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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Daniel Harris (earlier) and Katy Murrells (later)

Wimbledon 2024: Musetti beats Fritz, Rybakina and Djokovic into semis – as it happened

Wimbledon Henry Patten Elena Rybakina Lorenzo Musetti Taylor Fritz
Lorenzo Musetti has reached his first grand slam singles semi-final
Lorenzo Musetti has reached his first grand slam singles semi-final, where he will face Novak Djokovic. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

It’s time to wrap up this blog, though, on what’s been a gooooooooood! day for Djokovic as he reached the semi-finals without having to hit a ball (or confront any fans), while Elena Rybakina rolled on, Barbora Krejcikova won the battle of the former French Open champions and Lorenzo Musetti conjured up some Italian magic to make up for the exit of Jannik Sinner. Thanks for reading, do join me for the women’s semi-finals tomorrow. Bye!

Heather Watson and Joe Salisbury’s mixed doubles match was moved to Centre Court after Alex de Minaur’s withdrawal, but disappointment for the British pair: they lost 7-6, 6-4 to Hsieh Su-Wei and Jan Zielinski. Jamie Murray is currently on No 2 Court, playing with the American Taylor Townsend. They’re 6-5 down on serve in the opening set against Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Alexandra Panova. The good news is that the weather, for once, is set fair this evening, which will help get through the backlog of matches in the doubles events.

The men’s semi-final line-up:

Carlos Alcaraz (3) vs Daniil Medvedev (5)
Novak Djokovic (2) vs Lorenzo Musetti (25)

Musetti’s racket was like a wand today, it was great to see him standing up to Fritz’s power and coming through with his craft and cunning – it doesn’t happen too often in tennis these days. As for Fritz, this defeat is going to hurt. It was his fourth grand slam quarter-final – and the first he was expected to win. He’ll be gutted by how he fell away in the fifth set. It also means the 21-year wait for another American male to win a grand slam singles title goes on.

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Wonder if Djokovic will think “Muuuuusetti” sounds like “Boooooosetti” …

As for those previous meetings, Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5-1, but Musetti has taken Djokovic to five sets at grand slams twice before, including in the third round at the French Open last month. Of course taking on the seven-times champion in the semi-finals is an unenviable task, but Musetti has nothing to lose and will take hope from the way he surged through against Fritz at the end.

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So – what of facing Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals?

He knows better than me the surface and stadium for sure. He’s a legend. He made something really unthinkable for anyone. I’ve had the chance to play against him many times, we know each other well. I expect a big, big fight and I think it’s going to be one of the toughest challenges on tour. But I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged.

Musetti speaks:

I probably have no words. It’s tough to speak, but I try my best. I think I didn’t realise yet what I’ve done. First I want to say thanks to the Italians in the crowd. We were talking with my team about playing on the big stage at Wimbledon, on No 1 Court, it really was an honour for me and I think I played a fantastic match. Really happy to be in my first semi-final here.

I probably played my best tennis [in the fifth set]. It was not the best start, Taylor was leading the game, especially with his serve. The second set I had a big reaction and I changed my attitude. That’s probably what made the difference, my attitude. Hopefully on Friday I’m going to have the same one.

Musetti beats Fritz 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1

Tim Henman points out that Daveeeeed Goffin was 5-0 up in the fifth in the first round and lost. So perhaps there is some hope for Fritz. But Musetti isn’t feeling that obliging, he moves to 15-0 and then 30-0. He then hoiks a lob in the air in an attempt to get to match point, but it lands wide. He then leaves Fritz in a heap on the grass after the American falls while attempting to chase down what feels like Musetti’s 937th drop shot of the day. Fritz is clutching his left knee, but thankfully is able to continue. Fritz chops Musetti’s serve long and the Italian, unexpectedly, is through to his first grand slam semi-final! Jannik Sinner may have departed yesterday but Musetti, along with Jasmine Paolini, is playing his part in the Italian renaissance taking place at Wimbledon!

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Fifth set: Musetti *3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 5-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz appears in control at 30-0 but he just can’t get away from Musetti in this set and the Italian is sending Fritz forwards, then backwards and off-balance in an attempt to retrieve the drop shot and lob. 30-all. But Fritz does gamely hold from there.

Fifth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 5-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz did, remember, defeat Zverev in five sets in the previous round but is in danger of a final-set whitewash here. It’s so disappointing after the way he came back in the fourth set. And it’s something of an anti-climax for the crowd who, nevertheless, are fully appreciating Musetti’s court craft. Musetti just isn’t missing, the Queen’s runner-up glides to 40-15, and then wrongfoots Fritz, going back behind the stumbling American for the winner. Musetti has saved his best tennis until last – and is a game away from the Wimbledon semi-finals!

