On that bombshell we’ll end the blog there. Another long one. Another fun one. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams all went through, and so did seven British players. Seven! It’s the most since 2006. Plus there were Nick Kyrgios’s antics. And Sir Andy Murray and Serena Williams are going to play mixed doubles together. Bye!
Andy Murray and Serena Williams to play mixed doubles
It’s happening. They’re doing it. Oh my! Murray and Serena on the same side at Wimbledon!
Joao Sousa beats Paul Jubb 6-0, 6-3, 6-7, 6-1
A sad end for the British wild card, but hopefully he’ll learn from his first taste of Wimbledon.
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Fabio Fognini has edged out Frances Tiafoe, beating the American 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. A good win for the 12th seed. Tiafoe is dangerous. Meanwhile Joao Sousa is on the verge of beating Paul Jubb in four sets.
Obviously John Isner finished it off with a tie-break. It’s a bit like dessert for him. He’s beaten Casper Ruud 6-3 6-4, 7-6. And he’s been joined in the second round by Lucas Pouille, who’s beaten Richard Gasquet in three sets.
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Serena Williams was in a mischievous mood in her press conference.
Q. We all want to know, are you going to be playing mixed doubles with Andy Murray? Have you made a decision yet?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I’m just going to see how I feel today, then go from there.
Q. When do you think you could make that decision? Next three hours? In the morning?
SERENA WILLIAMS: This is crazy. I don’t know. I’m still kind of in the singles mode, trying to figure that part out. We’ll see. I could use extra matches, though, so... Could be something.Q. Could you give us a rough percentage of how likely you think it is you would play with Andy?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I don’t know. If you guys really want it, then maybe I’ll do it.
Q. We do really want it.
SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah? All right, done, just for you guys. Don’t forget.
Q. That is a yes, you’re going to do it?
SERENA WILLIAMS: If you guys want it.
Q. I really do.
SERENA WILLIAMS: Just for you then (laughter).
Q. Have you spoken to Andy then?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Not recently, no
Paul Jubb has some fight in him! He’s forced a fourth set against Joao Sousa on Court 17 after winning the third-set tie-break 10-8. The youngster’s got heart.
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Fair play to Frances Tiafoe. The American looked to be oon his way out against Fabio Fognini, but he’s forced a fifth set against the Italian. However Fognini is a break up at the moment. Elsewhere Paul Jubb has forced a third-set tie-break against Joao Sousa, while Donna Vekic is a set up against Alison Riske on Court 1.
Kiki Bertens has beaten Mandy Minella on Centre Court. The fourth seed won 6-3, 6-2.
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John Isner is two sets up against Casper Ruud. Lucas Pouille is two sets up against Richard Gasquet.
Kiki Bertens has the first set in the bag on Centre Court. She won it 6-3 against Mandy Minella. And how about this: Paul Jubb is a break up in the third set against Joao Sousa. The comeback’s on! It’s on!
It’s not happening for Paul Jubb. The British wild card trails Joao Sousa 6-0, 6-3 in pleasant evening sun on Court 17.
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Marin Cilic, a teary finalist in 2017, has edged a first set tie-break against Adrian Mannarino on Court 3, winning it 8-6. Cilic hasn’t had a great year, has he? He could be a threat if he finds some form, but at the moment it’s difficult to see him going far. As for John Isner, he leads by a set and a break against Casper Ruud. As does Lucas Pouille against Richard Gasquet on Court 12.
Fabio Fogini saves a break point and takes a set point on Court 18; the Italian firebrand leads 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 against Frances Tiafoe, who must want to watch the World Cup semi-final between England and the USA.
There’s some bonus action on Centre Court and Court 1. The No4 seed Kiki Bertens and Maria Minella have been moved on to the former, Donna Vekic and Alison Riske on to the second. There’s a way to go yet on day two.
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After a nightmare first set - it only lasted a Tomic-esque 20 minutes - Paul Jubb gets himself on the scoreboard at the start of the second set against Joao Sousa. Jubb will be feeling much better about life now, though he’s still got a mountain to climb.
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Two more results to wrap up: the USA’s Taylor Townsend has beaten Australia’s Arina Rodionova 6-2, 6-3, while Australia’s John Millman has beaten Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
Rafael Nadal beats Yuichi Sugita 6-3, 6-1, 6-3!
A big serve gets the job done. A regulation win for Nadal, who celebrates with nothing more than a frown and a raised clenched fist. He’s through for a grudge match with Nick Kyrgios, his new enemy on the tour.
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Rafael Nadal’s finally broken Yuichi Sugita in the third set on Court 1. The Spaniard’s about to serve for the match.
It’s looking grim for Paul Jubb at the moment. He drags a backhand wide to end a whizzbang first set against Joao Sousa, who takes it 6-0. It’s been merciless from the doughty Portuguese. He’s only given up 11 points, while Jubb has won 23% of his second serves and made 12 unforced errors.
