Wimbledon 2025 LIVE!
Sonay Kartal’s Wimbledon run came to an end as Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defied some umpiring controversy to reach the quarter-finals. Kartal knew that victory would see her move above Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter to become the British No1, and there appeared to be every chance of her doing so when she stepped up to serve for the first set.
But Pavlyuchenkova broke and forced a tie-break which she won, before taking control of the second set and securing a return to the last-eight at SW19 for the first time since 2016. She did so despite being left furious when broken to trail 5-4 in the opening set, accusing the decision-making process of favouring Kartal because she was British.
A backhand from Kartal landed beyond the baseline when Pavlyuchenkova had game point but there was no shout from the electronic line-calling system that is in place for the first time at Wimbledon this year. The system was down and the point was replied, leaving the Russian furious as she was then broken. "I don’t know if it’s in or it’s out,” she said. “How do I know? How can you prove it? Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me, they stole it."
Kartal vs Pavlyuchenkova latest news
- Kartal beaten in straight sets by Pavlyuchenkova
- SET! Pavlyuchenkova wins tie-break to land first blow
- Wimbledon order of play today
Kartal 6-7 4-6 Pavlyuchenkova
15:39 , Matt VerriConfident start to serving out the match. Ace down the T.
30-0... becomes 30-15 after a double fault. Not so confident there.
Kartal then does superbly to keep herself in the point as long as she does, but the lob lands just wide. Two match points for Pavlyuchenkova.
One needed! Fittingly, it’s a forehand winner that seals victory.
The final British woman in the singles draw falls.
Kartal 6-7 4-5* Pavlyuchenkova
15:35 , Matt VerriKartal can’t quite make the forehand down the line. That’s 30-30, Kartal desperately trying to at least force the Russian to serve it out.
Which she does. Flat forehand secures the hold. Now then, all eyes on Pavlyuchenkova...
Kartal 6-7 *3-5 Pavlyuchenkova
15:32Long, bruising rallies in this game - and Kartal is coming out on top in them. She gets to 15-30, has to make something happen from here.
Pavlyuchenkova serving her way out of trouble, Kartal hasn’t really had a chance to try and force a break point.
Gets into a rally here, but the forehand is long. Pavlyuchenkova a game away.
Kartal 6-7 3-4* Pavlyuchenkova
15:25 , Matt VerriBetter point from Kartal, stepping inside the baseline and dominating it. Forces the error from Pavlyuchenkova.
Been rare for Kartal to not be scrambling behind the baseline in defence.
She’s pegged back to deuce, nothing she can do as Pavlyuchenkova launches another massive return right at her feet.
Kartal’s box on their feet, as she wins an exchange of big forehands. Advantage...
And a hold, as Pavlyuchenkova’s return goes long. Kartal hanging in there.
Kartal 6-7 *2-4 Pavlyuchenkova
15:20 , Matt VerriPavlyuchenkova’s forehand sounding like a gunshot under this roof. Kartal really struggling to cope with the clean hitting.
That’s a brilliant shot, though. Sends a slice low down the line and the approaching Pavlyuchenkova doesn’t get near it.
But a return from Kartal drops long and Pavlyuchenkova is two games away from victory.
Kartal 6-7 2-3* Pavlyuchenkova
15:15 , Matt VerriCrowd getting behind Kartal, who is under pressure at 0-30.
Real pressure now at 0-40. Three break points, after Pavlyuchenkova’s backhand catches the line.
Wild return from the Russian saves one for Kartal, who then sends a forehand long and wide.
Pavlyuchenkova a break up again.
Kartal 6-7 *2-2 Pavlyuchenkova
15:12 , Matt VerriWouldn’t say it’s going very well for Pavlyuchenkova whenever she tries to be subtle.
Hammers another winner past Kartal, then sends a strange slice into the net.
Unforced error count now into the 40s for the Russian, as the forehand lets her down. Deuce.
Huge shriek of ‘come on’ as she just about gets the hold.
Kartal 6-7 2-1* Pavlyuchenkova
15:06 , Matt VerriKartal breezing through this service game.
Pavlyuchenkova’s return is just long and she then watches a swing ace fly by out wide.
Another unreturned first serve later and that’s a hold to love.
Kartal 6-7 *1-1 Pavlyuchenkova
15:04 , Matt VerriPavlyuchenkova’s forehand has decided to briefly disappear.
Couple of wilds shots on that wing and Kartal, having seemingly lost all momentum, now has two break points.
