Emma John’s report on Raducanu’s defeat to Sun has entered the blogosphere. Navarro has broken back against Gauff, making it 3-3 in the first set. With that, sadly, we’ve run out of time and will have to wrap things up for the night. Enjoy the rest of the action and join us again tomorrow for more last-16 drama.
Paul has won a second-set tie-break against Bautista Agut, making it 6-2, 7-6 (4) in their last-16 clash. Gauff, meanwhile, has a first break against Navarro and now leads 3-2 on serve.
Gauff pushes and probes, but Navarro holds to make it 2-1. It’s been an even start to the match.
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Emma Navarro and Coco Gauff are up next on Centre Court. Both have held their opening service games, making it 1-1 with Navarro on serve.
Bryan Armen Graham’s match report from Jannik Sinner’s straight-sets win over Ben Shelton has landed. Go on, give it a read.
Here’s the point which decided the match. Raducanu gave it everything, but Sun fully deserved the win.
Look at what it means 🫶
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2024
Qualifier Lulu Sun defeats Emma Raducanu 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/aVnptGUsZR
Over in the men’s singles, Tommy Paul leads Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 3-2 as things stand. The world No 112 is on serve.
Sun takes her spot for her post-match interview, shedding a few tears as she’s congratulated for making her first Wimbledon quarter-final. “Emma, it was a great match against her,” she says. “She really dug deep in there to get the win from me, so I really had to fight tooth and nail against her because she’s obviously going to run for every ball and fight until the end. I don’t even have the words right now!”
Lulu Sun beats Emma Raducanu 6-2, 5-7, 6-2
It’s a battling last game from Raducanu, but ultimately not enough. She takes it to deuce, Sun skimming the line with a cross-court missile only for Raducanu to answer in kind. Raducanu takes advantage, but Sun slashes a winner to the corner. Sun then wins an acrobatic rally and, on match point, thunders a serve which Raducanu sends back beyond the baseline.
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Twice Raducanu pulls ahead on serve, and twice Sun drags herself level with agile movement and deft shot selection. She lashes a return down the line to make it 30-40 and Raducanu is left in serious trouble. Sun turns the screw, finding the corners, but sends the killer shot long as the double break beckons. The pair trade advantage, Sun hits an unstoppable return, Raducanu double faults and, just like that, Sun has her double break after all and can see things out at 5-2.
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Sun opens with a double fault, bringing another roar of encouragement for Raducanu. A stray shot makes it 0-30 and Raducanu has an opening. She fails to return a fairly manageable second serve, then spoons a shot to give Sun a simple forehand smash. At 30-30, Sun finds the corner with a well-placed zinger. A snappy rally ends with Raducanu finding the net, much to Sun’s relief.
It’s a decent service game from Raducanu, though not without mistakes. She finishes up with a forehand smash down the line which is well beyond Sun’s reach.
Sun and Raducanu exchange sliced backhands at 15-0, with Sun sending the ball long to bring up 15-15. Raducanu then forces another error to a huge cheer from the stands. At 15-30, Raducanu misses a return down the line. Sun then reels off two points to hold and make it 3-1.
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That’s my cue to dive headfirst into another intriguing evening of tennis. Raducanu holds her serve to make it 1-2, gesturing animatedly to her box afterwards.
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Righto, I’m off for a little break – though afore I go, Sun holds for 2-0 in the third – so here’s Will Magee to chill with you through the next hour.
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Medvedev says he’s had great matches with Dimitrov, great points, and he was looking forward to competing against him on grass. He hopes it’s nothing serious and doesn’t have much to say about the match.
Asked if the rest will be helpful, he notes that Sinner won in three today so won’t be flagging. The world no 1 beat him in five sets last time, four of which were close, and he’s looking forward to having a go at him on the green.
While all that’s going on, Sun breaks Raducanu – she’s carried on playing as she was before, ignoring the disastrous end to set two. She leads 1-0 in the third.