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Farewell, Denis Shapovalov. The young Canadian’s out, well beaten by the experienced Lithuanian, Ricardas Berankis, who won it 7-6 (0), 6-4, 6-3. Shapovalov’s form has been rotten in the last few months. He’s having a tough time living up to the hype.
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Serena Williams speaks! “This is the best I’ve felt since February. I had to skip most of the hard court season and only played a couple of matches on clay. I’m so happy I can walk. I’m better now. I feel so thankful. Now I get to play with my baby.”
It’s been a tough start for Paul Jubb. Hull’s finest is 4-0 down to the experienced Joao Sousa on Court 17. Elsewhere Fabio Fognini, the 12th seed, has levelled his match against the exciting young American, Frances Tiafoe, on Court 18.
Diego Schwartzman has beaten Matthew Ebden. The 24th seed won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Serena Williams beats Giulia Gatto-Montacone 6-2, 7-5!
The final point’s a minor classic, a rat-a-tat exchange at the net that ends with Williams jabbing a backhand volley past her stubborn Italian opponent. Good, clean fun! Williams is delighted. She celebrates like she’s won the tournament. Not quite yet. An important victory for her, though. She’s done in two sets and made light of the rust that’s plagued her of late.
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Roger Federer was asked about the struggles of the younger generation in his press conference.
Q. I’d like to know what is your reaction to the fact that Zverev, Tsitsipas, Thiem have all lost first round? It’s two, three years that we are all talking about them as your successors, if I may say that. Do you feel it’s strange?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, surprising, of course. It’s not like they are unseeded, you know. I think any seed that loses, any top 10 seed that loses in the first week, with 32 seeds, is on the more surprising side, I don’t care almost who the opponent is. It’s almost always going to be a bit of a story.
For that many guys to lose early, yeah, you add Thiem to it today, yeah, it’s just too many. But I guess it happens. Margins are slim. I don’t know how Rafa is doing, but he struggled early on today. I struggled early on. It can happen.
Like I explained, I think this first week at Wimbledon really tests your, you know, different skill set and your nerves a little bit to that extent, too. Let’s be honest, maybe also especially Sascha and Dominic, it’s not their favorite surface. So that they can struggle maybe is a little bit normal. Dominic did have a tough draw. So it can happen. But it’s definitely surprising.
Q. Yesterday these youngsters were all very emotional, close to crying. Do you relate to that? Do they put too much pressure on themselves?
ROGER FEDERER: I had the same impression. It was a very emotional press. I understand. I was Mr. Emotional, so... I come from that same side. I would cry after losing matches throughout my junior years. Some take it harder. Some take it more relaxed. Some take hours to get over it. Some take days.
It really I think matters on what your personality is. I just feel like when you lose at a tournament like Wimbledon, it means the world to you, super important, you’re so, so down, so sad, take two hours if you have to, take four hours, I don’t care. Go back, come back. I don’t know what you do. Take a super shower. Leave all the tears in the locker room. Once you come here, you feel like you get it done.
I don’t know how much time they took, but I just feel like maybe taking extra time when you’re young, when you’re so sad, which can be the case, is maybe the way to go. I’m not sure. I just felt also it was quite rough for them, which is not nice to see.
Oh Serena! Serving for the match at 6-2, 5-3, the American soon finds herself down 15-40. She should save the first break point but somehow contrives to punch an awkward forehand long at the net. Giulia Gatto-Monticone earns a reprieve. But for how long?
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Rafa Nadal is two sets up against Yuichi Sugita. One more set and he gets to play Nick Kyrgios! What fun they’ll have together on Thursday. Kyrgios clowning around, Rafa frowning furiously; they’d make quite the comedy double act. I think I’d pay good money to watch them go on a fishing trip together.
Julia Goerges has beaten Elena-Gabriela Ruse 7-5, 6-1 on Court 17. Next on that court: Britain’s Paul Jubb against Portugal’s Joao Sousa. If Jubb wins there will be eight British players in the second round, the most since 1997.
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Maria Sharapova, who’s back from a long spell out injured, has retired from her match. She was trailing Pauline Parmentier 4-6, 7-6, 5-0. What’s the point of that? Might as well have just taken the bagel.
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Maria Sharapova has completely fallen apart on Court 2. From a set up, she’s now 4-6, 7-6, 4-0 down against the unseeded Pauline Parmentier.
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Denis Shapovalov doesn’t look like he’s going to follow fellow Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime into the second round. The 29th seed trails Ricardas Berankis 7-6, 6-4 on Court 14.
Petra Kvitova beats Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-2
The two-time champion is safely into the second round. Surprisingly she didn’t hit a single ace today but a consistent, efficient performance was enough.
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Maria Sharapova has been dragged into a third set by Pauline Parmentier, who won a second-set tie-break 7-4 on Court 2. Elsewhere Taylor Fritz has walloped Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-4, 6-3, Fabio Fogini is having a medical timeout after losing the opening set to Frances Tiafoe and Julia Goerges, a semi-finalist last year, is 7-5, 3-0 up against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Serena Williams has won the first set 6-2 against Giulia Gatto-Monticone. Poor Giulia Gatto-Monticone. And poor Yuichi Sugita. Rafa Nadal leads 6-3, 3-0 on Court 1.
