Sinner, 23, swatted aside seven-time champion Djokovic to win 6-3 6-3 6-4 and reach a maiden Wimbledon final and set up a re-match of last month’s epic French Open showpiece.

At least one of Sinner and Alcaraz have contested the men’s singles final at the last six Grand Slam tournaments, while Sinner is going for a first title away from the hard courts against Alcaraz, a two-time winner at the All England Club.

Djokovic had admitted before the tournament this was probably his best chance of setting a standalone record of major singles title – on his favoured surface where he has enjoyed so much success.

Having been largely outplayed for two sets, the 38-year-old threatened a comeback in the third but Sinner remarkably won five games in a row on his way to securing a fifth Grand Slam final.

Three-time major winner Sinner has now won the last six meetings against Djokovic but this was the first time on grass.

There were doubts around the fitness of both players before the match and, while Sinner did not seem hampered by his elbow injury, Djokovic did require a medical time out after the second set.

Another final between Sinner and Alcaraz just five weeks after the last one at Roland Garros gives the Italian a chance for revenge after he let slip a two-set lead to lose in five.

“It’s a huge honour for me to share the court again with Carlos,” Sinner said.

“Hopefully it will be a good match like the last one – I don’t know if it will be better because I don’t know if that’s possible but we will try – hopefully it will be an enjoyable match.”

World number two Alcaraz beat American fifth seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 5-7 6-3 7-6 (8-6) in Friday’s first semi-final on a sweltering hot day at SW19.

A repeat of last year’s showpiece, it failed to live up to the five-set thriller of 12 months ago as Djokovic appeared mostly helpless against the dominant Spaniard.

After squandering three championship points when trying to serve out the victory, Alcaraz held his arms aloft after battling through the third-set tie-break for a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win.

“Honestly, it is a dream for me winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz.

“I did an interview when I was 11 and I said my dream is to win Wimbledon.”

Gracious in defeat, Djokovic shared a smile and warm embrace with Alcaraz at the net after the comprehensive defeat.

For a second straight year, Djokovic was attempting to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles.

The 24-time major winner was also trying to move ahead of Margaret Court to take sole ownership of the all-time record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.

As tradition now dictates, Alcaraz climbed up to the players’ box and was leapt upon by his team and family, celebrating a 14th consecutive match win at Wimbledon.

The result continues the four-time major winner’s 100% record in Grand Slam finals, while he becomes the youngest man to win at Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.

Krejcikova, a French Open winner in 2021, held her arms aloft as she sealed a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory on her third championship point.

She shared a warm embrace with Paolini at the net before looking up and blowing a kiss towards the sky.

With the victory, Krejcikova, 28, has emulated her late friend and coach Jana Novotna.

The 1998 Wimbledon champion died from ovarian cancer in 2017 at the age of 49.

“Jana was the one who told me I had the potential and I should definitely turn pro and try to make it. Before she passed away she told me to go and win a Slam,” Krejcikova said of her fellow Czech.

“I achieved that in Paris in 2021 and it was an unbelievable moment for me, and I never really dreamed that I would win the same trophy as Jana did in 1998.”

The 31st seed also followed in the footsteps of 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova to make it back-to-back triumphs for the Czech Republic in the women’s singles.

In keeping with Wimbledon tradition, Krejcikova clambered up to the players’ box to celebrate with her team and family, many of whom were in tears.

“I don’t have any words right now – it’s just unbelievable, it’s definitely the best day of my tennis career and also the best day of my life,” she added.

As the magnitude of her achievement sank in, Krejcikova, trophy in hand, burst into tears as she left Centre Court.

The result is a second straight Grand Slam final defeat for Paolini, who fell to Iga Swiatek in straight sets in last month’s French Open showpiece.

The 28-year-old was bidding to become Italy’s first women’s singles champion at Wimbledon.

Fifth seed Medvedev was attempting to avenge last year’s semi-final defeat when he fell in straight sets to the Spaniard.

But after faltering at the start of a thrilling sequel, Alcaraz soon bounced back to wrap up a 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 6-4 6-4 win.

The 21-year-old stretched out his arms and let out a roar when Medvedev fired wide on the first match point.

He will play seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in what will be a repeat of the 2023 showpiece after the Serb beat Lorenzo Musetti in the other last-four tie.

“It will be a good day for Spanish people as well,” Alcaraz said of Sunday, with Spain due to take on England in the Euro 2024 final later in the day.

That led to the Centre Court crowd briefly – and jokingly – booing him for hinting at his allegiance.

Smiling, the three-time major winner, added: “I didn’t say Spain are going to win – but I say it will be a fun, fun day.”

Alcaraz could become just the ninth man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title – after Djokovic, Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer.

It’s also his chance to win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros and SW19 – a rare accomplishment completed by his hero Rafael Nadal in both 2008 and 2010, and achieved most recently by Djokovic in 2021.

In an impressive display, the 37-year-old stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s singles title at Wimbledon with a comprehensive 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory on Centre Court.

Musetti, 22, had one chance to get the break back in the final set but sent a forehand into the top of the net and then crouched down with his head in his hands, knowing the end was near.

Djokovic made sure his opponent did not get another opportunity.

He forced the Italian under pressure, with Musetti sending a shot long as Djokovic calmly walked to the net, showing no signs of celebration, but knowing he had reached his 37th Grand Slam final and 10th at Wimbledon.

The Serb then moved his racquet over his shoulder and imitated playing a violin, in a gesture aimed at his six-year-old daughter Tara, with television cameras showing her grinning along.