Daniil Medvedev (5) beats Grigor Dimitrov (10) 5-3 w/o
Dimitrov serves and he can’t push off thereafter so he calls it. What a shame that is – the second match today we’ve had taken from us, the second player today who’s had their tournament taken from them. Dimitrov departs to a standing ovation and I feel ill for him – he’s played so well to get here and looked capable of really doing something. Life, eh. Medvedev meets Sinner next in a repeat of the Aussie Open final, won by the latter from two sets down.
Gosh, in the time it takes me to type that, Medvedev holds to love for 5-3 and I fear Griggzy isn’t long for this match; he just can’t move.
My guess is both keep going, but whether they can move as before remains to be seen. And yup, here’s Griggzy, ready to play but not moving freely – Medvedev will now serve leading 4-3 – and Raducanu resumes with an ace for 30-all in the first game of the decider.
Both players take medical timeouts. Raducanu takes a back massage while Dimitrov goes off, and I fear for both.
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I can’t overstate how well Sun played until those loose points at the end of set two. She has dominated this match, leading from the start and holding more easily, but as I type, Raducanu slips chasing after a forehand, legs giving way underneath her, and she doesn’t look happy, calling out the trainer. On which point, Dimitrov is limping; we see what happened again and he seemed to jar his knee, so he too calls for the trainer having been broken for 4-3. Since hurting himself, he’s not looked the same player.
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Oh but Griggzy, when my eyes were elsewhere, slipped, and he’s not moving as well as before; let’s hope he runs it off.
On Centre, Raducanu is back, so here comes our decider…
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The crowd on Centre are getting going now and Raducanu takes a break, so we focus on some suits opening Opal Fruits; it’s compelling stuff I can tell you. On No 1, meanwhile, Medvedev has broken back so trails Griggzy 2-3 and he’s in the match now.
Raducanu wins the second set 7-5. We go to a decider!
Up 6-5 in set two, Raducanu makes 15-30 and Sun has to think about things for the first time. Not too hard though! A fantastic backhand sends Raducanu out wide and a thunderous forehand that breaks the sideline is enough for 30-all. But a overhit overhead hands cedes set point … but another huge forehand confiscates it. No matter: Raducanu murders a forehand winner down the line, Sun flings a backhand long, and into a decider we go! Sun has played so so well, but she’s punished for a momentary lapse and will have to speak harshly to herself to avoid dwelling on it. Sun 6-2 5-7 Raducanu
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Hat on backwards, 33 years old. Code violation Mr Dimitrov in my opinion.
Next on No 2 Court: Tommy Paul (12) v Roberto Bautista Agut.
Raducanu holds for 5-4, sealing the game with an ace, but sun just won’t go away and quickly levels the set again, while Dimitrov breaks Medvedev at the first time of asking for 2-0.
Donna Vekic beats Paulo Badosa 6-2 1-6 6-4
Vekic enjoys a good old cry followed by a hearty laugh. The last eight is the furthest she’s ever gone at Wimbledon and she meets Sun or Raducanu next; she’ll take that.
Sun is made to work a little harder for her hold this time around but she makes it all the same to lead 6-2 4-4. Meantime on No 2, Vekic leads Badosa 5-4 on serve in the third.
I quite fancy Dimitrov – who’s playing great – to diddle Medvedev, who doesn’t move great on grass. Perhaps he can serve well enough to compensate, and perhaps he’s playing better than he has done at Wimbledon before, but I think he’ll have a problem against a defter, craftier opponent.
Huge growling from Raducanu when she serves an ace for 30-all, but she’s soon down 30-40 … thrashing away on the forehand until Sun can’t take any more. That was really brave play – she might’ve taken power off to be on the safe side – and when facing another break point shortly afterwards, she again goes hard, a forehand winner doing the job, then two more huge ones give her advantage. From there, she closes out, and she’s just about staying in this, down 2-6 4-3.
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Jannik Sinner's latest magic trick 🪄🤩#Wimbledon | @janniksin pic.twitter.com/eHGuCTd7RE
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2024
Raducanu struggles through a hold, then Sun quickly earns one of her own to love; she leads 6-2 3-3, while Vekic, up 4-3 in the third, returns to No 2 Court alongside Badosa.
Next on No 1 Court: Grigor Dimitrov (10) v Daniil Medvedev (5).