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Nick Kyrgios was asked a lot of questions about Rafa Nadal in his press conference. Nadal’s Uncle Toni had a bit to say about Kyrgios recently and it didn’t go down too well with the Australian, who also annoyed the world No2 with his underarm serve shenanigans earlier this year.
Q. Rafa said he didn’t know you as a person. Do you have a good relationship with him? Do you feel like you know him well? Would you like to get to know him better or he know you better?
NICK KYRGIOS: Uhm, not sure that me and Rafa could go down to the Dog & Fox and have a beer together. I don’t know him at all. I know him as a tennis player. I just don’t -- no, I don’t know him very well. I don’t know what you want me to say to the question. It’s a very strange question.
Q. Is there a reason you feel that barrier is up? Do you find it’s easier to talk to other people rather than him?
NICK KYRGIOS: Yeah, 100%. That’s just how it is. I get along with people, some people I don’t get along with.
Q. You don’t get along with him?
NICK KYRGIOS: I mean, we have a mutual respect, but that’s about it I think.
Petra Kvitova’s over that minor wobble and leads Ons Jabeur by a set and a break on Court 3. You should read Simon Hattenstone’s interview with her.
Yuichi Sugita had three break points for a 3-0 lead over Rafael Nadal on Court 1. He didn’t take them and Nadal’s won the first set 6-3.
Jay Clarke beats Noah Rubin 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4!
The British youngster needs four match points to get it done, but he’s got a huge smile on his face after reaching the second round for the first time. And who does he play next? Roger Federer. Clarke’s progress means there are seven Brits in the second round, the most since 2006. Who needs Andy Murray?
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Petra Kvitova fluffs her lines serving for the first set, allowing Ons Jabeur to break back for 4-5 on Court 3. No problems for Serena Williams at the moment, though. She leads 3-0 on Centre Court. In other American news Taylor Fritz is cruising against Tomas Berdych, who trails 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.
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Jay Clarke is getting closer. He’s a break up in the fourth set against Noah Rubin and leads 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 4-3. What else is happening? Denis Shapovalov, a potential third-round opponent for Rafa Nadal, has lost a first-set tie-break to Ricardas Berankis. Maria Sharapova is trying to put Pauline Parmentier away on Court 2. Petra Kvitova is dominating against Ons Jabeur on Court 3. And Serena Williamsis underway against Giulia Gatto-Monticone on Centre Court. I wonder if she’ll be asked about mixed doubles with Andy Murray later.
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Rafael Nadal’s broken back against Yuichi Sugita. Excitement over. You’ve had your fun, Yuichi.
Just as All England Club officials were congratulating themselves on bumping Rafa Nadal down to third seed, the Spaniard saves three break points and gets himself on the board. Yuichi Sugita leads 2-1. Meanwhile Bernard Tomic’s press conference sounds like it was good.
Q. Outside tennis, there have been some reports back in Australia...
BERNARD TOMIC: Next question.
Q. (Indiscernible.)
BERNARD TOMIC: Next question.
Q. You were fined a couple years ago for lack of effort. Are you expecting the same?
BERNARD TOMIC: (No answer.)
Here’s the story from two years ago. Tomic was fined £11,600 by the ITF after a first-round defeat to Mischa Zverev, after which he said he felt “bored” during the match, and was subsequently dumped by his sponsors Head.
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Slow starts aren’t just a Federer thing today. The other member of the Big Three in action has been broken in the very first game on Court 1. So, Yuichi Sugita leads Rafael Nadal 2-0. How long will it last?
Roger Federer beats Lloyd Harris 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2!
The eight-time champion finishes with an ace. It was a little dicey at first, but it all felt very routine long before the end. Federer is through to face the winner of Jay Clarke and Noah Rubin’s match.
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Jay Clarke moves into a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 lead over Noah Rubin. He’s a set away from a likely match against Roger Federer!
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s 58-minute win over the wretched Bernard Tomic was the shortest men’s singles match here since 2004. Tomic is in press at the moment. “I played terrible,” he says.
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Maria Sharapova has won the first set 6-4 against Pauline Parmentier on Court 2, while Eastbourne champion Taylor Fritz is a set up against the fading 2010 finalist Tomas Berdych. As for Jay Clarke, he’s broken to lead 5-4 in the third set against Noah Rubin.
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Roger Federer is inching closer to the second round. He’s looking like his regal self now, breaking once more to lead 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 3-1 on Centre Court. He’ll probably be done in time to watch Rafael Nadal, who’s about to begin against Yuichi Sugita on Court 1.
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Garbine Muguruza has done her Garbine Muguruza thing. The 2017 champion has made a first-round exit after losing to the Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile American prodigy Amanda Anisimova has beaten Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-3.
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Garbine Muguruza is hanging in there, clambering back from 0-40 to hold for 4-4 in the second set on Court 3. Beatriz Haddad Maia still leads by a set, but that could be a turning point. A huge hold for the former champion.