Some fans, however, started booing, thinking Djokovic, who produced the same celebration following his win over Holger Rune in the last 16, was being disrespectful to Musetti.

Alcaraz beat Djokovic in last year’s showpiece, winning 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in a five-set epic, which lasted four hours 42 minutes and is regarded one of the best matches in the tournament’s history.

The pair meet again on Sunday in what could be another amazing chapter in Wimbledon folklore.

‘Alcaraz as complete a player as they come’

Asked about Spaniard Alcaraz, Djokovic said: “He’s a great example of a player that has an all-round balance, he has a great team around him, great values in his life, a lot of charisma and is someone who carries himself superbly – and that’s one of the reasons why is so popular.

“He’s one of the greatest 21-year-olds we’ve ever seen and we’re going to see a lot of him in the future, no doubt. He’s going to win many Grand Slams, but hopefully not in two days. He can do it when I retire.”

Djokovic, who is 16 years older than Alcaraz, added: “He already beat me here in a Wimbledon final in a five-set thriller so I don’t expect anything less than a huge battle.

“He is as complete a player as they come, so it’s going to take the best of my ability to beat him.”

Could this be Djokovic’s greatest success?

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, but this one would surely be the most remarkable of them all if he could defeat Alcaraz on Centre Court.

The Serb had to withdraw injured from May’s French Open before his quarter-final after suffering a medial meniscus tear in his right knee.

Djokovic underwent surgery in early June and his participation in this tournament was in doubt. Yet now he is just one match away from not only equalling Roger Federer’s tally of eight Wimbledon titles, but also surpassing Margaret Court’s total of 24 Grand Slam championships.

“There was plenty of doubt,” admitted Djokovic. “I came into London eight days before the tournament started. I didn’t know [if I would play] and was keeping everything open until the day of the draw.

“I played a couple of practice sets with top players and that proved to me I was in a good enough state to not just be in Wimbledon, but to go deep into the tournament. That kind of mentality is there and is ever present. Thank you to the team members for helping me.”

Djokovic was playing for the first time since Monday when he beat Denmark’s Rune in the last 16, but then accused some of the fans of disrespecting him.

Some supporters were chanting the Dane’s name, but stretching out the start of it, with Djokovic saying it was used as an opportunity to boo him.

There had been fears the same thing might happen on Friday, using Musetti’s name, in an attempt to unsettle Djokovic. But the match was largely played amid a wonderful atmosphere with both players receiving plenty of support and applause when merited.

There threatened to be a flashpoint in the third set when a point was challenged, with Djokovic unhappy, and a delay to the action led to some boos heard from a few fans.

But the situation was soon dealt with, before Djokovic glared at a fan who called out when he was playing a shot shortly after he had just failed to take a match point. Again, the tension quickly passed as the match was played to a conclusion.

In one of the best matches of the tournament, Paolini missed two match points and was 8-7 behind in the 10-point tie-break before recovering to clinch an incredible victory.

The match lasted two hours 51 minutes, making it the longest women’s singles semi-final at Wimbledon, with the Italian winning 2-6 6-4 7-6 (10-8).

Seventh seed Paolini will now face Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova after she claimed a remarkable 3-6 6-3 6-4 comeback victory against Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion.

It means there will be a new name etched into the Venus Rosewater Dish following Saturday’s final.

Paolini, who had never won a match at this tournament before this year but who has gained huge popularity with her enthusiasm, bubbly personality and incredible shot-making skills, said: “I was serving really bad so I am so happy. This match I will remember forever.

“I was just trying to think about what to do on the court, point by point, because I was really in difficulty.”

Vekic, who was also struggling with an injury to her lower right arm, was seen in tears at the changeover before the tie-break as the match was slipping away from her.

“I thought I was going to die in the third set,” said a tearful Vekic in the post-match news conference. “I had so much pain in my arm, in my leg. It was not easy out there, but I will recover.

“I was more crying because I had so much pain, I didn’t know how I could keep playing. My team tells me I can be proud of myself.

“It’s tough right now. It’s really tough to be positive right now. It was so close.”​​​​​​​

Paolini delights Wimbledon crowd with ‘dream’ win’

Paolini lost in the French Open final in May and is the first woman to reach back-to-back Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals since Serena Williams in 2016.

“I think these last months have been crazy for me,” added Paolini. “I don’t know, I am just trying to focus on what I have to do on court and enjoying what I am doing.

“I love playing tennis. It is a dream. I was watching finals when I was a kid at Wimbledon. I am just enjoying it and trying to live in the present.”

The 28-year-old Italian had lost all three of her matches here before this year, but has now created history – and has a chance of becoming the first Italian player, male or female, to win a Wimbledon singles title.

Paolini had never reached the second week of a Grand Slam until six weeks ago when she made the French Open final.

But she has quickly become a fans’ favourite, with every successful point won against Vekic gaining a huge reception, with the majority of supporters cheering on the Italian.

Paolini seemed to thrive on that support and the energy around Centre Court as Vekic struggled against her opponent and the crowd, which gave a deserved standing ovation to both players.

Heartbreak for beaten Vekic after career-saving run

IMAGE SOURCE: PA MEDIA

Image caption: Donna Vekic is set to move up to 21st in the world rankings, only two places off her best ever position, following her run to the Wimbledon semi-finals

Croat Vekic, also aiming to reach her first Grand Slam final, stormed through the first set and then led 4-3 with a break of serve in the deciding set, needing only two holds of serve for victory.

But amid sensational scenes on Centre Court, the hugely popular Paolini managed to instantly get the match back on serve.

She failed to convert a match-point chance in the 10th game and then another two games later as the encounter went to a 10-point tie-break.