Sinner says it was a very tough match, especially the third set – he had to save a set point at 5-6 and is very glad he closed it in three as it was the kind of contest that can go long. He can’t really explain his improvised tweener, which he reckons was a fluke, but he and his team work really hard for the big moments and to put on a show. He hopes his next match, his third Wimbledon quarter in a row, will be a good one to watch and enjoy; he’s looking forward to it.
Jannik Sinner (1) beats Ben Shelton (14) 6-2 6-4 7-6(9)
Shelton has his moments but Sinner played some terrific stuff, especially early on, and a double sends him into a quarter-final with either Daniil Medvedev (5) ot Griggzy Dimitrov (10).
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Sinner raises match point … so Shelton rattles an ace down the T, his dad loving it as much as we would if we were watching our own nipper. But his lad soon faces another match point…
Oh Ben! He tries a colossal inside-out forehand but gives it just too much pop and that’s his set-point gone. This, though, is now a match, but can Shelton prolong it beyond this breaker? Back on Centre, Raducanu fights through a long and arduous hold to trail 2-6 2-1.
First mini-break goes to Sinner at 3-2 and big serves cement it, but then he goes long – I think, because my coverage jumps – so we’re at 5-5, then Shelton carves a gorgeous forehand winner down the line to raise set point!
Shelton secures himself a breaker with a hold for 6-5, then at 30-all next game, Sinner goes long to cede set point … only for the young American to net a forehand when offered a weak second serve. From there, Sinner closes out, so we’ll now enjoy a breaker. On Centre, meanwhile, Sun leads Raducanu 6-2 1-1.
Shelton holds for 5-4 in the third and when Sinner sends a forehand long, at 30-all he’s two points away from the set. Yeah, alright then. Up 40-30, Sinner steps away when a ball rushes towards his tootsies, playing a kind of hotdog by jamming racket between legs, before putting away a forehand. That is ridiculous.
Raducanu thwacks a forehand and Sun lets it go … rightly so because it falls out. It cements a 6-2 first set for the qualifier – the first set the former US Open champ has lost this tournament – and she’s staying nice and composed out there.
Sun breaks again and she’s loving it out there! Raducanu just can’t get herself going – her first serve hasn’t been as reliable as usual today – and down 5-2, the first set seem set to forsake her.
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ABSOLUTE SAKE! Vekic-Badosa is a really great ruckus now, the former up 4-3 in the third on serve … so of course it resumes raining.
Back on Centre, Sun leads Raducanu 4-2 and remains the better player.
Just like that, Sinner makes 0-40, and though Shelton responds with a service-winner, an ill-advised drop is given the treatment and we’re all square in the third at 4-4.
Gosh, serving at 6-2 6-4 1-4, Sinner leaps into a drive-volley and just about lands the ball inside the line; he holds, but Shelton is serving and playing much better now, and if he manages to nick the set, we could have a seriously exciting fourth.
Badosa breaks back immediately for 1-2 in the third – she looks the better player to me; Shelton consolidates to lead Sinner 3-0 having lost the first two sets; and Raducanu seizes one break back so trails Sun 1-3.
Sun has to plough through deuce for her consolidation but she gets there in the end and leads 2-0, but there are signs Raducanu is getting warm. Shelton, meantime, holds and makes 30-40, then outlasts Sinner in a long rally, a netted forehand giving him the break! No one has ever won four five-setters in a row and he’ll have to if he’s to move on; well, he’s on the way, likewise Vekic who, with the help of a net-cord on break point, now leads Badosa 2-0 in the third. Oh and as I type, Sun breaks Raducanu a second time for 3-0!
We’re back for our third stint on No 2 Court, Badosa securing the second set against Vekic 6-1.
Yup, Sinner holds to 15 and leads 6-2 6-4; so far, Shelton has nothing for him. On Centre, though, Raducanu is quickly down 0-40, and though she makes 30, allowed to get away with the slowest of second serves, Sun does then convert for a 1-0 lead.
Back on No 1, Sinner is serving for the second set at 5-4; there’s no sense Shelton can do anything about it.