On Centre Court the effect of snatching a set off Roger Federer seems to have taken a lot out of Lloyd Harris, who has the trainer on before the start of the fourth set. Elsewhere Jo-Wilfrid Tsonga has cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 6-4 win over professional waste of time Bernard Tomic. Tsonga only needed 58 minutes to deal with the Australian.
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Johanna Konta beats Ana Bogdan 7-5, 6-2!
Bogan overcooks her final forehand and Konta, a semi-finalist in 2017, sails safely through to the second round. She plays the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova next.
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Roger Federer is sailing along nicely now. He leads Lloyd Harris 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. And he could yet be facing Jay Clarke in the second round. The British youngster has levelled his match against Noah Rubin.
There was a time when great things were expected from Eugenie Bouchard. Not any more, though. The Canadian is out, beaten 6-3, 5-7, 8-6 by Tamara Zidansek.
Johanna Konta is closing in on victory on Court 1. She leads 7-5, 4-2 against Ana Bogdan.
Inevitability descends on Centre Court. Roger Federer attacks and smashes to break for a 3-6, 6-1, 2-1 lead against Lloyd Harris, who’s starting to look rather leggy out there.
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WEDNESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY (CENTRE COURT, FROM 13:00 BST)
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2019
Monica PUIG vs Karolina PLISKOVA
Kyle EDMUND vs Fernando VERDASCO
Novak DJOKOVIC vs Denis KUDLA#Wimbledon
You never know what you’re going to get from Garbine Muguruza. She must be the most unpredictable player on the WTA tour. She won this tournament in 2017 and went out in the second round last year. Now the Spaniard’s in danger of a first round exit. She’s a set down the Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia, who took the opener 6-4.
Cameron Norrie beats Denis Istomin 6-2, 6-4, 6-4!
Another Brit is through, Norrie far too strong for his Uzebki opponent. He’ll play Kei Nishikori next.
Roger Federer lashes a forehand into the right corner and levels the match, cruising to the second set 6-1. Lloyd Harris has made the mistake of riling him.
Gilles Simon, the 20th seed and Queen’s finalist, has beaten Stefano Caruso of Italy in straight sets. Over on Court 2, meanwhile, Maria Sharapova has started her match against Pauline Parmentier. Cori Gauff was only a few months old when Sharapova won her one and only Wimbledon title in 2004.
A patient Johanna Konta takes the first set 7-5 on Court 1 when Ana Bogdan, serving to stay in it, pulls a backhand wide while facing a set point. Meanwhile Roger Federer has restored a little order on Centre Court, breaking in the fourth game of the second set. Lloyd Harris leads 6-3, 1-3.
Matteo Berrettini, the 17th seed, has fought back from a set and a break down to beat Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6. Elsewhere Britain’s Cameron Norrie is two sets and a break up against Denis Istomin.
On Court 1 Ana Bogdan holds to make it 5-5 in the first set. Johanna Konta is being made to work hard by the Romanian outsider, who presumably is not related to former Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.
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Thanks, Stuart. The plan for Thursday was a second-round match between Roger Federer and Jay Clarke, but that’s looking uncertain at the moment. While we all deal with the shock of Federer losing the first set to Lloyd Harris, Clarke is a set down to Noah Rubin on Court 8. However the British youngster is a break up in the second set.
Federer digs in. Gets himself a break point, to the delight of the hordes, but Harris is not messing about here. He saves it, and then looks the part serving out the set, 6-3.
With Konta v Bodgan now at 5-4, here’s a replenished Mr Steinberg to take back the reins …
Sam Querrey beats Dominic Thiem 6-7 (4), 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-0!
How’s Querrey getting on, I thought. Bloody hell – it’s all over. He absolutely hares through the fourth set in just 20 minutes to knock out the fifth seed
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Federer is going to have to serve to stay in this first set, as he goes 5-2 down. The Centre Court vultures are murmuring, and although he still looks calm enough – does he ever look stressed? – this is not the gimme people assumed it was.
An angry swipe cross-court helps him on his way to 5-3. Now Harris gets a go at closing out the first set …
It’s now 4-3 Konta, still on serve.
Strike that, Federer is broken! Harris now leads 4-2 in the first. Blimey. And he looks the part doing it too.
Cameron Norrie flirts with fluffing it, and faces a break point while attempting to serve out the set against Istomin, but he holds his nerve, his serve, and now leads 6-2, 6-4.
Konta holds emphatically – she’s now leading 3-2.
Meanwhile, here’s our report on wins for Barty and Kerber …
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Federer is easing into his typical fluency, despite a few flaky moments early on. His South African opponent looks comfortable both with a hefty serve and matching the Swiss during rallies, and he’s 3-2 up, with Federer next to serve.
Still on serve between Bogdan and Konta, 2-2.
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Sam Querrey took the third set on No 2 Court, and breaks early in the fourth to lead 6-7 (4), 7-6 (1), 6-3, 2-0.
Norrie now serves for the second set against Istomin.
Norrie breaks and swiftly consolidates against Istomin to go 5-3 up in the second set.