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 4-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti may not even need to hold serve many more times, because Fritz falls 0-30 down. Fritz can’t afford to surrender this game too. 0-30 turns into 15-40. Musetti chips the return back … Fritz has decided to serve-volley … and Musetti, undeterred, pulls off the pass! The double break is his.

Fifth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 3-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti has got a spring in his step as he skips through the game to love. He leads 3-0 – and while it’s only one break of serve, he’s not showing any signs of nerves – yet. Can he hold serve from here to reach his first slam semi-final?

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 2-0 Fritz (*denotes next server)

The match clock ticks over three hours, and with just over an hour and a half to go until England v Holland, we can be very grateful that Wimbledon now has fifth-set tie-breaks. This match will be finished by then, that’s for sure, but it’s by no means clear who the victor will be. Musetti holds with a rarity for him – back-to-back aces – and Fritz should hold to 30 but goes for it just a bit too much. Deuce. Advantage Fritz. Deuce. Advantage Musetti, courtesy of a fabulous return. Musetti flashes a one-hander down the line, can’t quite see Fritz off in the rally, but then pings another down the line a few shots later and the Italian has the break!

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Fritz wins the fourth set 6-3

The tall Fritz does so well to get down low on the grass and pull off a backhand volley winner for 15-0. With the wind in his sails, he takes the next three points with the minimum of fuss and we’re going to a decider! That hold at 2-2 – when he saved a couple of break points – could prove to be crucial in this match. The American will be the favourite from here.

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Fourth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A strong start from Fritz moves him to 0-30. Musetti has the net gods on his side on the third point, his shot hits the tape and flies over, Fritz gets to it but then has to attempt a tricky backhand smash and he can’t. 15-30. Fritz rifles a backhand return down the line to give himself two break points! Musetti serves himself out of trouble on the first, but is powerless to save the second. Fritz breaks and will serve to take this to a fifth set!

Fourth set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

So how will the 22-year-old Musetti cope (yes he’s only 22, even though you’d think he was 52 given his retro style of play), potentially four games from the finish line? Well, very well actually. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Back to you Taylor. Who responds with a love hold of his own, sending down a couple of aces in the process.

Fourth set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 2-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Danger for Fritz at 30-40, break point. Musetti has the chance to pass … but instead hits into the sky – and Fritz buries the ball! Deuce. Musetti has Fritz on a piece of string on the next point, dragging him deep left then forward right with the drop shot, and Fritz is flummoxed. Advantage Musetti, a second break point. Fritz saves it with some brave hitting. And then gets to advantage by stretching every sinew to pull off a backhand volley! Game Fritz. Big, big hold.

Fourth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 2-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A superb volley from Fritz, with Musetti well beyond the baseline, makes it 0-15. Fritz could do with coming forward more often. Musetti responds with a vicious drop shot and it’s 15-all. Then 30-all. And Fritz has the chance to break when he’s rewarded for a strong return. 30-40 – he really needs this. Musetti drop-shots again … Fritz is wise to it … but Musetti pulls off a volleyed lob from near the baseline and emerges victorious! A sliding serve from Musetti makes it his advantage. And the Italian holds. I think the umpire should have handed Musetti the game after that volleyed lob. It was outrageous. Even Camilla is getting excited.

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Fourth set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 1-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz is finding his service groove. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, 40-15, game. Having won only 25% of his first-serve points in the third set – quite possibly a career low for him – he’s up to 86% for this set so far. Fritz wants to keep the points short and sharp here – Musetti’s winning far more of the longer rallies – and then try to put some pressure on the Italian’s serve.

Fourth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 1-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Yes, the logic says Fritz should be winning this match. He’ll be kicking himself if this gets away from him. The world No 12 does, at least, hold to 15 at the start of the fourth set. Let’s see if he can build on that. But Musetti provides a swift response with an even more emphatic hold, to love.

Fritz, remember, has played only Nadal and Djokovic in grand slam quarter-finals before. He’s not dealt well with being the favourite here. But now Musetti, having taken the lead, has something to lose. Will he blink? I certainly don’t think this match is over yet. Meanwhile P.K. Adithya emails with some tactical thoughts. “I caught the tail end of the second set during my lunch break, and it seemed like Musetti had to play nearly perfect tennis to overcome his disadvantages and win it. He can rarely get a cross-court top-spin backhand to cross his opponent’s bodyline, which should be one of the bread-and-butter shots for any player. If Musetti’s backhand doesn’t go across Fritz, it can be easily redirected with a forehand to get him on the run. Fritz seemed to be taking advantage of this, yet lost the second set due to brilliant execution by Musetti. It didn’t seem sustainable, and yet here we are.”