Raducanu has saved 13 of 14 break points this tournament; that is ridiculous. I reckon she thinks she can win this – especially with Sabalenka and Swiatek gone – so I’m not surprised she’s pulled out of the mixed doubles.
There’s something very statesmanlike about Sinner now. He’s so calculating and thorough, with the power to do more or less as he pleases. Shelton is trying his best but just can’t cope, trailing 2-6 3-4 down a break. On Centre, Sun and Raducanu are out.
Emotional scenes at Silverstone…
Next on Centre Court: Lulu Sun v Emma Raducanu.
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It was a good match, that. Alcaraz says playing lefties is always tricky – he thinks he learnt from his match against Draper at Queen’s. Asked how he’d commentate on the second-set point in which he did the splits, slipped and still won, he offers “Unbelievable!” Otherwise, he decides his shots at the last minute but the tweener is his favourite, and he plans to rest and recover before reappearing on Tuesday. He’s into his seventh consecutive grand slam quarter-final and, as we noted, was always going to be too good in this match, however well Humbert played.
Carlos Alcaraz (3) beats Ugo Humbert (16) 6-3 6-4 1-6 7-5
Alcaraz can and will play better than that, but biggups are due to Humbert, who played very well – he was brave, creative and looks to be hitting a stride. Alcaraz, though, moves on and will meet Tommy Paul (12) or Roberto Bautista Agut next.
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Shelton is 73% on first serves and is struggling to hold; Sinner has upped his level for this one, a champion easing through the gears. Alcaraz, meanwhile, finds himself down 0-15 so clatters down an ace, then a beautifully-disguised drop makes 40-15 and two match points….
Alcaraz is just ridiculous. He plays a terrific game, breaking Humbert to 15 and disaplying all his characteristic chasing and diving before landing a wickedly dipping forehand on to the base line for 6-5. He’ll shortly serve for the match; Sinner has broken Shelton to lead 6-2 2-0.
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Well done Ugo Humbert. He holds to 30 and Alcaraz must now serve to stay in set four at 4-5, in the knowledge than anything slow or short, his opponent will wade right in. Sinner, meanwhile, breaks again and now serves for the set … which he closes out 6-2 in 29 minutes. Shelton’s method of hitting heavy balls with winners every now and again just isn’t good enough to trouble him.
Alcaraz secures his hold and I wonder if he’s now properly absorbed into the match. He leads 2-1 4-4 ad I’d not be surprised were he to break next game.
Up 4-3, Humbert runs down a drop to make 0-15, then punishes a forehand return down the line for another winner; he’s feeling himself. And have a look! A double means 0-40, and Alcaraz rants at himself and his box, unable to comprehend what’s happening to him … then quickly makes deuce. Maybe he needs a bit of jeopardy to get himself going, though as I type he spanks a forehand wide. Meantime, Sinner breaks Shelton for 3-2 and looks pretty impressive out there; his consistency is the difference so far and, as I type, he holds comfortably for 4-2 in the first.
Shelton needs a challenge to avert a break before securing a hold for 2-1. He’s hitting it very hard indeed and, as ever, looking like he’s having a great night out there. And on Centre, Umbert has again broken back – he’s going for almost everything and it’s working well for him.
Alcaraz consolidates to lead 2-1 3-1 and, blip presumably over, you now expect him to finish this match in short order. On No 2, meanwhile, a double hands Badosa a second break in set two; she’ll soon serve for a decider at 5-1 in the second … but of course it’s raining again. I doubt Vekic will mind because momentum was against her.
We see footage of Novak Djokovic helping remove a cover on a practise court; he’s such a man of the people I’m choking up here!
Sinner and Shelton are ready. Shelton, by the way, has won three five-setters to get here, which sounds exhausting. But Mattia Bellucci, Lloyd Harris and Denis Shapovalov are excellent players, so beating them consecutively suggests a player in form.
Who saw this one coming? Er everyone. Alcaraz breaks Humbert in the first game of set four … but a fine return on to the line when up 15-40 redeems it immediately! Who saw that one coming? Er definitely not me.
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Badosa breaks Vekic immediately in set two, trailing 2-6 2-0, while Sinner and Shelton arrive on to No 1.