Federer roars back from 15-0 down to keep things on serve, but Harris is no mug, and holds impressively to go 2-1 up. Konta holds too to bring up the same scoreline.
Konta is taken to deuce, but effectively serves out the opening game against Ana Bogdan. Lloyd Harris, meanwhile, takes the first game off Federer on Centre Court, off his own serve.
Out on Court 16, Cameron Norrie is a set up and 3-3 in the second against Denis Istomin.
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Stuart here, while Jacob spends a bit of time refuelling, not to mention scratching his head over quite what he’s just observed on No 3 court. As Roger Federer and Johanna Konta begin their campaigns on Centre and No 1 courts, a quick catch-up with matters elsewhere …
No 2 Court: Fifth seed Dominic Thiem v Sam Querrey is on serve in the third set, with honours even so far
Court 4: Gilles Simon is a set and a break up against Salvatore Caruso
I’m going to grab some lunch. Stuart Goodwin will take you through the next portion of play. Johanna Konta is about to begin against Ana Bogdan on Court 1.
Nick Kyrgios beats Jordan Thompson 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (10), 0-6, 6-1
Well that was weird. Kyrgios is through after a barmy few hours and will play Rafael Nadal or Yuichi Sigita next. He made 51 unforced errors today. At least there were 63 winners.
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Nikoloz Basilashvili beats James Ward 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 8-6
It’s desperately disappointing for James Ward, who’s blown it from two sets up. Basilashvili, the 18th seed, is through to face Dan Evans.
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Nick Kyrgios breaks again to lead 5-1 in the fifth set. He’ll serve for the match on Court 3.
On Court 17, Nikoloz Basilashvili has the crucial break against James Ward. He’ll serve for the match at 7-6 in the fifth set. Elsewhere Eugenie Bouchard, a finalist in 2014, is 6-3, 3-0 down against Tamara Zidansek.
Nick Kyrgios has the break in the fifth set on Court 3. He leads 4-1. Meanwhile over on Court 2 Dominic Thiem has been pegged back by Sam Querrey, who’s taken the second-set on a tie-break.
Angelique Kerber beats Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-3
The all-German affair on Centre Court goes the way of the defending champion.
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Ashleigh Barty beats Saisai Zheng 6-4, 6-2
An easy win for the world No1.
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James Ward is no longer on the brink against Nikoloz Basilashvili! He’s broken back in the fifth set and is serving at 5-5 on Court 17. He looked down and out.
“This was always going five,” says grinning clown Nick Kyrgios. He leads 2-1 in the fifth set against Jordan Thompson. They’re still on serve.
Marcos Baghdatis, who will retire after this tournament, has beaten Canada’s Brayden Schurr 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Elsewhere James Ward is on the brink of a five-set defeat to Nikoloz Basilashvili, Katie Swan is a set down to Laura Siegmund and Cameron Norrie is a set up against Denis Istomin.
Jordan Thompson sends a serve down the middle on set point. Nick Kyrgios is already walking back to his chair as the ball flashes past him. He gave up. He didn’t try in that set. Thompson takes it 6-0 in the blink of an eye.
This is astonishing. Nick Kyrgios lopes back to his chair with his head bowed after being broken again. After a 76-minute third set it’s taken 17 minutes for Jordan Thompson to lead 5-0 in the fourth set.
“Are you a spectator or part of the team?” Nick Kyrgios says to his enemy in the crowd. “Talking during a set point. What are you doing?”
Nick Kyrgios bashes a ludicrous forehand wide and drops his serve to love again. Jordan Thompson leads by a double break in the fourth set. Why? Because.
So much nonsense on Court 3. Jordan Thompson breaks the bizarre Nick Kyrgios in the first game of the fourth set. This is going to five sets, isn’t it?
The wheels are coming off for James Ward on Court 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili has fought back from two sets down and has broken early in the decider.
Thanasi Kokkinakis appears to be watching Nick Kyrgios.
🤣🤣🤣
— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) July 2, 2019
Nick Kyrgios jumps on a short ball, punishing it with a rasping forehand, and sets off on a victory sprint round Court 3. I’ve never seen behaviour like this in a grand slam match before. Whatever gets him going, though. He has another set point - and this time he takes it when Jordan Thompson nets a volley. After all that Kyrgios leads 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (10). Mind you, I’d like to see him try this on against Senor Nadal in the second round.
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Angelique Kerber’s a set up. She won the opener 6-4 against the slicing and dicing Tatjana Maria. Oh, and Ash Barty’s won the first set 6-4 against Saisai Zheng on Court 1.
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Nick Kyrgios holds his arms aloft and tumbles to the floor in mock celebration as he watches a Jordan Thompson lob drop long. He’s in a very strange mood. But he does have a set point. They rally for a while. Jordan Thompson sends a backhand down the line. The umpire calls it out. Kyrgios clearly thinks it was in. He crouches down and hobbles over to have a look, looking a bit like a mad frog. Thompson challenges. Obviously it was in. “Mate, you’re having a shocker!” Thompson roars at the umpire. Kyrgios laughs in despair. The point’s replayed. Kyrgios nets a serve. “Can’t buy a first serve,” he moans. Then he swipes a lazy slice into the net. He isn’t taking this seriously. 9-9 in the tie-break.
