Wimbledon - Day 4: Blue skies for stars, Sir Andy tribute

High five for French delight

At every turn there seemed to be a call of 'Allez' as five Frenchman joined Ugo Humbert in the third round.

Lucky Loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard zoomed into the Last 32 with a 71 minute 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Yoshihito Nishioka.

Over to Arthur Fils, at 20-years-old and 22 days, became the youngest player to defeat a Top-10 player in the men's singles at Wimbledon since Nick Kyrgios toppled Rafael Nadal in 2014. Fils was leading No.7 seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(2), 6-4, 2-6, 6-6(9-8) when the Pole was forced to retire with injury.

“It’s very tough to win a match like this against a friend,” said Fils, enjoying his finest major to date.

“We were playing super good in the fourth set. We had some great points, and he was jumping everywhere. I’m really sorry for him and I hope he will recover very quickly. Me, I’m focused on the next round. I will try my best to be in the second week.”

The evergreen Gaël Monfils completed his second-round blockbuster with Stan Wawrinka 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-6(3). Monfils will meet Grigor Dimitrov in the third round, who just for the second time in his career erased a two-set deficit to rebound against Jerry Shang 5-7, 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Quentin Halys also went the distance, overcoming No.21 Karen Khachanov 6-4 in the decider, whilst fellow qualifier Lucas Pouille was leading Thanasi Kokkinakis 2-6, 7-5, 5-2 before the Australian retired. Next up for former world No.10 Pouille is No.9 seed Alex de Minaur.

On the flip side, Caroline Garcia's Wimbledon campaign was halted by Bernarda Pera in a three-set comeback.

Wimbledon hails their hero

2013 and 2016 singles champion Andy Murray, alongside his brother Jamie, departed the men's doubles in the first round 7-6(6), 6-4 versus green and gold duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.

Moments later a well-crafted video beamed from the Centre Court screens, highlighting the astonishing career of one of Great Britain's finest, most gladiatorial athletes ever.

Legends such as John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova and perennial rival Novak Djokovic joined a group of players to join in the career celebration, which featured an emotional-fuelled interview.

"It is hard because I want to keep playing, but I can't," said Murray, who took time on the microphone to thank his family, team and peers. "Physically it's too tough now. I want to play forever. I love the sport."

Murray will still feature in his final Wimbledon in the mixed doubles event with Emma Raducanu. Perhaps the 'Big Four' Scot can conjure up a few more memories in south-west London.

Make sure you check out the tribute below…

In terms of 'battle of the Brits,' Harriet Dart prevailed in a nail-biting 4-6, 6-1, 7-6[10-8] with countrywoman Katie Boulter. Also, a resurgent Cameron Norrie ousted British No.1 Jack Draper in three tight sets.

4th July American fortunes

There was a flurry of Team USA success on Thursday.

Madison Keys started the charge 6-2, 6-2 against Wang Yafan. The No.12 seed advances to take on Marta Kostyuk. The Ukrainian found herself a set and 5-2 down to Daria Saville, prior to an enthralling 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 turnaround.

Danielle Collins extended her final Wimbledon showing 6-3, 6-4 over Dalma Galfi. However, No.5 seed Jessica Pegula was stunned 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-1 by Chinese youngster Wang Xinyu.

On a packed Court No.18, Ben Shelton pulled off another miraculous five-set escape act, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6[10-7] over the net from qualifier Lloyd Harris. Next up, Denis Shapovalov.

No.13 seed Taylor Fritz had too much firepower in four sets to outmanoeuvre Arthur Rinderknech.

Major players, mixed fortunes

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic eventually halted the spirited effort from Brit Jacob Fearnley in four sets. Alexander Zverev motored past Marcos Giron in straight sets and No.15 seed Holger Rune muscled past Thiago Seyboth Wild 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Seeded Lorenzo Musetti and Alejandro Tabilo both survived in five, but there were a couple of major shocks, including No.11 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas succumbing to Emil Ruusuvuori 7-6(6), 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3.

Meanwhile, World No.1 Iga Swiatek was clinical 6-4, 6-3 to surpass Petra Martic and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina rolled on 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 past Laura Siegemund.

2022 and 2023 runner-up Ons Jabeur hurdled American qualifier Robin Montgomery 6-1, 7-5 and recent Eastbourne champion Daria Kasatkina blazed through 6-0, 6-0 against British youngster Yuriko Lily Miyazaki.

Under the lights on No.1 Court, former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki edged Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.