Musetti wins the third set 6-2

Fritz is hitting with more authority here – perhaps he feels he has nothing to lose – but Musetti still magics up a volleyed pass from the back of the court! Wow. Bravo Lorenzo. That was the longest rally at 23 shots. 15-all. Another long exchange follows, and Musetti slices and dices Fritz into submission. 30-15 – and a netted return makes it 40-15. Two set points. Fritz sends a loose forehand long! Musetti, the underdog, leads by two sets to one! Not a sentence I thought I’d type after the first set.

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Third set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 5-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz is up to 42 unforced errors as he’s pegged back from 30-15 to 30-all. And he’s then called for a foot fault. It’s all going wrong. But Musetti then hits into the stands – a willing ballboy goes to retrieve the ball – and it’s 40-30. Musetti’s next play is more elegant and it’s deuce. Fritz digs out a low volley for his advantage. Musetti then chips – and charges forward – but he needn’t have bothered because his approach lands long. Fritz holds but is still struggling to breathe in this set.

Third set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 5-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, such a throwback, just isn’t giving Fritz any rhythm here, and is cutting Fritz into a thousand pieces with all this slicing, which bounces so low on the grass. The American’s response has been to try to hit bigger and bully Musetti, but that means he’s making too many errors. Musetti holds to 15 – and Fritz’s face right now suggests he’s half-beaten and really doesn’t know what to do next.

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 4-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Ouch. At 0-30, Fritz flaps at a smash, and gets it totally wrong. So here are three break points for Musetti. Musetti slices a couple of backhands, before showing more aggression on the forehand wing, and even though Musetti’s shot has pace, Fritz should do better than clobber his forehand well wide! Fritz is falling apart here and Musetti has the double break!

Third set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 3-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz isn’t just playing for a place in his first grand-slam semi-final; he’s also attempting to re-enter the top 10. Though no doubt it’s the semi-final place he really wants. He’s glancing up at his box here, he’s looking for a new plan, because right now the one he’s got isn’t working. He thinks he’s got a glimmer at 30-all, but a timely first ace from Musetti and Fritz’s head is down again. Musetti then holds when Fritz snatches at his backhand and nets.

Third set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 2-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Musetti is having a lot of success by blocking the backhand return to then get himself into the point. Fritz could do with changing things up here, which he does when he serve-volleys. 30-15. 30-all, when the longest of rallies ends with a drop-shot-cum-smash from Musetti! Not sure he meant that. The Italian puts up his hand and apologises to Fritz, who’s also made to work hard on the next point but edges through when Musetti’s lob goes wide. And an ace secures the game.

Third set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 2-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Big point at 30-all. Musetti shows good hands at the net with a volley and then a half-volley and it’s 40-30. Fritz then gifts him the game as Musetti consolidates the break.

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 1-0 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Apparently Musetti has a tattoo which tells him “Il meglio deve ancora venire” – the best is yet to come. Wonder if he glanced at it during that second set as inspiration to draw level. Or maybe he’s glancing at it now, thinking he can now win this match. And he has two break points here in the first game of the third, he nearly takes it with a bruising shot down the line to his left, then moves to the right side of the court to pull off a cross-court forehand pass.

Musetti wins the second-set tie-break 7-5

Musetti scoops wide on the second set point, but now has a set point on his serve, so this is the one that really matters. The second serve is deep – Musetti is either dicing with danger or brave, depending on your outlook – and Fritz nets the return. Worth a challenge I think from Fritz. Which he does. And what do we both know? It clipped the line. It’s one set all!

4-3 after an unreturned serve. A couple of good first-serves there from Fritz. But Musetti still has the mini-break – which he nearly concedes, he’s looking back anxiously as Fritz attempts to lob him – and it lands wide! 5-3 – and then 6-3 when Musetti’s forehand is too hot for Fritz to handle. Three set points – and Fritz saves the first with a gutsy winner …

Fritz really should win the first point – the point is on his racket when he volleys – but he directs it too close to Musetti, who stirs memories of Roger Federer with a beautiful one-handed backhand pass. Wow. 1-0 – and 2-0 when Musetti’s shot grazes about 1mm of the line! Fritz recovers for 2-1 – but Musetti takes the next two for 4-1 – and they change ends at 4-2 …

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 6-6 Fritz

Fritz nervelessly buries the smash for 15-all. And he deals well with Musetti’s slicing on the next point, refusing to be cut up by it all, and eventually it’s the Italian who nets. Fritz rattles through the next two points and into a tie-break they go …

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 6-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti’s coach is looking unimpressed when the Italian double faults. But that’s the only blot on his serving landscape as he holds to 15.

Second set: Musetti* 3-6, 5-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Clutch moment at 30-all, as Fritz pushes for game point and Musetti set point. The pair are moving each other around, covering every blade of grass at the baseline. Fritz has severals chances to come forward in the rally but resists. And Musetti is victorious! Set point. It’s a second serve but it still has enough zip on it and Musetti can’t get it back. Deuce. Fritz has advantage after a poor return from Musetti – and then comes up with a one-two punch to hold. That could prove to be a huge moment in the match.

