Wimbledon - Day 3: Sinner escapes, Gauff shines

Sinner strikes in all-Italian tussle

With a puff of the cheeks, the overriding emotion was relief as World No.1 Jannik Sinner came through an almighty test across the net from countryman Matteo Berrettini 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 2-6, 7-6(4) under the lights on Centre Court.

The 2021 Wimbledon runner-up has struggled with injuries in recent campaigns, but hammered down his trademark serve and booming groundstrokes to push his compatriot all the way.

“First of all we are very good friends, we play Davis Cup together, sometimes we practice together, so its very, very tough we had to face each other in the second round of such an important tournament,” said the Australian Open champion.

“Today was a high-level match and we both played very well. Three tie-breaks - sometimes I got very lucky.

“I spoke with the team a lot. I know I had to raise my level a lot if I played against him. He played the final here and is a grass court specialist.

“Very happy with how I handled the situation. I can be happy and let’s see what’s coming in the next round.“

Alcaraz and Medvedev move on

Back at Roland-Garros 2020, Carlos Alcaraz lost in qualifying facing Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic. Four years later, the Spaniard has rocketed up the rankings and has already collected three Grand Slams. Charly has come a long way as a rapid speed!

Their No.1 Court duel saw the defending champion rising through the gears 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2 to book an enticing third round clash with Frances Tiafoe.

Their thrilling five-set US Open 2022 semi-final propelled Alcaraz to his maiden major in New York. Tiafoe is talking up going for the Spaniard and with a smirk, so is the champion.

“I’m going for him too,” quipped Alcaraz. “Frances is a really talented player, a tough one, even tougher here on grass I’d say. It’s going to be a really difficult match for me, but Im ready for that challenge, to put on a show.”

No.5 seed Daniil Medvedev was within a point of a two-set deficit twice, but managed to find the answers 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-4, 7-5 over Frenchman Alexandre Müller. However, No.8 seed Casper Ruud is still searching for his game on the grass following a 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(1), 6-3 defeat by Italian veteran Fabio Fognini.

French hopes have been bolstered by Ugo Humbert flying past Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, as well as masterful Gaël Monfils surging 7-6(5), 6-4, 5-5 up on three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, before bad light suspended the compelling clash.

Gauff and Raducanu light it up

With a certain Roger Federer gracing the grounds at The All England Club on Thursday, his family headed courtside to witness Coco Gauff in full flight.

The 2023 US Open champion stormed to a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni.

“Overall, I think I’ve just learned more about life. I guess that’s what happens when you get older,” joked the 20-year-old. “I just realised that what I do I’m very passionate about, but it’s not ever that serious. Sometimes the world can make you feel like there is so much pressure, all these expectations.

“I tend to be ultracritical on myself… At the end of the day, it’s just a game, it’s sport and I’m very privileged and honoured to be out here.”

Gauff takes on British qualifier Sonay Karal in round three after the home hope dispatched France’s Clara Burel 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Speaking of British success, resurgent Emma Raducanu dismissed world No.33 Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-2 to move into a first major Last 32 since lifting the 2021 US Open trophy.

“I think I’m playing really good tennis,” said the wild card. “I knew all the hard yards I was putting in would lead to something. I’m so happy to be able to reap some of the rewards at Wimbledon.”

There was also the British dream team announcement of Raducanu entering the mixed doubles with Andy Murray.

“I got asked, literally like 10 seconds, I was like, Yeah,” said Raducanu. “I think some things are bigger than just tennis. I think some things are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I'm like 70 years old, I know I'm going to have that memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray on a home slam. It was an honour to be asked.”

Also on Wednesday, world No.17 Emma Navarro surrendered just five unforced errors in a ruthless 6-4, 6-1 performance over four-time major winner Naomi Osaka to extend her best Wimbledon to date.

Roland-Garros runner-up Jasmine Paolini produced another top-tier showing 7-6(5), 6-2 to overcome Belgian Greet Minnen. The Italian faces in-form Canadian Bianca Andreescu, who posted a 6-3, 7-6(5) victory against No.26 seed Linda Noskova.

Forced to five

Tomas Machac pulled off an astonishing comeback in first round. The Czech was two sets down and facing defeat at 5-0 in the fifth set with former Top 10 star David Goffin. Somehow, some way, the world No.39 reeled in Goffin for an outstanding 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6[10-5] result.

Thanasi Kokkinakis is fast becoming the marathon man, having chalked up five-set wins in the first round of all three majors this season. The Australian saved four match points in the third set tie-break to eventually topple Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 7-6(9), 6-4, 6-4.

Queen’s champion Tommy Paul proved his grass court prowess to keep his Wimbledon dream alive in five too. The American was taken the distance 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 by qualifier Otto Virtanen.