Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic was also gifted a semi-final ticket due to Alex De Minaur’s unfortunate withdrawal
©Corinne Dubreuil / FFTThe 2022 champion remains in contention, there is a Czech comeback on the cards, Italy has another name in the trophy hunt, but unfortunately an injury has denied the ‘Demon.’
The sun finally returned to SW19 as fans basked in front of world class tennis. Here are the main headlines from Wednesday’s play…
Roland-Garros 2021 winner Barbora Krejcikova reinstated her major credentials to book a first ever Wimbledon singles semi-final ticket.
The Czech withstood the firepower of Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 7-6(4), having been down 1-4 in the second set on No.1 Court.
”I don't have any words right now. Just a minute ago, I told myself that I'm going to leave here everything I have and I'm really happy that I did,” said Krejcikova. "It's an unbelievable moment that I'm experiencing right now in my tennis career.”
Krejcikova knows what it takes to run the Grand Slam gauntlet. The experienced Czech has completed the Career Grand Slam in doubles – winning Wimbledon in 2018 and 2022 – as well as singles Major glory at Porte d'Auteuil.
Form and fitness have fluctuated since that momentous fortnight in Paris. On top of that, the 28-year-old has had to contend with a back injury and illness during a frustrating 2024 campaign.
The world No.32’s grass results yielded a 2-2 record prior to coming to south-west London. However, incrementally Krejcikova has navigated through the draw, highlighted by a 7-5, 6-3 scoreboard over No.11 seed Daniell Collins.
”It was a very, very difficult period. It was actually super difficult even before this tournament. I really want to thank my team,” added the Czech.
”There have been many doubts from inside but also from the outside world but I'm super happy that I never give up and that I'm standing here right now and that I qualified to be in the semi-finals.”
Elena Rybakina is hoping to wear the crown once again at The All England Club. The Kazakh put in a royal performance in front of Her Majesty The Queen Camilla to return to the Wimbledon last four.
The 2022 champion couldn’t quite believe it following a ruthless 6-3, 6-2 victory facing Elina Svitolina. “Oh, wow, I didn't even saw it,” said Rybakina. “That's amazing, of course.”
In just 61 minutes the world No.4 had swept aside Svitolina to move two matches away from regaining the throne.
"Really pleased with the way I played today,” stated the 25-year-old, who struck 28 winners during a clinical display.
"It’s always tough to play against Elina, she’s a great player, great fighter. No matter the score, it is not as easy as it might look like."
Rybakina is dismissing any ‘favourite’ tag talk.
“I don’t like it to be honest. I have an aggressive style of game, I have a huge serve so it’s a big advantage,” continued the No.4 seed. “Of course I want to go to the end, but match by match and I’m happy with the way I’m going and looking forward to the next one.
“I have such amazing memories from 2022 and I’m just enjoying every time I step on the court, especially when I play good. It’s just really amazing.”
With his shot-making drawing gasps and “aaah”s from the No.1 Court crowd, Lorenzo Musetti secured his first ever Grand Slam semi-final spot in spectacular style.
The world No.25 stole away the pivotal points to outmanoeuvre Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in a catalogue of cat and mouse rallies.
Match point done and dusted – arms raised aloft to soak up the applause – this was Musetti’s moment.
“I probably played my best tennis, I kept the best for the end,” stated the 22-year-old.
“The second set I had a big reaction and I changed my mind, my attitude and that made the difference. Hopefully on Friday I’m going to have the same one."
24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic awaits in the last four. The Serbian commands their head-to-head with a 5-1 ratio.
“He probably knows better than me the surface and the stadium for sure. He’s a legend everywhere but especially here in Wimbledon in the last years,” added Musetti.
“He made something unthinkable for anyone and I have the chance to play against him many times, we know each other really well so I expect a big fight and I think it’s one of the toughest challenge on tour.
“I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged so I’ll try my best and try to put my 100 per cent effort, and let’s see what happens.”
It was set to be a compelling Elite 8 battle, but No.9 seed Alex De Minaur had to withdraw prior to his maiden Wimbledon quarter-final with Novak Djokovic.
The dejected Australian called a press conference to announce a hip injury he sustained at the tail end of his fourth round triumph over Arthur Fils was too painful to continue in The Championships.
As a result, Djokovic advances to a mind-boggling and men’s record-extending 49th Grand Slam semi-final. The Serbian has also equalled Roger Federer’s all-time record of 13 appearances in the men’s last four.
“Obviously not an announcement I wanted to make by any means. Yeah, I'm devastated, but I had to pull out due to a hip injury, a little tear of the fiber cartilage that kind of is at the end or connects to the adductor,” explained the in-form De Minaur.
“I felt a loud crack during the last three points of my match against Fils and got a scan yesterday (Tuesday), and it confirms that this was the injury and with high risk of making it worse if I was to step on court.
“It's no secret that at this stage in my career this was the biggest match of my career. I wanted to do anything I could to play. I knew what the results were yesterday. I still wanted to wake up today hoping that I would feel some sort of miracle. It was too much to risk.”
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