Pavlyuchenkova then barely moves her feet as she scuffs a slice along the ground and into the net.
Kartal breaks back and that was a real gift.
Kartal 6-7 0-1* Pavlyuchenkova
15:00 , Matt VerriBig moments, these, for Kartal.
An exchange of volleys at the net is won by Pavlyuchenkova and it’s 0-30 on Kartal’s serve.
Two loose returns from the Russian help, back to 30-30.
Nothing loose about that, clean backhand winner. Break point for Pavlyuchenkova.
Which she takes - a scrambling Kartal can’t catch up with the lob.
Kartal 6-7 Pavlyuchenkova
14:54 , Matt VerriTimely first serve from Kartal. 4-3 Pavlyuchenkova, who now has two serves to come.
Kartal tries to force the issue, but that shanked forehand is caught in the crowd. Young boy holding onto it and hoping nobody comes looking for it. 5-3.
And that’s three set points for Pavlyuchenkova as she puts away the smash. 6-3.
Only needs one. Kartal will have to come from behind on Centre Court.
Kartal 6-6 Pavlyuchenkova
14:52 , Matt VerriUnforced error from Kartal gifts Pavlyuchenkova an early lead. 1-0.
And the Russian then doubles that advantage with a superb backhand winner. Mini-break. 2-0.
Kartal’s forehand lands long. 3-0 and she needs a serious turnaround now.
That helps. Pavlyuchenkova going for the line again, just out. 3-1.
Kartal’s lob briefly has Pavlyuchenkova scrambling, but that’s out too. 4-1.
Pavlyuchenkova throws the kitchen sink at that return - Kartal somehow still wins the point. 4-2, still in it.
Kartal 6-6 Pavlyuchenkova
14:48 , Matt VerriCouple of cheap points on serve to start this game for Kartal. Much-needed.
Pavlyuchenkova glares up at her box as a tame sliced return floats out. She’s got four of her team supporting her - Kartal with 19 in her box.
Ace seals a comfortable hold. We’re going to a tie-break.
Kartal *5-6 Pavlyuchenkova
14:44 , Matt VerriPavlyuchenkova forehand is doing serious damage. Just dismissively swatting away winners.
After a succession of long, hard-fought games, the Russian has raced to 40-0.
About an inch away from making a brilliant forehand down the line, but hawk-eye does show up this time and denies her.
Only briefly. Pavlyuchenkova guarantees herself at least a tie-break.
Kartal 5-5* Pavlyuchenkova
14:41 , Matt VerriPavlyuchenkova taking out her frustration on the ball. Big, big hitting and it gets her to 0-30.
Kartal grinds out the next couple of points, but a flat backhand winner earns Pavlyuchenkova a break point. Can’t take it, nets her return. Deuce.
But another chance coming up here - carbon copy. First serve from Kartal doesn’t come back.
Pavlyuchenkova with her hands on her hips, as she sends a routine backhand long. Set point for Kartal.
Not converted, slice floats out and Pavlyuchenkova launches the ball up towards the roof. Fair to say she’s still not in a great mood.
That helps, massive return and another break point.
Pavlyuchenkova breaks! Hand up in celebration after a flat forehand levels this set up.
Pavlyuchenkova having a few words with the umpire at the change of ends.
Had that ball been called out as it should have been when the system was down, she’d have won that game
As it is, she needs to break to stay in the set.
Kartal *5-4 Pavlyuchenkova
14:34 , Matt VerriKartal brings up break point, we’ve been here before.
But she convert this one! Pavlyuchenkova nets the volley and Kartal will serve for the set.
Kartal 4-4* Pavlyuchenkova
14:32 , Matt VerriSo replays suggest Kartal’s shot was out. But there was no call.
Umpire’s verdict is in... system couldn’t track the last point so they are going to replay it. Feels like a slight flaw in the system.
Anyway, it’s deuce. And now every ball seems to be landing right on the line to really test things.
Kartal sends a forehand a few feet out. Don’t need to wait for a decision on that.
Back to deuce, though, as Pavlyuchenkova can’t deal with a ball skidding off the baseline.
Kartal 4-4* Pavlyuchenkova
14:29 , Matt VerriKartal with a shot that was close to landing long - Pavlyuchenkova just stops.
“Stop, stop, stop” is the call from the umpire. He then tells everyone they’re going to check if the system was actually working. There was no automated out call.
So now he’s on the phone, while everyone else waits. Kartal with hands on hips. It’s all gone very VAR.