Fritz breaks: Musetti 3-6, 5-4 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz had only been broken twice in 76 service games coming into this quarter-final – and now he’s already been broken twice in this match. But he’s able to channel his frustration and quickly move to 0-40 here, courtesy of a wonderful passing shot. Three break-back points. And Fritz races forward to the drop shot and is able to put away the resulting backhand volley! They’re back on serve. This is getting interesting.

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 5-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Perhaps yes – because Musetti races to 0-30. Fritz takes the next two points for 30-all. And then the pair are pushing each other on the next point, Musetti lobs Fritz … and Fritz attempts to get one on the highlights reel with a tweener when he probably had time to run around it, and his effort isn’t getting back over the net! Break point at 30-40 … and Musetti strikes! He’s broken the Fritz serve and will serve for the set. Fritz is absolutely furious with himself.

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 4-3 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A love hold for Musetti. His first since early in the match. The Italian is generating a bit of momentum here, he’s looking more proactive, but will it be enough to blow Fritz off course?

Second set: Musetti* 3-6, 3-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz, not exactly the most crafty player on tour, shows great guile to pull off a drop shot/lob combo. Musetti himself would have been proud of that. Fritz slightly undoes his good work with a misguided forehand. But a 122mph serve down middle gets the job done as he holds to 30.

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 3-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

In response to Gary, I think that’s a really good point about heroes and villains. But I do also think the Wimbledon crowd loves an underdog – and that partly explains the vocal support for Rune. And I think it’s the crowd showing a lack of love towards Djokovic – rather than total disrespect. It’s the lack of love that really gets to Djokovic; he wants to be as loved as much as Roger and Rafa were. I wonder if Djokovic’s decision to call out the fans was a spontaneous outburst of emotion because he was upset by that – or whether it was a more thought-through move on his part. After all, he knows how much he feeds off perceived injustices. Calling them out will have added even more fuel to his Wimbledon fire. Meantime, back on No 1 Court, there’s a hold apiece, so it’s Musetti still with his nose in front in this set.

Musetti breaks and holds: Musetti 3-6, 2-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Well look here! Musetti, out of nowhere, has himself two break-back points. It’s 15-40. And the Italian is roaring when Fritz’s forehand zips long! Musetti needs to build on this – he’s been too subdued and passive so far – hopefully this will ignite some fire in him. He also needs to up his first-serve percentage; he’s not landing enough of them, and when he does, they can lack bite. A first serve in the next game only just reaches 100mph. But he holds to 15 when Fritz’s drop shot slides down on the American’s side of net.

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Speaking of the Centre Court crowd, here’s an email from Gary Naylor, re Ruuuuuune/Booooooo-gate. “I’ve been in a few partisan crowds (barely into my teens, I was in the crowd for Merseyside derbies) but the Wimbledon crowd was something different,” he writes. “It has very strongly identified heroes and villains (and some, like Nadal and Murray, who pass between the categories over a career). Martina was a villain and so too is Novak as much as Roger and Tim were heroes. There’s a frisson in the air when the crowd are identifying one or the other player as falling within a category - and if I felt it, I’m sure they did too. The applause for both players at the end can be a bit hollow, the equivalent of saying, “It was only banter”. If Novak feels they went too far, I’m inclined to believe him.”

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Fritz breaks: Musetti 3-6, 0-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

I definitely agree with that – but for sure Musetti can raise his level here, there were too many errors in that first set. The crowd are cheering when the Italian conjures up a delicate drop shot for 30-0. But Fritz’s aggression gets him to 30-all. Musetti can’t afford to drop serve so early in this set. A smart sliding serve from Musetti and he’s at 40-30. Fritz pummels a forehand down the line and it’s deuce. Musetti nets with a weak backhand slice – advantage Fritz, break point. Musetti – finally! – shows a bit more assertiveness of his own, attacks the short ball, and is rewarded for his bravery. Deuce. And after another deuce or two or three, Fritz carves out another break point. And Musetti overcooks his forehand. Fritz strikes at the start of the second. The crowd are muted; they want a contest.

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A delay between the sets, as medics attend to a spectator who isn’t feeling well. It gives Musetti a bit of a chance to mull over what he can do differently in this second set. Kyrgios makes the point on the BBC that this is Fritz’s first grand-slam quarter-final where he’s been the favourite (He’s had the misfortune of facing Djokovic twice – in the last eight of the Australian Open and US Open – and Nadal once in that 2022 Wimbledon quarter-final) – and that if Musetti hangs in there, Fritz may feel the pressure as he gets closer to victory.