Nick Kyrgios just played an abysmal shot on set point in the tie-break. No idea what it was meant to be. A slice, drop shot, something in between. All I know is it drifted miles long. The tie-break goes on.
On Court 12 Katie Swan has made a poor start against Germany’s Laura Siegmund. The British youngster dropped her serve in the first game.
Over on Centre Court Tatjana Maria is making a game of it. She’s broken back against Angelique Kerber. It’s 4-4 in the first set.
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Sam Querrey took Dominic Thiem to a first-set tie-break. Dominic Thiem took the tie-break.
Serving for the third set, Nick Kyrgios moves into a 40-15 lead. This, of course, is the time to try an underarm serve. It does not go well. Thompson saves the second point with a forehand volley. Then Kyrgios gives up a break point with an atrocious attempt at a drop shot. He saves it with a massive forehand. At deuce he tries a lazy slice and gets picked off at the net. Kyrgios serves hard. Thompson returns it. Kyrgios decides it’s time for a leaping two-handed backhand drop shot. It is not time for a leaping two-handed backhand drop shot. The ball barely makes the net. What a clown. A circus act. Thompson breaks back. Tie-break.
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Over on Centre Court, the mood is a little less dramatic. Angelique Kerber is 4-2 up in the first set against Tatjana Maria. Ashleigh Barty, meanwhile, leads 3-2 against Saisai Zheng on Court 1. The world No1’s just squandered an early break.
Harriet Dart beats Christina McHale 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The British wild card earns a second match point and takes it with an excellent serve to reach the second round for the first time. That’s a fine comeback from the 22-year-old, who was watched on Court 14 by none other than the Duchess of Cambridge.
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After all that nonsense Nick Kyrgios breaks to love to lead 6-5 in the third set against Jordan Thompson. He’ll serve to go two sets to one up. Meanwhile Harriet Dart is serving for the match against Christina McHale on Court 14.
Kei Nishikori is through. The eighth seed has beaten Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 7-6, 6-4. Meanwhile Dan Evans plays the winner of James Ward and Nikoloz Basilashvili, who’s two sets to one down but a break up in the fourth set against the British wild card.
Dan Evans beats Federico Delbonis 6-3, 7-6, 6-3!
Serving for the set, the British No2 moves to 40-30 and decides it’s time for some serve-volley. He executes the ploy to perfection, serving wide before charging to the net to put a lovely volley away. A place in the second round is his!
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Nick Kyrgios slams a ball away in anger after a tight line call and receives a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. “Does he get a point?” Kyrgios rages. “Give him a point! Wake up!” He gets away with it, then serves viciously to hold for 5-5 in the third set.
Jordan Thompson holds to lead 6-7, 6-3, 5-4 on Court 3. Nick Kygrios sits down and starts complaining to the umpire about a woman in the crowd again. He begins by calling the umpire “bro” and “dude”, then says the offending woman is talking very loudly. “It’s called awareness,” Kyrgios grumbles. “Time to learn some.” Anyway, time for Kyrgios to serve to keep the third set alive.
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Marcos Baghdatis appears to be making good use of that wild card. The Cypriot veteran landed a kind draw - he faces Canada’s Brayden Schurr, a lucky loser - and won the first set 6-2. Meanwhile Aljaz Bedene, once of Britain, now of Slovenia, is a set and a break up against Matteo Berrettini, the 17th seed.
Australians hoping for a potential grand slam champion might want to turn their focus away from Nick Kyrgios and look at Court 15, where Alex De Minaur has dealt with Marco Cecchinato, the 2017 French Open semi-finalist. De Minaur, 20 years old, has beaten the Italian 6-0, 6-4, 7-5. Meanwhile there’s been no sign of a break on Court 2, where Dominic Thiem is trying to work out Sam Querrey’s big serve. It’s 4-4 in the first set. That’s not a great draw for Thiem, you know. Querrey has beaten Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray here.
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The players have arrived on Centre Court and Court 1. Angelique Kerber begins the defence of her title against Tatijana Maria on the former, while world No1 Ashleigh Barty faces Saisai Zheng on the latter.
There’s been a momentum shift on Court 17. James Ward looked in complete control not so long ago. He led 6-2, 6-4, 2-0, but Nikoloz Basilashvili has fought back to snatch the third set 6-4, sealing it when Ward nets a backhand return.
Harriet Dart breaks! Christina McHale sends a forehand long at 30-40 in the fifth game of the third set and Dart leads 4-6, 6-4, 3-2.
Alyson Van Uytvanck, who reached the fourth round last year, beating Garbine Muguruza along the way, has got the better of former French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on Court 6. The Belgian’s won 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Kei Nishikori is two sets to the good against Thiago Monteiro. The eighth seed leads 6-4, 7-6. Nishikori is well on his way to a quarter-final exit!