Vekic led 8-7 in that, as the lead had constantly changed hands and was two points from victory, but Paolini, chasing down every ball and able to unleash wonderfully-accurate forehand shots, went ahead and then kept her nerve to seal the win.

Just a month ago, Vekic, 28, was on the verge of quitting tennis, having struggled with a run of injuries. But the world number 37 had found a golden run of form which could have rescued her career, with her set to move up 16 places in the rankings.

Vekic was aiming to become the second successive unseeded player winning the women’s tournament after Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic became the first female player to ever do so when she lifted the trophy 12 months ago.

Vekic played a full part in a thrilling match that will live long in the memory, but Paolini was the one who was celebrating at the dramatic end.

Krejcikova fights back to stun favourite Rybakina

Rybakina had fast become the favourite for the women’s singles title at Wimbledon following a flurry of high-profile exits earlier in the tournament.

After Paolini and Vekic played out the longest women’s semi-final at Wimbledon, it looked like the 25-year-old would make quick work of Thursday’s second match on Centre Court when she raced to a 4-0 lead before snapping up the first set.

But Krejcikova struck back in the second and, with the crowd behind her, she needed just a single break of serve to take control of the decider.

The 31st seed shot her arms into the air in celebration when fourth seed Rybakina fired long on the first match point.

“I am so proud about my game and my fighting spirit today,” Krejcikova said.

Asked if she ever believed she would reach a Wimbledon singles final, she said “no, never” before paying tribute to 1998 Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna, who coached Krejcikova before she died in 2017 at the age of 49.

“I am fighting for every ball and I am sure that is what she would want me to do,” she added.

It is the first time Krejcikova – a doubles specialist – has reached a Wimbledon singles final, and her first at a Grand Slam since she triumphed at the French Open in 2021.

It marks a remarkable return to form for the 28-year-old, who had a far-from-perfect build-up to Wimbledon – winning just three matches in the five months before the Championships after struggling with a back injury and illness.

Kazakhstan’s Rybakina was a level above Svitolina in a 6-3 6-2 victory that took just 62 minutes, and will play in the last four for the first time since she won the competition in 2022.

The 25-year-old will face Czech Barbora Krejcikova, who battled past Jelena Ostapenko on Court One to reach the last four at Wimbledon for the first time.

Rybakina and Svitolina traded breaks in the opening games of an initially even first set, with the Ukrainian then dropping serve to love when trailing 4-3.

Rybakina carried her momentum through to the second set, immediately breaking with a deep forehand into the corner.

She broke again at 4-2 and served out for the match to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time since she reached the Australian Open final in 2023.

The result ended Svitolina’s run, with the Ukrainian unable to repeat her semi-final appearance of last year.

Svitolina, 29, said she “tried everything in her power” to advance but felt she was unable to match Rybakina’s aggressive style.

“It’s very, very difficult because I feel like I’m in a good form,” she added.

“Of course, when the opponent is striking the ball that big, everything goes in. Serve goes really quick. Lots of aces. It’s tough to do anything.”

Rybakina has hit the joint-most aces at this year’s tournament, tied on 31 with New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun, and is the only former winner left in the women’s draw.

Krejcikova battles past Ostapenko

Krejcikova started the 2024 season as the world number 10, but she has been hampered by a back injury and illness, causing her to slip to 32nd in the rankings.

But a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win to move past fellow Roland Garros champion Ostapenko marks an impressive return to form for the 28-year-old.

The 31st seed had not advanced past the last eight of a Grand Slam since triumphing at the French Open in 2021.

“It’s an unbelievable moment that I’m experiencing right now in my tennis career,” Krejcikova said.

“There have been many doubts from inside but also from the outside world, but I’m super happy that I never give up and that I’m standing here right now and that I qualified to be in the semi-finals.”

Apart from a double fault in her first service game, Krejcikova was clinical on her serve and a single break at 1-1 was enough for her to clinch the opening set.

But Ostapenko, a notorious slow starter, struck the first blow in the second, letting out a huge roar as Krejcikova netted and a topsy-turvy set followed.

Hitting erratic forehands, Ostapenko continued to wrestle through her service games.

After saving three break points en route to a 4-1 lead, she conceded twice to help her opponent nudge ahead.

However, Krejcikova became tense when attempting to serve out the match and a nervy double fault brought her big-hitting opponent level.

Krejcikova, cheered on by the Court One crowd, asserted control in the tie-break before raising her hands outstretched in celebration after sealing a semi-final spot on her second match point.

Elena Rybakina, champion in 2022, is the highest-ranked player left in the competition and is playing some of her best tennis since she lifted the title.

Take, for example, her quarter-final win against Elina Svitolina. It took just 61 minutes, with Rybakina hitting an impressive 28 winners.

The Kazakh world number four will bid for a second Wimbledon final in three years when she faces 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova in the second semi-final on Centre Court on Thursday.

“This is something I want to achieve, I want to do again,” said Rybakina.

“Everybody wants to win. Everybody’s going to fight.”

Rybakina arrived at Wimbledon with limited grass-court preparation, having retired from her second-round match at the Berlin Open with abdominal pain and then withdrawing from Eastbourne.

But she has been in formidable form, dropping just one set – against Laura Siegemund in the second round – and extending her impressive SW19 record to 19 wins from 21 matches.

Her win percentage of 90.5 is bettered only by Ann Jones and Steffi Graf in the Wimbledon women’s singles in the Open era.

“I think that’s an amazing statistic,” Rybakina told BBC Sport.

“When I first played on grass I didn’t feel comfortable, but my coach told me ‘you were born for this, you just need to keep going’.'”