Fritz wins the opening set 6-3

A disappointing mistake from Musetti on the opening point – and another on the second. Musetti isn’t putting Fritz under enough pressure on the return. And the Italian’s errant backhand gives Fritz three set points at 40-0. Fritz seals it with an ace down the T. After a difficult opening serve game, it’s been one-way traffic, and the American looks very comfortable out there.

First set: Musetti 3-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A backhand error from Fritz and it’s 15-0. A forehand mistake and it’s 30-0. Musetti set it up for Fritz there with a looping ball … but Fritz battered his forehand just long. But those are the chances he can take when he’s 5-2 ahead. 30-0 becomes 40-15. A rasping return followed by a delicate drop shot from Fritz and it’s 40-30 – the pair engage in a longer rally and Musetti prevails. He is, at least, forcing Fritz to serve out this set.

First set: *Musetti 2-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

A tennis truism is that power and aggression usually wins through (see Rybakina v Svitolina – though admittedly not Krejcikova v Ostapenko – but then Ostapenko’s power and aggression is totally unchecked) – and that’s the pattern so far here. Musetti, in a spot of bother at 30-all, flashes a backhand well wide. 30-40, a chance for Fritz to secure the double break … but the American’s forehand is just long. Fritz charges forward to the drop shot on the next point – and again his forehand flies over the baseline. Advantage Musetti. And the Italian shows some flair to survive with the hold. Fritz then secures a speedy hold to 15.

Fritz breaks and holds: *Musetti 1-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

This match is starting to get going now, with some fine shot-making from both. Musetti – all slices and dices, court craft and of course that one-handed backhand – is wonderful to watch. But the commentator’s curse then hits because as soon as I type that he drops 15-40 down. And there are gasps as his backhand slice slumps tamely in front of the net on the first break point. Having missed the chance to break in the opening game, the Italian now finds himself a break down. And Fritz backs up the break to love.

First set: *Musetti 1-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz again finds himself under pressure at 30-all. But he dispatches a superb lob – which Musetti can only whack into the net. And from there the American holds. The sun, for once, is out on Centre Court, so the roof is open – a real rarity at this year’s tournament. It means there’s plenty of catch-up going on around the grounds, in the doubles, juniors and wheelchair events.

First set: Musetti 1-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, with his back-to-front cap (I think that’s acceptable as a 22-year-old – the 33-year-old Grigor Dimitrov definitely didn’t pull off the look this fortnight), is quicker to get going on serve than his opponent, who is wearing a Hugo Boss headband and a Chipotle patch on his top. Slightly different demographics there, I think. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game, as Musetti finishes off with a cute drop shot.

First set: Musetti* 0-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Opening game, Mr Fritz to serve first. Fritz is slow to get going, and is soon 15-30 down. Musetti gets a look on a second serve but lets Fritz off the hook with a backhand return that sails well beyond the baseline. 30-all. But Fritz flumps into the net and Musetti has an early break point. Again Musetti gets a chance on a second serve – this one is only 85mph – and again Musetti makes the backhand error. Deuce. Fritz has the chance to take the game at his advantage but wildly overhits. Musetti gets the next advantage – and also goes long. Neither have found their range yet. Most of these points are ending in an error. But Fritz does hold from the next deuce, after six minutes.

Fritz and Musetti have made their way on to No 1 Court. It’s not a quarter-final anyone expected, but should be a lot of fun. Both are attempting to break new ground by reaching the semi-finals at a grand slam. The 26-year-old Fritz has been trying for longer than the 22-year-old Musetti – and came close at Wimbledon in 2022, when he led Rafael Nadal by two sets to one in their quarter-final before losing in five.

Fritz will be full of confidence after coming back from the brink to oust Alexander Zverev in the previous round, but Musetti is getting better with every match he plays on grass and reached the Queen’s final a couple of weeks ago.

This match is American power v Italian elegance, Fritz’s huge serve v Musetti’s throwback one-handed backhand. Fritz is the favourite without a doubt – but Musetti did neutralise Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s serve in the previous round so will feel he has a chance.

The moments of victory for Rybakina and Krejcikova:

Nick Kyrgios is a busy man this fortnight. As well as making his debut in the BBC commentary box, he also had a hit with Djokovic on the practice courts last week. He’s just said on the BBC that De Minaur’s withdrawal won’t check Djokovic’s momentum and that the 37-year-old will be grateful for an unexpected day off, given his age and his knee.

Kyrgios also offers his thoughts on Ruuuuuune/Booooooo-gate. “Novak looks for more motivation in these things,” Kyrgios says. “I’ve tried to do it [stir up the crowd] and it doesn’t work. My advice to the crowd: if you don’t want to see Novak win, be as quiet as possible.”

Thanks Daniel. So no Djokovic v De Minaur now, alas, after De Minaur’s withdrawal earlier. I was looking forward to seeing Djokovic try to take on the Aussies in the crowd – instead we’ll have to satisfy ourselves with watching Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti battle it out for the right to face Djokovic in the semi-finals.