I still can’t stop thinking about Keys, though, who gave so much in a brilliant match to put herself in a winning position; I can’t bear even to imagine her frustration, and she’ll need a while to get over this, I’m sure. Otherwise, Humbert serves out for a 6-1 set – do we got ourselves a ball-game? – and Alcaraz leads 2-1.
Yup, Vekic serves out to lead Badosa 6-3, while Humbert breaks Alcaraz again then consolidates; it’s 5-1 in the third.
On Centre, Alcaraz has lost a bit of focus, ceding a break to Humbert who now trails 0-2 3-1.
We’re back under way on No 2, Vekic serving for the first set against Badosa.
Next on No 1 Court: Jannik Sinner (1) v Ben Shelton (14). Don’t mind if we do!
Paolini says she’s so sorry for Keys. She thinks they played a really good match with lots of ups and downs; she’s feeling happy but also sad.
She started really well and was really focused, but then Keys, a great champion, raised her level and she knew that if she stayed in there you never know. Soo she’s got the win and the way she talks about it, you get the sense she can convince herself she deserved it and it was inevitable.
Finally, she thanks the crowd, the Italians especially, and yeah, she’s not sad anymore and rightly so – she’s a killer.
Jasmine Paolini (7) beats Madison Keys 6-3 (6)6-8 5-5 w/0
Oh Maddy. She can’t go on and takes her tearful leave, having given us everything. What a match this was though, and Paolini meets Navarro (19) or Gauff (2) next.
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Keys has her left thigh strapped and is walking slightly gingerly; she needs one more hold to move on but you can see her movement is hampered – she tries a drop when she shouldn’t and Paolini metes out treatment for 0-15. First serves might be the key here and she gets another, then blazes a forehand winner … only to net next point. She’s upset about the situation, you can see, tries another drop when she shouldn’t, and when Paolini runs in to stick it away, she can’t move to respond and is fighting back the tears out there. I’m not surprised either, she’s put so much into this match and is in position to win it, but she’s struggling to push off now and at 30-40 sends down a double. Ah man, this is hard to watch, but you can bet Paolini, now serving at 5-5, won’t blink.
Keys returns and we’ll soon be back under way; on Centre, we’re on serve at 1-1 in the third, Alcaraz having won the first two. Ultimately, Humbert has the tools to extend him but not to better him.
Eeesh, Maddie goes off for treatment, leaving Paolini on court to get cold and stew. Let’s hope she’s OK.
Good news: the covers are coming off on No 2 Court. Otherwise, Paolini holds, so Keys – who has the trainer on, looking at her knee – will shortly endeavour to serve out the match for a second time.
The margins just aren’t going for Paolini at the moment; she gets to advantage, then hits long. No matter, a fantastic forehand winner gives her another go at restoring a break … then Keys drags a forehand wide! There’s mileage in this minor classic yet!
Oh Ugo! Down 3-6 40-5 advantage, he looks to make sure with an overhead, patting it down when he might’ve powered it. So Alcaraz, who’s chased, slipped and splitted during the course of the rally, makes him play an extra shot, and he misses a putaway with the court gaping! The champ leads 6-3 6-4.
Yup, Paolini sends a forehand into the net for 30-40 and Keys has a point for a double-break … and look at that! A serve onto the back line of the box but Keys adjusts as it sits up, then smokes a vicious, leaping inside-out forehand winner cross-court! Keys will shortly serve for the match at 3-6 7-6 5-2!
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Keys is serving well here, landing first deliveries, and she holds to 15 for 4-2 in the third. For the first time, I’m wondering if Paolini is out of ideas, which is to say I’d not be surprised to see her put under pressure next game. Humbert, meanwhile is serving to make 5-5 in the second Alcaraz having taking the first 6-3
Keys has to save a break-back point but she manages, and you can see how dialled-in she is here. I’m expecting more twists, of course, but for now she leads 3-1 in the third.
On Centre, Alcaraz now leads 6-3 4-3, Humbert impressive in staying with him. If he can hold for a breaker, his lefty serve might just do enough, but the way the champ is playing it’s hard to see – we know he’s several more gears should he need them.