He proved correct, with Rybakina clinching the title on just her second main-draw appearance.

She has moved through the gears this year in a draw that saw rival Aryna Sabalenka withdraw before her first match and top two seeds Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff lose in the third and fourth rounds respectively.

So who – if anyone – can stop Rybakina this year?

Paolini, Krejcikova and Vekic bid for history

Krejcikova will take heart from her 2-0 head-to-head record against Rybakina, coming through in three sets in meetings in 2021 and 2022.

However, the pair have yet to meet on a grass court.

The Czech began the season as the world number 10, but she has slipped down the rankings since after being hampered by illness and a back injury.

Krejcikova is the only other Grand Slam singles champion left in the draw, but she has not played in a major semi-final since her French Open triumph in 2021.

Rybakina will also know that Krejcikova has produced numerous shocks this fortnight, upsetting 11th seed Danielle Collins in the fourth round and in-form Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals.

In Thursday’s other semi-final, seventh seed Jasmine Paolini faces Donna Vekic in the second semi-final on Centre.

Italian Paolini is a late bloomer. She had never reached the second week of a Grand Slam until six weeks ago when she stormed to the French Open final.

Incredibly, she had not won a main draw match at Wimbledon until this summer’s tournament.

She beat world number 12 Madison Keys in the fourth round before taking just 58 minutes to dismantle 19th seed Emma Navarro in the quarter-finals.

Her opponent Vekic is also appearing in a first Wimbledon semi-final.

Just a month ago, the 28-year-old Croat was on the verge of quitting tennis, having struggled with a run of injuries.

Now she is on the best Grand Slam run of her career, having beaten qualifier Lulu Sun to reach a first major semi-final.

Brits meet in men’s doubles semi-final

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Briton Neal Skupski won the men’s doubles title last year alongside Wesley Koolhof

There is guaranteed to be a British man in the men’s doubles final, with Liverpool’s Neal Skupski and Colchester-born Henry Patten facing one another in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Skupski won last year’s tournament alongside Dutchman Wesley Koolhof but is now partnering New Zealander Michael Venus.

Patten is paired with Finland’s Harri Heliovaara, with the British duo set to meet in the second match on Court One.

In the other semi-final, top seeds Marcel Granollers of Argentina and Spain’s Horacio Zeballos face Australian duo Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.

Musetti fought back from a set and a break of serve down to beat American 13th seed Fritz 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 3-6 6-1 in a thrilling quarter-final.

Asked what the victory meant to him, Italy’s Musetti said: “After the birth of my son, I will put this in the second position.

“Of course, for my career it is the best day of my life.”

Djokovic had earlier moved into the final four without having to take to the court after scheduled opponent Alex de Minaur, the Australian ninth seed, withdrew because of a hip injury.

Musetti’s record against Djokovic, who he will face on Friday, is not a good one. He has won just one of their six meetings, with losses in the French Open at both the last-16 phase in 2021 and round three in May.

Musetti described Djokovic as a “legend, especially here at Wimbledon”.

“I’m expecting a big, big fight and it’s one of the toughest challenges on tour but I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged,” he added.

Entertaining Musetti gains best win of career

Fritz had come into this match in great form after coming back from two sets down to beat fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the last 16.

On a packed Court One, and with the roof open, Fritz continued that momentum, holding off two break points in the opening game before securing the decisive break himself in the fourth game.

He broke the Italian’s serve again at the start of the second set, but the athletic Musetti, with an entertaining, attacking style and a great range of shots, showed his fighting spirit by instantly getting the break back.

Musetti missed a set-point chance in the 10th game of the second set, which went to a tie-break, but the 25th seed moved 4-1 ahead and stayed in front for the rest of it.

A third set was dominated by Musetti in his first Grand Slam quarter-final, but Fritz responded with some of his best tennis of the match in the fourth to force a decider.

Giving the nature of the previous four sets, it was then a surprise to see Musetti race clear into a 5-0 advantage as he closed in on the semi-finals. Fritz slipped and may have injured his knee as the Italian moved to match point, but he was able to face one more point, which Musetti won to seal a superb victory.

Fritz has now lost all four of his Grand Slam quarter-finals after exiting at this stage at Wimbledon two years ago, the US Open last year and the Australian Open in January.

Since the Open era began in 1968, the United States have had more men’s Wimbledon champions than any other nation with 15 successes, but Fritz’s elimination means another year has gone by without an American winner.

Musetti’s run is another great moment for Italian tennis. Jannik Sinner is the current world number one, Matteo Berrettini lost to Djokovic in the 2021 final, but there has never been an Italian men’s singles champion at Wimbledon.

Could that change this year?

Medvedev, who defeated world number one Jannik Sinner, will be looking to avenge his defeat in the 2023 last-four match that Alcaraz won in straight sets on his way to taking the title.

Alcaraz was a set and a break of serve down on Court One on Tuesday against American Paul, the 12th seed, but recovered to win 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2 in a match that lasted three hours 11 minutes.

Meanwhile, Medvedev had to fight every bit as hard as he defeated Sinner 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 6-3 win in four hours on Centre Court.

Alcaraz has already won three Grand Slam titles at the age of 21, while Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, will be aiming to reach the Wimbledon final for the first time.

“Daniil’s a really great player. It’s the same semi-final as last year so hopefully I’m going to get the same result,” said Alcaraz.

“He just won against Sinner, the best player right now, so he’s in really good shape and I have to play my best.

“I have to believe in myself and try to keep going. It’s going to be difficult but I’m going to enjoy it.”