This is a mess.
Kartal 4-4* Pavlyuchenkova
14:26 , Matt VerriDouble fault and then a missed volley from Pavlyuchenkova, real opening for Kartal at a crucial stage of the set.
Another double fault! Two break point for Kartal.
She pulls a backhand wide to miss out on the first of them, and the first serve then gets Pavlyuchenkova out of trouble. Deuce.
Chance for Pavlyuchenkova to seal the hold, but she nets a backhand after getting to a drop shot in plenty of time.
Break point again for Kartal, can she take this one? If she does, she’ll be serving for the set.
Pavlyuchenkova saves it, this time the drop shot is well-judged.
Kartal 4-4* Pavlyuchenkova
14:20 , Matt VerriPavlyuchenkova so hit and miss with her forehand. Another one for the miss column, slapped halfway up the net.
Kartal has been defending a fair bit but that’s a clean winner for her, Pavlyuchenkova gave up on it early.
The Briton goes for another one... just long. Deuce. And another deuce, as Kartal completely shanks a forehand.
She can’t get out of this game. Ace moves her a point away from the hold, but Pavlyuchenkova then whips in a forehand winner.
There is the hold! Pavlyuchenkova goes long with the return, huge cheer around Centre Court.
Kartal *3-4 Pavlyuchenkova
14:11 , Matt VerriBack to break point, Pavlyuchenkova up to the net but getting the volley wrong with the court open in front of her.
Four chances for Kartal to break - four chances that have slipped away. Pavlyuchenkova is playing these big points well.
The Russian finally holds, as Kartal finds the net when looking for the crosscourt pass.
Kartal 3-3* Pavlyuchenkova
14:08 , Matt VerriNeither playing looking particularly solid on serve and we have another battle of a game here.
Double fault from Pavlyuchenkova and it’s 30-30.
Drop shot again doesn’t work out for Pavlyuchenkova... she might want to give up on that plan. Break point for Kartal.
Saved by the Russian, flat forehand into the corner of the court. Deuce.
Another break point comes, but Pavlyuchenkova’s serve gets her out of trouble.
Guess what? Pavlyuchenkova turns to the drop shot... loses the point. Third break point for Kartal.
Which she can’t take. Ball smashed into the grass in frustration. Deuce once more.
Kartal 3-3* Pavlyuchenkova
14:02 , Matt VerriLoud shout from Pavlyuchenkova as she makes it 30-30, trying to get herself going again after a poor run of games.
That forehand then misses by feet, not inches, but there’s nothing wrong with the swinging volley that follows. Deuce.
And that’s then a huge monstrous return. Kartal doesn’t move, break point for the Russian.
Brilliant point, Kartal covering near enough every inch behind the baseline as she’s worked side to side. Eventually she’s worn down though... back on serve.
Kartal *3-2 Pavlyuchenkova
13:56 , Matt VerriPavlyuchenkova’s drop shot looks to be good enough, but Kartal scampers after it and flicks it back... catches the baseline!
Smile on Kartal’s face as the umpire confirms it was in. 0-30.
Momentum has swung massively, forehand goes long from Pavlyuchenkova and Kartal has two break points.
She takes the first of them! Three games in a row, two of them breaks.
Kartal 2-2* Pavlyuchenkova
13:52 , Matt VerriGreat point from Kartal. Has to defend well to stay in it, and then makes the pass down the line as Pavlyuchenkova comes up to the net.
Second serve sits up for Pavlyuchenkova to hit, but she can’t make the return.
Hold to 15 as Kartal levels things up.
Kartal *1-2 Pavlyuchenkova
13:48 , Matt VerriMore like it.
Kartal with the deep return, Pavlyuchenkova can’t respond and it’s 0-40. Three break points for the Briton.
Only one needed! Pavlyuchenkova with a drop shot so bad that it bounces before the net.
Back on serve.
Kartal 0-2* Pavlyuchenkova
13:45 , Matt VerriBig cheer as Kartal wins her first point of the match, ace out wide clipping the line.
Pavlyuchenkova looks to flatten out the backhand return, doesn’t quite get it right. That would have brought up two break points, but instead it’s 30-30.
Kartal hasn’t quite got her range yet in the rallies. Deuce and some early stress.
More stress - break point. Pavlyuchenkova nails that return. Kartal saves it though, Pavlyuchenkova framing a forehand. Back to deuce.