Excellent work from Keys, who’s forced through deuce to hold but uncorks forehands to secure 1-1 in the decider. Though hers is a fragile brilliance, she’s a very serious competitor and quickly makes 0-30, then crashes a forehand at the body as Paolini comes in, and the volley flies wide. And have a look! She comes in well, a booming forehand clearing the path, plays a decent volley … only to be improbably – and probably – past cross-court. Paolini, though, can do nothing with another heavy return, punished forehand on to the baseline, and Keys breaks to lead 2-1 in the third!
Back on Centre, Alcaraz has saved a few break points in holding for 6-3 3-2 – I’ve not watched loads of it because Paolini v Keys is just unmissable – and you get the sense that he’ll do the necessary at some point.
Fantastic play from Keys! She raises another set point then another ludicrous rally ensues – her forehand takes charge – but then Paolini reverses momentum via forehand … only for keys to seize is back with her backhand, opening shoulders to up power before a gorgeous drop is too good! We’ve got ourselves a decider and does’t Keys love it, roaring at her box. she hits 18 v 11 winners that set, and that, I think, was the difference. Paolini 6-3 (6)6-7 Keys
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Brilliant from Keys, a forehand on to the line followed by a wrong-footing brute that establishes a mini-break at 4-3; Johanna Konta, who’s absolutely loving the match, advises she’s hitting the fastest forehands of the tournament, men and women, which is incredible. Anyroad, we wind up at 5-5 but then Paolini overhits and Keys has a chance, on serve, to win a set she ought to have sorted 20 minutes ago; she cannot, swishing a line forehand just wide. So, 6-6 it is.
Up 2-1, Keys bags a forehand wide and looks disappointed – well she might. A fine point follows, though, two huge forehands settling it … but then Paolini does likewise, leaping into the air as she unleashes each one until her opponent can’t take any more; 3-3.
Down 15-30, Paolini finds a service-winner, then Keys nets a backhand … only to smite a fantastic backhand cross-court for deuce. From there, though, the Italian closes out, meaning we’ve got ourselves a breaker. She leads 6-3 6-6 and I’ve not a clue what’s going to happen next. On Centre, Alcaraz leads Humbert 6-3 2-1 on serve.
An ace follows, then a fine wrong-footing forehand winner into the corner, inside-out – both players are really attacking it here and it’s great to see – so Paolini must now serve to stay in the second set up 6-3 5-6. Keys did really well there to find something definitive when asked some pretty searching questions under pressure.
Fantastic net-play from Keys at 30-all – she’s under big pressure and hasn’t generally been winning such points, but two fine volleys end the rally … then Paolini wallops a second-serve return down the line to make deuce. Her joyful abandon on big points is absolutely joyous, and again she restores parity with a winner, this time a forehand ushered inside-out into the corner. This is such a fun match, and much as I enjoy Paolini, it – and we – deserve a decider. Oh, and as I type, Keys burns another game-point then nets; the Italian takes it to lead 6-3 6-5, the end will feel imminent … but a colossal serve and we’re back at deuce.
Humbert saves set point with a big serve but eventually Alcaraz breaks again for a 6-3 set – he’s playing superbly – while Paolini, whose coach has a smart hoody, slams forehands to hold and make 5-5 from 1-5. Lot to think about – or not think about – for Keys now.
Alcaraz is hitting is so hard I’m surprised he’s not been arrested. The roof closed means he knows exactly where the ball will be and Umbert can’t cope, serving at 3-5 in the first.
Up 0-15, Paolini looks good to hit a pass when Keys balloons a putaway, but she nets and realises the significance of an error which invites her opponent into the game. Keys, though, then nets a slice, meaning this is again a tricky hold, and as I type, two quick points mean Paolini has retrieved both breaks and she races to her seat fist-pumping away. Keys has now served for the set twice and failed to pull it off twice; I fear for her.
Paolini holds, ratcheting up the pressure on Keys who must now serve for the second set a second time at 3-6 5-3. If she can hit freely, she should be fine but if she gets tight she’s in all sorts.