‘I believe in myself the whole time’

Spaniard Alcaraz is a keen football fan and had spoken of his desire to be able to watch Spain in their Euro 2024 semi-final against France later on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old looked like he was in a rush to finish his match as he instantly piled on the pressure and took his sixth break-point opportunity to move 2-1 ahead.

However, Paul, the champion at Queen’s Club last month, instantly got back on serve as a pulsating encounter full of breathtaking shots, power and commitment played out in front of an enthralled Court One crowd.

The sixth game lasted more than 15 minutes, with Paul, in his first Wimbledon quarter-final, missing three chances of a break.

But that did not prove costly.

He was two points from the opening set in the 10th game, but got over the line two games later, finishing off a delightful passing shot which Alcaraz at full stretch could not reach.

Paul took a 2-0 lead in the second set, but from then on Alcaraz recovered and stamped his authority thanks to his court coverage, ability to find spectacular winners and his impressive first serves.

The opening three games of the third set saw neither player able to hold serve, but with Paul tiring and starting to produce unforced errors, Alcaraz pulled clear and sealed a superb victory.

“When I lost the first set it was difficult,” said Alcaraz. “But I knew it’s a really long journey so I had to stay there.

“If I’m struggling and the opponent is playing great tennis, I believe I’ll be able to come back and find solutions – I believe in myself the whole time.”

‘Really happy with my game’

Medvedev ended his losing streak against Sinner in a captivating contest.

Italian top seed Sinner, who was hampered by illness, had won his most recent five encounters against Medvedev – including January’s Australian Open final.

But Russian fifth seed Medvedev avenged that Melbourne result.

“I knew if I wanted to beat Jannik it needs to be a tough match,” said Medvedev.

“I’m really happy to win, really happy with my game and looking forward.”​​​​​​​

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Medvedev is through to a second straight Wimbledon semi-final

In their Australian Open title match, Sinner made an incredible comeback from two sets down to claim his maiden Grand Slam trophy.

On Tuesday, the 22-year-old took an early lead when Medvedev cracked first in a tie-break – double-faulting on Sinner’s second set point.

However, Sinner started to appear unwell and struggled to maintain his intensity levels as Medvedev patiently rode out the second set after breaking early.

Still out of sorts and after dropping serve early once again, Sinner called for a medical timeout in the third set, receiving attention before going off the court for almost 10 minutes.

He returned with renewed energy and the support of the crowd, slowly working his way back. Sinner could not capitalise on two set points, though, as Medvedev held firm and came out on top in a tie-break to nudge ahead in the match.

Former teenage prodigy Sinner raced through the fourth set to take the match into a decider – to the delight of the Centre Court crowd.

But it was Medvedev who finished the stronger, breaking for a 3-1 lead before sealing victory with a backhand winner on his first match point.

The Kazakh won her maiden Grand Slam title and lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish when she defeated Ons Jabeur in the 2022 final.

As the highest-ranked player remaining this year, the fourth seed is widely seen as an overwhelming favourite to secure the famous trophy once more.

Rybakina faces Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina as their quarter-final opens up play on Centre Court on Wednesday at 13:30 BST.

Following that, Novak Djokovic will return to Centre Court to face Alex de Minaur – two days after accusing fans of being disrespectful towards him during a fourth-round win against Holger Rune.

On Court One, Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko plays Czech Barbora Krejcikova in a match between former French Open winners at 13:00 BST before Italian Lorenzo Musetti goes up against 13th seed Taylor Fritz.

‘Still a lot of good players’ for Rybakina to get past

Rybakina said her Wimbledon triumph from two years ago can only help her to an extent this time.

“I don’t really think about this when I go on the court,” she said. “Of course it gives more confidence, but no matter what there are still a lot of good players.”

As for being a firm favourite, Rybakina said: “It feels good if people think so, but it’s still far to go to the final. There are a lot of matches in front of me. Definitely I want to go far and try to win.”

The 25-year-old will take belief from her most recent meeting with 21st seed Svitolina, a player she defeated in straight sets at the French Open last month.

Attempting to reach the semi-finals in SW19 for a second year running, Svitolina returns after an emotional win over China’s Wang Xinyu in the fourth round.

She said it was “one of the most difficult matches in my life” after learning in the morning that Russian strikes had killed dozens of people and seriously damaged a children’s hospital in her native Ukraine.

Asked if she would shake hands with Russian-born Rybakina, who changed allegiance in 2018 after receiving greater financial support from Kazakhstan, Svitolina said: “She changed her nationality, so it means she doesn’t want to represent her original country, so it works.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic continues his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title when he takes on Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur, who is into his first Wimbledon quarter-final.

Djokovic accused some of the Centre Court crowd of using a Holger Rune chant as “an excuse to boo” him on Monday, and he was backed up by American tennis legend John McEnroe who estimated the Serb had been disrespected at least 100 times in his career.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Fritz to use experience of Djokovic and Nadal defeats

Court One will stage a major test for in-form 13th seed Ostapenko, who has yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament and is attempting to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the first time since 2018.

She faces a tricky opponent in Krejcikova, albeit Ostapenko has won five of their seven previous encounters.

American Fritz will be hoping to build on his previous Grand Slam quarter-final experience when he plays Musetti, who has reached the last eight of a major for the first time.

Fritz has never advanced past the quarter-finals of a Slam in three attempts, falling to Djokovic twice, while he lost to Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2022.

“This will be my first quarter-final where I’m the more experienced person in Slam quarter-finals, having played Novak twice and Rafa once,” Fritz said.

“Hopefully that will help me a little bit.”

Despite appearing to struggle with a stomach issue, Djokovic beat the 15th seed 6-3 6-4 6-2 on a rowdy Centre Court.