How do you rate this defence, @ICC?#Wimbledon | @NickKyrgios pic.twitter.com/8rsu7VK8gg
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2019
Kyrgios is trying to out-Kyrgios himself. He’s playing unnecessary shots on virtually every point, and suspect it’s about to get ugly. Set all. #Wimbledon
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) July 2, 2019
Nick Kyrgios’s medical timeout is done. The third set begins on Court 3. It is going to be fascinating watching Kyrgios now. How will he react to losing the second set? With defiance or with torpor? I have an idea. So prove me wrong, Nick.
A seed fell in the first match on Court 5, by the way. Lesia Tsurenko, seeded 32nd, was no match for Barbora Strycova, who won 6-3, 6-2.
Nick Kyrgios has been treated to a visit from the physio. He’s having a medical timeout. Something’s ailing him. It seems to be a back problem.
Harriet Dart’s levelled it up on Court 14. Assist: Kate Middleton. Dart holds her nerve and serves out to 30 to take the second set 6-4 against Christina McHale. Over on Court 3, meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios is being Nick Kyrgios. He’s dropped the second set to Jordan Thompson, owner of a majestic moustache, and is starting to get grouchy.
Meanwhile Sloane Stephens has seen off a meek challenge from Timea Bacsinszky, beating the Swiss in two comfortable sets. Next on Court 2: Dominic Thiem, French Open finalist, against Sam Querrey, a semi-finalist here in 2017.
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You nip off to get a coffee and Dan Evans nabs the second set on a tie-break while you’re away. The British No2 leads 6-3, 7-5 against Federico Delbonis. And look at James Ward go! He’s two sets up against Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Nick Kyrgios lies flat on his face for a few moments after diving in vain to reach a Jordan Thompson passing shot. Then he has a go at someone in the crowd before serving. “Can you stop being so loud please, thank you,” he says, pointing his racquet at some poor unfortunate soul. “So loud.”
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Qiang Wang’s wrapped things up quickly on Court 10. The 15th seed is a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Vera Lapko.
After 48 minutes Nick Kyrgios slams an ace down the middle to take the first set on a tie-break on Court 3. That’s impressive from Kyrgios given that Jordan Thompson served for it at 5-3.
Elise Mertens was in a hurry. She’s beaten Fiona Farro 6-2, 6-0.
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The Kate Middleton effect doesn’t appear to be helping Harriet Dart. She’s lost the first set 6-4 to the USA’s Christina McHale on Court 14.
“Hell of a volley!” Nick Kyrgios chirps as Jordan Thompson shows deft hands at the net and holds for 6-5 in the first set on Court 3. Kyrgios will serve to force a tie-break.
Kate Middleton is watching a tight match on Court 14. British wild card Harriet Dart and American lucky loser Christina McHale are barely giving each other an inch. It’s 4-4 in the first set. The tension rises. Things are more comfortable for Alex De Minaur, though. The young Australian leads Marco Cecchinato 6-0, 3-0 on Court 15.
Hooray for Britain! Hooray! James Ward is showing why he got that wild card - he’s taken the first set 6-2 off Nikoloz Basilashvili, the 18th seed, on Court 17. Elsewhere Kei Nishikori’s a set up against Thiago Monteiro.
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Sloane Stephens takes the first set 6-2 against Timea Bacsinszky on Court 2. And Elise Mertens, the 21st seed, does the same to France’s Fiona Farro on Court 8.
Serving for the set, Jordan Thompson suddenly finds himself under heavy fire from Nick Kyrgios, who picks a good moment to wake up and ramp up the power. Having stirred into life Kyrgios earns two break points with some thunderous shots and takes the first with a venomous forehand. Kyrgios breaks back and will serve to keep the set alive at 4-5.
A good second serve from Dan Evans on set point sees Federico Delbonis net a forehand return. That’s that: 6-3 Evans. He’s two sets from the second round.
The first set of the day goes to China’s Qiang Wang, the 15th seed. She took it 6-2 against Bulgaria’s Vera Lapko. Alex de Minaur was marginally too slow. The rampant Australian’s just wrapped up the first set against Italy’s Marco Cecchinato, winning it 6-0.
Here are some day one highlights. Enjoy!
Dan Evans is motoring along on Court 18. He leads 5-2. Federico Delbonis will serve to stay in the first set. On Court 2, meanwhile, the former US Open champion Sloane Stephens has an early break against Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinszky, while Kei Nishikori is looking dominant against Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro.
Jordan Thompson, who’s really rocking that moustache, takes charge of the first set, breaking an unfocused Nick Kyrgios for a 3-1 lead. At least Kyrgios has removed the headphones.
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Kate could also get herself off to Court 17, where James Ward has come flying out the blocks against Nikoloz Basilashvili, the 18th seed. Ward, who’s slumped to 195th in the world after a horrible run of injuries, has broken for a 3-0 lead already.
Which news outlet will be the first to go with WIMBLEDON SCHEDULING DISGRACE: KATE MIDDLETON RELEGATED TO OUTSIDE COURSE? Here’s looking to you, Mail Online!