My watch is now over, thus here’s Katy Murrells to coax you through the rest of the day. Peace.

Next on No 1 Court: Lorenzo Musetti (25) v Taylor Fritz (13).

As for Rybakina, she says she’s really pleased with how she played today. It’s always great to play against Svito, who she says is such a fighter, and she’s still got amazing memories from winning in 2022 which she carries with her every time she walks on to court.

Told she’s favourite from here, she agrees that like most players, she doesn’t like it. But she has a great style and huge serve, which is a big advantage – too right, old mate – and her friendly, quiet certainty is menacing in the extreme.

Krejcikova is, you don’t need me to tell you, delighted – mouth open, eyes wide. She was so into the game, telling herself she’d give it everything she had, and though she doesn’t have words, it’s an unbelievable moment she’s experiencing now; ach, that is so good to hear. She was ill for more or less four months earlier in the year, lost a fair bit when she returned, and asked about it she says it was a difficult period. She thanks her team, saying there’ve been many doubts from within and without, but now she’s in the semis.

Told it’s Rybakina next, she responds with “OK” and an excited twitch. Asked how that feels, she sensibly says she’ll tell us afterwards , because for now she doesn’t know, and I do enjoy how much she loves what she does.

Barbora Krejcikova (31) beats Jelena Ostapenko (13) 6-4 7-6(4)

A colossal win for Krejcikova, who played a fantastic first set and a just-good-enough second. Ostapenko didn’t hit the heights she’s scaled over the last 10 days, so it’s the Czech who meets Rybakina on the last four. Good luck, old mate.

A sensational forehand from Krejcikova, off balance and to the corner, reverses momentum in a rally and takes a mini-break at 3-2; it’s soon 5-3, whereupon backhand brilliance from Krejcikova – she’s caught in the corner but fights her way out with a cross-court banger – raises three match points. The first disappears with a framed forehand, but here come two more…

Now then. Incited by Ostapenko’s rejuvenated backhand, Krejcikova nets one of her own to cede the mini-break, but immediately seizes it back by moving her opponent about; 2-2.

That’s our only singles match on Centre today, De Minaur having been forced out of his against Djokovic. I’ve paused coverage as Krejcikova has just held for a second-set breaker – we’ll enjoy her interview later, Ostapenko having just nailed a backhand down the line for 1-0 on serve.

Elena Rybakina (4) beats Elina Svitolina (21) 6-3, 6-2

A dominant performance from the 2022 champ, and she meets Ostapenko or Krejcikova in the semis. It’ll take something significant – something very significant – to stop her.

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Rybakina is nearly there. From 30-all on the Svitoserve, she finds a forehand winner then a fantastic forehand return, back into the corner whence it came, securing the double-break, and she leads 6-3 5-2. Ostapenko, meanwhile, battles to a hold, and at 6-4 5-6, Krejcikova will now serve to stay in the set, fickle momentum having switched back to her opponent.

Now then. Krejcikova balloons a forehand then serves long; big chance for Oor Ostapenkz, and a serve into the net completes the double! Krejcikova got tight looking to finish the match, now leads 6-4 5-5. For those of us who just want more tennis, that is a triumph.

Rybakina now leads Svitolina 26-7 in winners, and is up 6-3 3-2 30-0, while Ostapenko has a break-back point … and sticks a backhand marginally wide.

In Ostapenko’s box, there’s an empty seat. I missed it watching the other match but apparently she ordered her coach to do one, he didn’t, she lost two games, so now he has. She was up 4-1 in this set, so I guess anything that makes her feel better is worth a try.

Down 0-30, Ostapenko has to wait for a ball to drop on the baseline, but the height of the bounce allows her to lamp a glorious forehand winner. But a backhand into the net – she’s struggling on that wing – means she faces break points, and if Krejcikova can take one, she’ll soon serve for the match. And what a return she conjures, forehand cross right on to the corner; Ostapenko challenges, but Hawkeye gives us another look at a brilliant shot, and at 6-4 5-4, this match is almost over. Almost.

Ostapenko makes 15-40, but Krejcikova closes to 30-40 then outlasts her in a long rally and closes out from there. She’s playing a bit better now, and at 4-4 I’ve not a clue who’ll take this set.

Forced through deuce for her consolidation, Rybakina makes advantage then larrups a forehand winner with contemptuous ease. Her power is generated with so little apparent effort and I don’t see a way she doesn’t win this in two. She leads 6-3 2-0.

Ostapenko saves two break-back points, but a serious backhand return, punkt on to the line, is too good, and Krejcikova finally takes a break point, her sixth of the set. She leads 6-4 3-4.