Rune received the backing of many in attendance, who cheered him along with drawn-out bellowing of his name which Djokovic angrily took to be booing.

“They were [disrespecting me],” Djokovic said.

“I don’t accept it. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo.

“I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years – trust me, I know all the tricks, I know how it works. You guys can’t touch me.”

The 37-year-old is going for an eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th Grand Slam overall.

He will next play Alex de Minaur, who booked his spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-3 win against France’s Arthur Fils.

The real drama of the day in the men’s singles came as American Taylor Fritz produced a magnificent escape act by battling from two sets down to beat fourth seed Alexander Zverev.​​​​​​​

Before Monday’s final match on Centre Court, Djokovic said there would be “fireworks” when he faced Rune.

The Dane had defeated Djokovic twice before – wins that helped establish him as one of the sport’s rising stars.

However, he rarely came close to troubling the second seed on this occasion, failing to make the most of just two break points.

Still sporting a knee support on his right leg following surgery in June, Djokovic got off to a lightning start, winning the first 12 points and assuming a 3-0 advantage.

Djokovic seemed to struggle with a stomach problem early in the second set, clutching his abdomen and taking deep breaths between points.

However, he was still able to assert control for the remainder of the match and secured the straightforward victory in a little over two hours.

Fritz comes back for ‘dream’ win against Zverev

Fritz, the 13th seed, gained a 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 victory over his German opponent Zverev on Centre Court prior to Djokovic’s evening match.

Zverev was aiming to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time and did not face a break point in the opening two sets.

But Fritz, 26, became the first player to break the Zverev serve at this tournament during the third set, before edging the fourth to move the match into a decider.

Zverev was wearing a support on his left knee after slipping in the late stages of his third-round win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie, and as he faded a crucial break went the way of Fritz in the fourth game of the final set.

For Fritz, a second appearance in the last eight at Wimbledon awaits him, two years after he lost to Rafael Nadal in a five-set thriller at that stage. It will be a fourth Grand Slam quarter-final in all for him, and he has yet to go further.

Zverev had been only two games away from victory in the third set but has now fallen at the last-16 stage of Wimbledon on three occasions after experiencing the same fate in 2017 and 2021.

“It was amazing to do that on Centre Court, two sets down in front of this crowd. It’s a dream,” said a victorious Fritz, who gained only the third win of his career from being two sets behind.

“I still felt I was playing really well despite being down two sets. I was just thinking it sucked to be playing this well and to lose in straights.

“It’s a second time in the quarter-finals, but this time I felt I earned it a lot more so I’m really excited for the chance.”

Musetti ends lucky loser’s excellent run

Next for Fritz will be Lorenzo Musetti, who reached his first Slam quarter-final by surging past lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard earlier in the day.

Italian 25th seed Musetti struggled against his big-serving French opponent in the first set before adapting his approach to win 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-2.

Defeat ended an impressive run for Mpetshi Perricard, who was attempting to become the first lucky loser, man or woman, to reach the singles quarter-finals of a Grand Slam.

An emotional Musetti said after his victory: “It is a really phenomenal day for me.”

Playing on his 21st birthday, Mpetshi Perricard entertained the court two crowd in the early stages with trick shots and huge serves.

He lost in the final round of qualifying before being handed a reprieve after withdrawals from the main draw, and then made eye-catching progress – until Musetti had too much for him.

The 22-year-old Musetti said: “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid. I always had a really beautiful family that always supported me.”

The win continues an impressive grass-court swing for Musetti, who was a runner-up to Tommy Paul at Queen’s Club last month.

Australian De Minaur, the ninth seed, booked his spot in the quarter-finals for the first time with a solid win over Fils on Court One.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is 16 years Rune’s senior but doesn’t underestimate the challenge the Dane will pose when they close proceedings on Centre Court.

“Rune’s a spectacular player, no doubt. He loves the big stage, loves playing on grass. I think he’s a very, very tricky opponent,” said second seed Djokovic.

The 37-year-old is going for an eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th Grand Slam overall.

“It’s going to take my best tennis to win,” he added.

“I actually get along very well with [Rune]. He’s a very nice guy, always has been to me and to my team, and vice versa.”

The pair have met five times previously, with Serb Djokovic winning on three occasions, including the two most recent, on hard courts in 2023.

“I always try to be available to him for any practice or advice or guidance or anything like that,” said Djokovic.

“I think we have quite similar styles of tennis. But when it comes to playing on the court and competing, obviously we both have that fire. I’m sure that on Monday, we’ll see a lot of fireworks on the court.”

Following knee surgery just weeks before arriving at SW19, Djokovic is yet to win a match in straight sets at the All England Club but Rune said he still expects a “tough battle”.

“I’m expecting nothing but a great level from him. I know he did his surgery, but honestly, I practised with him in the first week, and I saw him playing a little bit,” said the 15th seed.

“He seems like he’s playing very well, feeling confident.”

Elsewhere on day eight of the Championships, American 13th seed Taylor Fritz will take on German fifth seed Alexander Zverev on Centre Court while Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur opens play on Court One against France’s Arthur Fils.

Women’s singles draw wide open after shock exits

Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina will open play on Centre Court against 17th seed Anna Kalinskaya with her sights fixed on the quarter-finals after a string of shock exits in the women’s draw.

After second seed Coco Gauff’s straight-set defeat by fellow American Emma Navarro on Sunday, 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina is the last of the top five seeds still in the competition.

Only two of the top 10 remain, with Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini through to the last eight.

Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva sent number one seed Iga Swiatek out on Saturday and her reward is an outing on Court One against Latvian 13th seed Jelena Ostapenko in round four.

American 11th seed Danielle Collins takes on Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova in the final match scheduled for Court One.

On court two, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, seeded 21st, will look to avoid slipping up against China’s Wang Xinyu.

The British wildcard, 21, lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 in a dramatic contest on Centre Court.

Raducanu had levelled the match and regained some confidence after a stunning performance from an inspired Sun.

Then Raducanu slipped on the baseline in the first game of the third set.

The 2021 US Open champion stayed down on the grass and shook her head before getting back to her feet.

The game was stopped at 15-30 on Raducanu’s serve and she received treatment – on her leg and back – while laid out on the court.

“I’ve been managing a stiff back since yesterday. I was feeling it during the match,” Raducanu said.

“I think especially on serve, it was affecting me a bit.”

A roar of encouragement greeted Raducanu when it became clear she would carry on.

However, she gingerly lost serve immediately and could not recover the break.

Her movement during points improved, despite clasping her back between games, but she was broken again for 5-2 and could not take either of two break points before Sun served out on her second match point.

It means the world number 135 missed out on reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time in her career, while there are no British players left in the singles draws at the All England Club.

“It was a difficult match. I think Lulu played really good tennis,” added Raducanu.

“I gave my best, I fought really hard. Her tennis was better and she deserved the win.”

Raducanu defeat deflates Wimbledon

Optimism had been rapidly building around Raducanu after she confidently breezed through her opening three matches without dropping a set.

But a confident Sun, who had never won a main-draw match at a Grand Slam until this tournament, demonstrated the powerful game which has allowed her to break new ground.

The quality of her performance disrupted former world number 10 Raducanu and deflated an expectant home crowd.

Raducanu’s defeat came a day after she pulled out of a planned mixed doubles appearance alongside fellow Briton Andy Murray, citing “stiffness” in her right wrist.

Even though it was a sensible precaution having needed surgery on the same wrist last year, the move led to some criticism given it denied Murray the chance to play again in his Wimbledon farewell.

Raducanu looked in good spirits when she practised earlier on Sunday. The smile has returned to her face during the British grass-court swing and a renewed sense of enjoyment has led to some of her best tennis since winning the US Open.

With that came increased expectation, which was further fuelled by facing a qualifier for a place in the quarter-finals.

But, as Raducanu herself said before the contest, qualifiers are dangerous. Her prudence proved prophetic.

Sun rises again

Raducanu achieved a fairytale when she won as a teenage qualifier in New York almost three years ago.

This time, it is Sun’s dreams which are coming true.

Sun, a left-hander born in New Zealand who represented Switzerland until this year, oozed confidence like a player does when they have already won six matches in a row on the Wimbledon grass.

Flashy winners came behind a superb serve, while the confident bounce in her step allowed her to finish off 23 of 28 points at the net.

The 23-year-old was overcome by emotion after reaching the last eight in only the second Grand Slam main-draw appearance of her career.

She had never won at a major until beating Chinese eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in a first-round shock that kick-started this stunning run.

“I had to fight tooth and nail because Emma will still run for every ball and fight until the end,” she said.

“I don’t have the words right now.”

Now Sun will face Croatia’s Donna Vekic, ranked 37th in the world, for a place in the semi-finals.

Second seed Gauff was the highest-ranked player remaining, following Iga Swiatek’s surprise defeat by Yulia Putintseva on Saturday.

But the 20-year-old followed the world number one out of the door at SW19 after falling to a 6-4 6-3 defeat by 19th seed Navarro.

It meant there were just two top-10 players remaining in the women’s draw – fourth seed Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini, who is seeded seventh.

Wimbledon has been Gauff’s toughest Grand Slam to crack having never gone past the fourth round.

She has made it to the semi-finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, while she won her first major at last year’s US Open.

Navarro will play Italian Paolini, who is also into the Wimbledon last eight for the first time after a tearful Madison Keys retired with an injury in the deciding set of their match.

Navarro outplays Gauff for biggest career win

Gauff had breezed through the first three rounds at this year’s Championships, underlining her title credentials with commanding wins.

But in her first test against a player in the world’s top 20, unforced errors came to the fore while she struggled to deal with the variety of Navarro’s game.

The pair looked evenly matched in the first set, trading breaks before Navarro struck a decisive blow with a forehand winner at 5-4.

Despite being cheered on with chants of “let’s go Coco, let’s go”, Gauff couldn’t find a way back after her opponent broke for a 3-1 lead in the second.

“I don’t have a ton of words but just really grateful to be out here on Centre Court,” said Navarro, who sealed the biggest win of her career on her third match point.

“A tournament with so much history and tradition that so many legends have played on before – it’s a real honour.”

The win continued a breakthrough season for the Navarro, who is into the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time.

The 23-year-old won her first WTA title at the Hobart International in January, while she also reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time at last month’s French Open.

Injured Keys’ retirement sends Paolini into last eight

American Keys, 29, was forced to stop with the score locked at 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 5-5 on Court One.

She appeared to pick up the injury when she hit a forehand while serving for victory at 5-2 in the final set.

Keys, 29, took a medical timeout at the change of ends when leading 5-4 and was treated before leaving the court.

The 12th seed reappeared with strapping high on her thigh and was clearly hampered by the injury.

Paolini, 28, broke again to level at 5-5 before Keys decided she could no longer continue.

“Right now I’m so sorry for her,” said Paolini. “To end the match like this is bad. What can I say?

“I think we played a really good match. It was tough, a lot of ups and downs. I’m feeling a bit happy but also sad for her. It’s not easy to win like that.”