Keys , having bussed two set points, can’t find a way past Paolini at the net; the Italian pogoes to pat back an overhead, then blocks two more balls into court and makes deuce … before snaffling back a break in short order. Or, in other words, nothing with Maddy is simple and Paolini is nails; she leads 6-3 2-5.
Humbert glides a lovely forehand winner down the line for 0-30, but from there Alcaraz makes advantage … the Frenchman advancing to punish a fine backhand winner down the line to restore deuce. Back on No 1, Keys breaks again, so is now serving for the second set at 5-1, playing much better while Paolini has dropped.
Yes Maddy! A booming forehand cross gives her a break, and she trails 6-3 3-1. Has momentum switched? Is there any way both these highly likeable characters can both win? And now Alcaraz has break points, Humbert hooking a forehand long to hand over the game without really making it difficult. The champ leads 3-2.
Email! “I’m on the Tube at Wimbledon Station about to go past the AELTC,” writes Gary Naylor. “By the looks of that sky, if it does rain, it’ll rain very hard.
Innit. It’s wild out there, I’m afraid.
It’s absolutely tipping down in SW19, goodness me. You can hear the rain attacking the roof of No 1, where Keys now leads 2-1 in the second set – I think she might be trying to chip returns now – while Alcaraz has just held against Humbert for 2-2 in the first.
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On Centre, Alcaraz and Humbert are feeling each other out, 1-1 in the first; Keys breaks back immediately to trail 3-6 1-1, but must now try and assert herself.
Goodness me, Paolini scurries about like Speedy Gonzalez, chasing to the net to win a great point and she’s delighted because it raises break point but also because that’s her general demeanour. Keys then swipes a backhand into the net, and the Italian now leads 6-3 1-0 with a break.
Keys makes 0-30 but is soon at 30-all, a return swatted long prompting a cry of anguish. And from there, Paolini serves out a 6-3 set which went as well as she could possibly have hoped. She’s chasing it and whacking it like it cussed down her mum and as well as doing what she does best, she’s taking away what Keys does best: plant her feet and dictate.
Er yeah, looks alright … looked alright. It’s raining so they’re going off on two, Vekic up 5-2 and 4-0. Meantime, Paolini is serving for the first set against Keys and 5-3, while Humbert has opened up against Alcaraz.
There’s absolutely maniacal rain in north London at the moment, but hopefully it won’t make its way to Wimbledon. The weather looks alright on No 2 at the moment, Vekic up 4-2 on Badosa and holding three points for a second break … and she only needs one.
Alacaraz and Humbert arrive on Centre, and this should be a fun match. Humbert has had a decent year and his five-set in against fellow lefty, Denis Shapovalov, will have worked very well for him because Shapovalov was in decent form.
Of course, we’ve also seen Keys come back in matches, and she raises 15-40; Paolini saves the first break point with a service winner, but a booming return on to the line means the American is on the board. She hollers her pleasure and though she’s down 1-4, she’ll be feeling much better now.
I can’t say this is the first time I’ve seen Keys collapse – the 2017 US Open final is the worst of the genre – but I’m not loving this, much as I am loving Paolini’s energy. The Italian breaks again for 4-0 and this first set is disappearing.
Paolini consolidates for 3-0, outhitting Keys from the back and racing along the line like a dervish. She’s totally at one with herself, and it’s moving to behold. On No 2, meanwhile, Vekic breaks Badosa for 2-1 in the first.
Paolini is hitting it hard – something to say given who she’s playing – and records an immediate break to lead 2-0. She’s keeping Keys on the move and looks the more confident player.
And we really do have loads else too – Emma Raducanu v Lulu Sun snd Emma Navarro (19) v Coco Gauff (2) round out our day on Centre, while on No 1 we’ve got Jannik Sinner (1) v Ben Shelton and Griggzy Dimitrov (10) v Daniil Medvedev (5) – that last match, in particular, should be a jazzer.
On No 2 Court, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekic are just starting; to come on Centre at half-past the hour, it’s Carlos Alcaraz (3) v Ugo Humbert (16).
Righto, off we go – Paolini to serve.
Thanks John and hi everyone. Jasmine Paolini and Madison Keys are knocking up before what should be a terrific match.
