norrie maintained the British challenge in the Wimbledon singles by beating American Tommy Paul to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Britain's Heather Watson said she missed "a big opportunity" as her hopes of reaching a first Grand Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon were ended by Jule Niemeier.
 
Alcaraz out, defeated by the Italian Sinner. Alcaraz frustrates somewhat, in the French Open he looked almost unbeatable, then came up against an inspired Zverev. Here his first serve was shoddy and at Wimbledon you won't get away with that.

Sinner is another rising star though. Some outstanding talent coming through in men's tennis right now, very exciting times.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Alcaraz out, defeated by the Italian Sinner. Alcaraz frustrates somewhat, in the French Open he looked almost unbeatable, then came up against an inspired Zverev. Here his first serve was shoddy and at Wimbledon you won't get away with that.

Sinner is another rising star though. Some outstanding talent coming through in men's tennis right now, very exciting times.
Click to expand...

he looked like his footwork from the serve when landing he struggled with - which is understandable - he will only imrove with age, remember nadal was really poor on grass when he started out - alcaraz will improve for sure.
Nothing wrong with losing to sinner - sinner return of serve was great - sinner has djokovic next - assuming djok will win against tim van rijthoven
 
finalfantasy7 said:
he looked like his footwork from the serve when landing he struggled with - which is understandable - he will only imrove with age, remember nadal was really poor on grass when he started out - alcaraz will improve for sure.
Nothing wrong with losing to sinner - sinner return of serve was great - sinner has djokovic next - assuming djok will win against tim van rijthoven
Click to expand...


Yes, some really exciting young talent coming through, Sinner looks like a future grand slam winner as well, although would have to see him on hard surfaces. But in the other game yesterday, Tsitispas also looks like a rising star even though he lost on the day to Kyrgios. I mean Kyrgios on his day can beat anyone.
 
Defending champion Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a seventh Wimbledon title as he reached the quarter-finals with a four-set win over Dutch wildcard Tim van Rijthoven.

Jamie Murray and Venus Williams were knocked out of the mixed doubles by Jonny O'Mara and Alicia Barnett in a thrilling final-set tie-break.
 
Wimbledon: Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas both fined over conduct

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas have both been fined for their conduct during their fiery Wimbledon encounter.

Kyrgios must pay $4,000 (£3,300) for an audible obscenity while Tsitsipas was given a $10,000 (£8,250) fine for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Tsitsipas received two warnings for hitting a ball into the Court One crowd during his third-round defeat.

Kyrgios appealed incessantly to umpire Damien Dumusois for the Greek player to be defaulted for his first offence.

It is the second fine of this year's Championships for the 27-year-old Australian, bringing his total punishment to $14,000 (£11,500) after he was sanctioned for another incident at the end of his opening match against Britain's Paul Jubb.

After Kyrgios won Saturday's stormy encounter, he and Tsitsipas exchanged insults in their post-match news conferences.

Kyrgios opens play on Wimbledon's Centre Court on Monday, when he takes on American 20-year-old Brandon Nakashima for a place in the quarter-finals.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/62031962
 
Kyrgios bt Nakashima 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-2

Kyrgios falls 0-30 down, but he conjures up a fabulous cross-court forehand winner before the American nets - 30-30.

A solid first serve brings up match point and it's job done as Kyrgios serves and volleys.
 
Nick Kyrgios' entertaining Wimbledon run continued as he shrugged off a shoulder injury to beat American Brandon Nakashima and reach his first major quarter-final in seven years.

The Australian was more subdued than in his fiery match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, staying largely quiet in a 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-2 win.

Victory came despite needing a medical timeout and regular physio treatment.

Kyrgios, 27, will play Chile's Cristian Garin in the last eight on Wednesday.

Unseeded Garin, 26, prevented an all-Australian encounter by fighting back from two sets down - and saving two match points in the fifth - to beat 19th seed Alex de Minaur.

The world number 43, more of a clay-court specialist, reached his first major quarter-final with a 2-6 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 7-6 (10-6) victory.

BBC
 
Simona Halep needed just 60 minutes to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals as she thrashed fourth seed Paula Badosa in a devastating display.

Halep, champion in 2019, claimed a 6-1 6-2 win against the error-strewn Spaniard on her return to Centre Court.

The Romanian is the only Grand Slam winner left standing in the women's singles draw.

She will play Amanda Anisimova next after the American ended Harmony Tan's run with a 6-2 6-3 win.

Halep did not defend her title in 2020 after the tournament was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic and missed last year's Wimbledon with injury.

"Definitely Centre Court was a place I wanted to be today," she said.

"I think I played a great match. It is always difficult to play her but it was a pleasure to be back on Centre Court with this great crowd supporting me"

BBC
 
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