A perfect start for Dan Evans, who’s broken straight away against Federico Delbonis on Court 18. He leads 3-0. Hopefully Kate Middleton is planning on a tour of all the outside courts. Dangerous Dan merits a visit too.
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Apparently Kate Middleton is watching Harriet Dart take on Christina McHale on Court 14. Look at Kate, slumming it with the non-show court plebs. I DON’T SEE MEGHAN OUT THERE.
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We have play. Day two is underway.
Nick Kyrgios, wearing a pair of headphones, arrives on Court 3 for his match against the moustachioed Jordan Thompson. I wonder how Kyrgios’s preparations have gone. A trip to Glastonbury over the weekend, perhaps?
The sun’s shining over SW19, the punters are milling around and the courts are filling up. Most importantly of all the players are heading out. The first matches of the day will start soon. We’ll keep a particularly close eye on Court 18, where it’s Dan Evans versus Federico Delbonis, the world no75. Evans appears to be back on track after being banned following a positive test for cocaine two years ago. The British No2 has been playing well on grass and could have a good run here.
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On This Day in 2001: Roger Federer stuns Pete Sampras in the fourth round. How the time flies, eh? I remember coming home from school to catch the end of that one.
Also in the Royal Box today: Geoffrey Boycott. Anyway.
In the royal box today: Jonathan Agnew. Anyway.
Matthew Engel writes. Enjoy.
Preamble
Hello. Wimbledon 2019, 20 years after his first appearance in the main draw, and Roger Federer is still going strong. In 1999, when he was but a mere teenager, he exited in the first round. Since then, however, he’s won this tournament eight times, the last success coming in 2017, and at this stage it feels a little pointless talking about when he plans to retire. The Swiss turns 38 next month, but there remain precious few opponents who can get close to him when he’s in the mood. Fading into obscurity isn’t Federer’s style. Bumped up to No2 seed at the expense of a rather disgruntled Rafael Nadal, his dreamy prowess on grass remains thoroughly intact, as demonstrated by another win in Halle last month, and nothing less than a ninth title here will do.
Naturally Federer’s been given a slot on Centre Court. He’s up second, after defending women’s champion Angelique Kerber faces fellow German Tatjana Maria, and will not expected to be unduly inconvenienced by South Africa’s Lloyd Harris, the world No86. Whereas Harris is making his Wimbledon debut, Federer’s after his 96th win at SW19 and his 182nd career win on this surface. It’s likely to be an exhibition. You know the type. We’ve seen them many times before.
The punters on Centre Court will be delighted if they get a Federer masterclass, though. Indeed they’re bound to get their money’s worth today. The action opens with Kerber, who won her first Wimbledon last year, taking on Maria. Kerber, the fifth seed, did well at Eastbourne last week, losing to Karolina Pliskova in the final, and has the pedigree to go far.
Then there’s Serena Williams, supposedly feeling strong again despite being dogged by a knee injury all year, apparently destined to join Andy Murray in the mixed doubles. No doubt Murray will be keeping an eye on the American’s movement today. She meets Italy’s Giulia Gatto-Monticone. It should be straightforward. Should be. But Williams is carrying quite a bit of rust after a tough few months and could be vulnerable in the first week. Catch her cold and she could suffer a similar fate to big sister Venus, who was stunned by the sensational Cori Gauff last night.
Moving on, in a victory for equality on these lawns four of the six matches on the main courts feature women. Court 1 opens with Australia’s Ashleigh Barty, the French Open champion and new world No1, hoping not to suffer a Roland Garros comedown when she faces China’s Saisai Zheng, before the patriotic fervour ramps up for the entrance of Britain’s Johanna Konta, up against Romania’s Ana Bogdan.
Once that’s all done and dusted Nadal will begin his tournament. Honestly. First he loses the No2 seeding to Federer (world No3, lest we forget), then he misses out on a Centre Court place in the first round. But the good news for the Spaniard, who’s two behind Federer’s record of 20 majors, the courts were playing slowly yesterday. That should suit him when he faces Japan’s Yuichi Sugita later.
However, being pushed down to third seed has left Nadal with a tough draw. If he makes it through then his second-round opponent could well be Nick Kyrgios, assuming the Australian renegade gets past a solid compatriot in Jordan Thompson in the first match on Court 3 today.
Speaking of rebellious spirits Britain’s Dan Evans, who’s had a very good summer so far, is first on Court 18 against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis. And there are plenty of home hopefuls in action elsewhere. Jay Clarke could play Federer in the next round if he beats the American qualifier Noah Rubin. Hull hero Paul Jubb plays Portugual’s Joao Sousa. James Ward, fit again, plays 18th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili. Katie Swan, who got to the second round last year, plays Laura Siegmund in the second match on Court 12. And Harriet Dart meets the USA’s Christina McHale in the opener on Court 14.
Plenty to be getting on with, then – and I haven’t even mentioned that Maria Sharapova, the 2004 champion, is back after a long spell out. Phew. It’s going to be a busy day.
Play begins at: 11am BST on the outside courts, 1pm BST on the show courts.
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