Another break point coming up, as Pavlyuchenkova forces an error.
And she takes that, brilliant volleyed lob. Russian has the perfect start.
Kartal *0-1 Pavlyuchenkova
13:39 , Matt VerriKartal wanted to see if she could put any pressure on the Pavlyuchenkova serve early on - no sign of it.
Barely a rally in that opening game, as the Russian eases to a hold to love in no time at all.
Stuffy, humid conditions under the roof.
And it’s very loud with rain hammering down. Not easy to even hear the umpire.
Kartal won the toss and has opted to receive first.
An almighty clap of thunder echoes around, just as the two players walk out. Don’t think that roof will be opening in a hurry.
Kartal with a fair bit of strapping on her right knee but hopefully nothing that hinders her.
Roof closed on Centre Court
13:28 , Matt VerriThere’s been some rain around in Wimbledon this morning, so the roof has remained shut.
Play is ongoing on the outside courts, but no risks being taken with delays here so this match will be played under the roof.
Always helps add to the atmosphere.
Popular figure!
13:21 , Matt VerriSonay Kartal flying solo for the British women in the singles draw.
The likes of Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter, so it’s all on Kartal to keep the home flag flying.
No pressure...
"You've got this" 🥹
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2025
The home fans are rooting for Sonay Kartal as she bids to continue her best ever run at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/MbpMwG37Pp
Tight encounter?
13:13 , Matt VerriNext up, Kartal plays an opponent ranked just four places below her (before Wimbledon started), the Russian player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
The world No53 is 11 years Kartal’s senior and a former French Open finalist. She knocked out Ajla Tomljanovic in the first round and the 31st seed Ashlyn Krueger in the second before coming from a set down to stun four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka on Friday.
Kartal versus Pavlyuchenkova should, on the face of it, be a very evenly-costed match, particularly with the pair coming in at world No 50 and 51 respectively in the live WTA rankings on Friday.
Who has Kartal beaten so far?
13:08 , Matt VerriThe 23-year-old is into the fourth round for the very first time, following three impressive victories in the Championships’ first week.
In the first round, she knocked out the 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko in stunning fashion, defying her own inferior ranking of 51st to come through in three sets against the Latvian, winning 7-5 2-6 6-2.
She then faced the world No111 Viktoriya Tomova, against whom she was the favourite. Sure enough, she made light work of the Bulgarian, winning 6-2 6-2 in a dominant performance on Court No3 on Wednesday.
And most recently, on Friday afternoon, she overcame nerves of playing on a show court (Court No1) to beat the French qualifier Diane Parry.
Standard Sport prediction
13:02 , Matt VerriThis could prove to be a really tight battle.
Pavlyuchenkova has the experience, having reached nine Grand Slam quarter-finals, and Kartal is looking to do it for the first time.
But the Briton has been so impressive this week and has taken each challenge in her stride.
It will be a major test, but we’re going for Kartal to edge it over the distance.
Kartal to win, three sets.
Wimbledon order of play today
12:53 , Matt VerriCentre Court (1.30pm BST start)
- Sonay Kartal (GBR) vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
- Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs Elise Mertens (BEL) [24]
- Andrey Rublev [14] vs Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [2]
Court No1 (1pm BST start)
- Taylor Fritz (USA) [5] vs Jordan Thompson [AUS]
- Nicolas Jarry (CHI) vs Cameron Norrie (GBR)
- Linda Noskova (CZE) [30] vs Amanda Anisimova (USA) [13]
Court No2
- Karen Khachanov [17] vs Kamil Majchrzak (POL)
- Solana Sierra (ARG) vs Laura Siegemund (GER)
- Joe Salisbury (GBR)/Luisa Stefani vs Andres Molteni (ARG)/Asia Muhammad (USA)
How to watch Kartal vs Pavlyuchenkova
12:46 , Matt VerriTV channel: In the UK, live free-to-air coverage of Wimbledon has now started on BBC One.
It runs through until 4:10pm BST, when there will be a 20 minute break for the news before resuming.
Uninterrupted coverage will be available on BBC Two during that time.
Live stream: You can watch the action live and for free online via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
Live blog: Follow the match right here with us!
Good afternoon!
12:37 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Sonay Kartal vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova!
Kartal is the last British woman standing in the singles draw and she is looking to book her place in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Should she do so, Kartal will become the British No1, moving above Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu.
We’ll have all the build-up before full updates from Centre Court, with play scheduled to start at 1:30pm BST.