Svitolina badly needs a hold here, but she finds herself at deuce then lobs up a backhand – after Rybakina slams a return at her tootsies – and a gorgeous return, a backhand cross-court, sets up the winner into the opposite corner. She leads 6-3 1-0, and I’m afraid Svitolina has nothing for her.

Rybakina serves out easily enough, leading 6-3 with 15 winners four four. And though she also leads in unforced errors, 11 to four, the main difference between them is that ability to finish points.

Ach, Ostapenko plays a loose service-game and long backhand offers Krejcikova a chance to break straight back. But a superb delivery, hammered down the T, is too good, and another good first serve, backed up by a swished forehand, saves her when advantage down, then Krejcikova nets a forehand after forging another opportunity. Back on Centre, Rybakina plays a fantastic game, targeting Svitolina’s forehand before, up 0-40, she goes at the forehand and breaks. She’s now serving for the set at 5-3 while, on No 1, Ostapenko eventually holds for 4-6 4-1. It’s a really good contest.

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Ostapenko makes 30-all, then finds a lovely forehand to the corner that takes control of the rally and allows her to raise her first break point. And an excellent return, cross-court and into the corner, is enough, Krejcikova netting her riposte! The Czech leads 6-4 1-3!

We wind up at deuce, an ace arranging Ostapenko advantage, and from there she closes out to trail 4-6 2-1, while Rybakina holds comfortably for 3-2 in the first.

Rybakina makes 30-all on the Svito serve, but a fine backhand winner, cross-court and on to the sideline, raises game point, and from there she closes out for 4-2. On No 1, Krejcikova has 15-30 on the Ostapenko serve…

Ostapenko took a break between sets and quickly makes 40-15, only to hand over deuce with a double. She was broken in a manner not dissimilar to this and after bussing advantage sounds off at her box … before securing her hold with an ace. Krejcikova leads 6-4 0-1 while, on Centre, Rybakina also holds – for 2-1, and I wonder if she’s taking control of this match.

Rybakina makes 0-30 but Svitolina quickly closes, only to send down a double – the second serve is as tame as could possibly be – and a forehand winner down the line secures the immediate break-back. we’re 1-1 in the first.

Updated

Meantime, an early break on Centre, Rybakina netting a backhand, and Svitolina leads 1-0.

Krejcikova opens with a big serve and clean-up forehand, then rushes through a love hold to clinch a first set – the first Ostapenko has lost in the tournament – in which she could scarcely have played better. She leads 6-4.

We’re away on Centre, Rybakina serving.

Ostapenko holds to love, forcing Krejcikova to serve out at 5-4. She’s not looked like being broken so far and is nails under pressure, but she’ll be feeling it.

On Centre, Rybakina and Svitolina are knocking up while, on No 1, Krejcikova holds and leads 5-3 in the first.

Now then! Heliovaara/Patten have beaten Arevalo/Pavic, the number four seeds, 7-6(7) in the third. They’re into the semis and meet Skupski/Venus (9) or Frantzen/Jebens next. I can’t lie to you, mates, this has made my day and I’m buzzing.

‘Please don’t forget that the Alfie Hewett’s bid for the Gentlemen’s Wheelchair Tennis Singles title begins today,” writes Chris Page. “Should have been yesterday. Updates please!”

This one was actually over before we begun – he beat Ben Bartram 6-1 6-4.

Krejcikova has been really solid on serve since opening with two doubles and she holds to love for 4-2, Ostapenko struggling to make an impression.

Krejcikova consolidates and leads 3-1. There’s a great tempo about this match, and as I type, Ostapenko finds herself again under a spot of pressure at 40-30 – having looked in control at 40-0. But a big serve down the T secures the hold for 2-3, her first game in four.

Back in the dubs, Heliovaara/Patten are playing a super-breaker to settle their quarter-final against Arevalo/Pavic.

In comms, Tracy Austin notes that Ostapenko has massively improved her toss, but two nailed returns mean she’s under a little pressure at 40-30 … and another prompts a netted response, bringing us to deuce. And when Ostapenko carelessly tries for a winner, in the forehand corner and off balance, the ball drops long, then a needlessly shanked forehand hands over the break. I say hands over, but Krejcikova played a terrific game there and now leads 2-1 in the first.

Krejcikova sends down a double … then another, before launching herself into the match with an ace; Ostapenko is something of an SJ Broad when it comes to challenging, but Hawkeye shows us the ball clipped the outside of the line and we soon reach 30-all. The court, by the way, loos like it’s been combed, the bare patches shorn and with lines through them – that might quicken things up, which would help both players but perhaps Ostapenko more. Krejcikova holds for 1.1

It’s absolutely nuts how full No 1 Court isn’t. You’ve got two matches, one of which could be done in an hour, you’ve paid, come, and … why? For what? Ostapenko holds to love and she’s been serving beautifully recently. But her second delivery can still be a problem.