Paolini has found herself this season, a bouncing bundle of joy with skill and will a plenty. Keys, though, is one of the best players not to win a Slam this last decade or so – many less good than her have managed – and when she’s on, her power-game is almost irresistible. I can’t lie, she’s a long-time favourite of this blog, so I’m duty-bound to say, once again, maybe this is her time.
With actual tennis to play, I shall hand over to Daniel to hold court.
The word from Wimbledon is that the sun’s out, and blues skies overhead. There will surely be play soon.
Ok, here he is, in that mid-late 70s sweet spot of his career.
Updated
No action until 1pm UK time, regrettably. Where’s Cliff Richard when you need him?
The covers are off and action is imminent, we are told…
An email: “Hello John, Is it just me or is it irritating that the Wimbledon website, app and Twitter stream does not seem to say when play might to start on the outer courts. No play before etc. I’ll be following Guardian updates today. Best wishes, Mike in Winchester.”
No play before midday is the word.
A major shock? Or the realisation that Iga Swiatek just can’t do grasscourt tennis – like an Ivan Lendl of her day?
Saturday was not a good day for plucky Brits, sadly.
Saturday was all about Andy Murray, Britain’s greatest ever, unless you can remember Fred Perry.
Updated
It’s only just stopped raining in Wimbledon but there is the hope that the outside courts will see some action quite soon.
Further info to complete that order of play.
Court two
Paul Badosa (Esp) v Donna Vekic (Cro)
Tommy Paul (USA, 12) v Roberto Bautista Agut (Esp)
Lloyd Glasspool/ Harriet Dart (GB) v Fabrice Martin (Fra)/ Cristina Busca (Esp)
Court three
Rinky Hijikata/ John Peers (Aus) v Neal Skupski (GB)/ Michael Venus (Aus, 9)
Marcus Willis/ Alicia Barnett (GB) v Ivan Dodig (Cro)/ Hao-Ching Chan (Twn, 8)
Maximo Gonzalez (Arg)/ Ulrikke Eikeri (Nor) v Jean-Julien Rojer (Ned)/ Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)
Robert Galloway (USA)/ Ingrid Neel (Est) v Jamie Murray (GB)/ Taylor Townsend (USA)
Court 18
Irina Khromacheva/ Kamilla Rakhimova (Wrl) 1-1 Gabriela Dabrowski (Can)/ Erin Routliffe (NZ, 2) - continued from Saturday
Katerina Siniakova (Cze)/ Taylor Townsend (USA, 4) v Leylah Fernandez (Can)/ Ena Shibahara (Jap)
Harri Heliovaara (Fin)/ Gabriela Dabrowski (Can) v Michael Venus/ Erin Routliffe (Aus, 2)
Nathaniel Lammons (USA)/ Ena Shibahara (Jap) v Max Purcell (USA)/ Dayana Yastremska (Ukr)
Good to have Kevin Mitchell back out at SW19.
Keep reading these excellent diary pieces from our writers.
Here comes the summer…
In London, it’s cloudy and windy but with the sun daring to peek out.
Order of play
Centre Court from 1.30pm:
Carlos Alcaraz (3) v Ugo Humbert (16)
Emma Raducanu v Lulu Sun
-
Coco Gauff (2) v Emma Navarro (19)
Court One from 1pm:
Jasmine Paolini (7) v Madison Keys (12)
Jannik Sinner (1) v Ben Shelton (14)
Daniil Medvedev (5) v Grigor Dimitrov (10)
Preamble
Welcome to Middle Sunday coverage of the goings-on at SW19, where after that sad, sudden farewell to Andy Murray it’s back to the action, where the round of 16 is upon us. Later on, Emma Radacanu, with that dodgy wrist, will take on Lulu Sun, the New Zealander, and the women’s draw is dominated by the Americans, with Coco Gauff on the stage, against Emma Navarro. We begin with Spain’s Paula Badosa against Croatia’s Donna Vekic. In the men’s draw it’s the big guns in action with Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and then later a big clash between Grigor Dimitrov and Danniil Medvedev.
That and all the news. Keep it here.