And off we go, Ostapenko to serve.

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And when she’s not chilling with rappers…

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Yes, Aļona!

We’re moments away from Ostapenko v Krejcikova, and my sense is that the matchup suits the latter. I know Ostapennkz, on one, can sort anyone, but she’s playing someone very solid who can make big shots and won’t back away.

So how does Svitolina beat Rybakina? Er, I’m not sure. She needs to be aggressive, I think, especially when facing second serves, and she needs to get Rybakina on her bike because allowed to plant feet and whack, the 2022 champ is very hard to beat.

Other hand, this is a look

Goodness gracious me.

Oh man, this was upsetting to read.

I’d like to report a robbery. Leo Woodall has teefed my barmitzvah syoot.

Not tennis, but 30 years ago today came one of the most iconic goals of the 90s. I wrote about it here:

Hard to argue with this.

Come on! Yes, and reluctantly, “let’s go”. Heliovaara/Patten take the breaker 7-5 and here comes the decider. i am, fo course, still impartial, but it’s not every day your mate’s in a Wimbledon quarter.

Also going on:

What a day!

Back on 12 we’re playing a breaker, Heliovaara/Patten with the mini-break to lead 3-1.

Oh man, that is dreadful luck. The injury came about literally on the last point of a fantastic match, and though he assured us he’d make it, unfortunately reality has taken charge. It’s a particular shame because Demon has demons – in 2022, he tossed a two-set, last-16 lead against Cristian Garín, so this first Wimbledon quarter will have meant a lot to him. But he reached that stage in Paris and looks set to establish himself as a later-stages staple. Today, though, that won’t comfort him, but it remains the case; Novak Djokovic proceeds to a semi-final against Fritz or Musetti. Why does the world conspire against him so?

Alex de Minaur pulls out of Wimbledon injured

Alex De Minaur has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon ahead of his quarter-final with Novak Djokovic due to injury.

De Minaur, the boyfriend of British number one Katie Boulter, sustained the issue at the end of his fourth-round victory over Arthur Fils on Monday.

The ninth seed played down the scare despite an initial shake of the head in the direction of his box on Court One, but shortly after midday on the day of his scheduled Centre Court clash with Djokovic, De Minaur pulled out of the Championships.

Ach, from 40-0 up, Heliovaara and Patten lose five points on the spin and we’re back on serve at 5-5 in the second.

And there is it. Patten, who is absolutely on one today, hits a winner and will now serve for set two at 5-3. The standard here has been superb.

A word to the wise: there’s a terrific doubles match in progress on Court 12 – Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten are a set down to Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic, but giving them all they can take. Patten is coached by Calvin Betton, who moonlights as our analyst – get on it if you can.

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Preamble

That women’s tennis is the most unpredictable sport in the world is a truth extolled so often in these pages it has become a truism. But it remains the case, gloriously so, and is encapsulated perfectly by today’s first quarter-final.

Jelena Ostapenko – Ostapenkz to us – is perhaps the funnest player in the sport, a bouncing bundle of implacable positivity. She fears nothing, ignores consequences, and unloads the suitcase on every shot – a lesson not just for tennis but for life. This philosophy brought her the French Open title in 2017, aged 20 – the first unseeded player to take Roland-Garros since 1933 – and she arrives at this match in similar form but with greater experience, her barrage of blazing winners bringing her to here without having lost a set.

Her opponent today is the same but different, a surprise French Open champion but in dissimilar vein. Prior to May 2021, Barbora Krejcikova was a doubles specialist – she’s won a career grand slam and three of the four twice – but in recent times, her canny, all-court aggression has made her a very serious singles proposition. Don’t believe anyone who thinks they know who’ll win this one.

Opening up on Centre, we’ve Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina, on the face of things a more predictable encounter. The former won Wimbledon in 2022, has grooved herself over the last week or so, and her opponent’s lack of weapons makes it almost impossible for her to lose if she plays well.

On the men’s side, meanwhile, Alex De Minaur will see if his relentless scurrying can trouble Novak Djokovic’s relentless everything – and if he objected to Danes supporting their man, wait until the Aussies are in. Other hand, at least Demooooooon doesn’t sound like booooo. Or boo-urns.

Finally, we also have Lorenzo Musetti v Taylor Fritz, a matchup no one anticipated. Both are yet to advance beyond this stage of a major. But the American has been getting closer in recent years, now much more than a colossal serve and fired with the confidence of beating Alexander Zverev from two sets down. Musetti, though, was an excellent junior and, at 22, is coming into his own. It feels unlikely that, at this stage, he can do enough to negate Fritz’s power and knowhow, but it’s going to be fun finding out.

Play: 1pm BST No 1 Court, 1.30pm Centre Court

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