French Open finalist Paolini had never won a match in the Wimbledon main draw before this year’s tournament.

After winning the first set, she trailed in the second 5-1 but rallied brilliantly to force a tie-break – which Keys eventually took on her fourth set point.

Keys established a big lead again in the decider before her injury dashed her dreams.

Elsewhere, Croatian Donna Vekic progressed to the last eight by overcoming Spaniard Paula Badosa in three sets.

The world number 37 won 6-2 1-6 6-4 in a rain-interrupted game on court two.

Vekic will play New Zealand’s Lulu Sun in the quarter-finals after her win over Briton Emma Raducanu.

Raducanu, 21, was beaten 6-2 5-7 6-2 by New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the fourth round on Sunday.

It was a disappointing exit after a series of dominant performances had heightened excitement at the All England Club.

But, having reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since winning the 2021 US Open, Raducanu reflected positively on the past week.

“I feel good about things going forwards. I feel optimistic,” said Raducanu, who is set to move back inside the world’s top 100 next week.

“As bitter as it is to take, I think [this defeat] happened for a reason.

“You don’t want things to happen too easily and too quickly. I had that before. I don’t necessarily want just a massive spike.”

Raducanu, who was given a wildcard for the All England Club, was outplayed for much of a fascinating contest.

Having won six matches in a row on the SW19 grass, Sun oozed confidence and hit a flurry of winners.

Raducanu wrestled back momentum by winning the second set but lost serve early in the decider shortly after needing treatment following a fall.

The opening game of the third set was stopped and she received treatment – on her leg and back – while laid out on the court.

Having missed last year’s Wimbledon after having operations on both wrists and her ankle, she added: “Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon.

“Of course I’m disappointed. Of course I want more.

“It fuels the fire and makes me more hungry.”

‘Tough’ Murray decision was ‘right call’

Raducanu’s defeat came a day after she pulled out of a planned mixed doubles appearance alongside fellow Briton Andy Murray, citing “stiffness” in her right wrist.

Even though it was a sensible precaution – she had needed surgery on the same wrist last year – the move led to some criticism, given it denied Murray the chance to play again in his Wimbledon farewell.

Raducanu said it was a “tough” decision, adding she still stood by “making the right call”.

“With every decision, people are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision,” she said.

“I don’t think I would have done it any other way.

“I think in this sport, especially as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself.

“Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.”

The 21-year-old Spaniard held off a late charge from 16th seed Humbert to win 6-3 6-4 1-6 7-5 and move into the last eight at SW19.

It took Alcaraz’s winning streak at Grand Slams to 11 following his French Open triumph last month.

“I feel great playing today, I think I played a really high level,” he said.

“Playing a leftie, I try not to think about it and play my own game.”

Alcaraz will next face American 12th seed Tommy Paul, the Queen’s Club champion, who defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.

Meanwhile, world number one Jannik Sinner defeated American 14th seed Ben Shelton 6-2 6-4 7-6 (11-9).

Shelton, who won in five sets in his first three rounds, had four set points in the third-set tie-break.

Sinner, 22, will play Daniil Medvedev next after the Russian fifth seed benefitted from Grigor Dimitrov’s early retirement with a leg injury.

The Bulgarian 10th seed took a medical timeout before deciding, at 5-3 down in the first set, not to continue.

It seemed unlikely Sunday’s opening match on Centre Court would live up to the five-set classic Alcaraz played against Frances Tiafoe on Friday.

And it became even more improbable when, with little effort, he found himself two sets up in what appeared a relatively dull encounter.

But the three-time major winner suddenly faltered in the third set and Humbert stepped up to take advantage.

The Frenchman, 26, raised his intensity, hitting the chalk with brilliant winners and breaking serve three times to force a fourth set.

Both players struggled to hold in a tense set, and an increasingly frustrated Alcaraz turned to the crowd and his team for help, waving his arms animatedly to stir up support.

With their backing, the defending champion found another gear, impressively holding his serve under immense pressure and breaking for a 6-5 lead. Alcaraz then served out the match and, relieved, he applauded all four corners of Centre Court in appreciation.

Sinner ‘glad to close it in three’

Under the roof on Court One, Shelton, perhaps feeling the effects of playing on a sixth day out of seven in the tournament so far, fell two sets down in just over an hour.

However, Shelton fought back in the third and used a boisterous Court One crowd to break for a 2-0 lead.

Australian Open champion Sinner pulled level and pulled off a stunning between-the-legs shot from a deep Shelton return that drew gasps from the crowd.

After saving the set points, Sinner’s victory was secured when Shelton double-faulted at 10-9 down.

“It was a tough match, especially the third set. I had to keep saving set point. These matches can go long but I was glad to close it in three,” said Sinner.

After a slow start on Centre Court, Djokovic, who has 24 Grand Slam titles, won 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

He will play Holger Rune next after the Danish 15th seed mounted a comeback of his own, prevailing over Frenchman Quentin Halys in five sets having trailed by two.

“A very challenging match, I think mentally as well, to hang in there,” said Djokovic.

“I was not allowed to have too big concentration lapses. I think I’ve done well in that regard. That was one of the best tie-breaks I’ve played this year, that’s for sure.”

Popyrin, who had never been beyond the second round in four previous visits to Wimbledon, came out with intent and took the first set with a break of serve in game seven.

But a lengthy break before the start of the second set as the roof was closed played into Djokovic’s hands, as the Serb started to find his rhythm.

The 37-year-old, still sporting a knee support on his right leg following surgery in June, broke Popyrin in the fourth game.

There was a brief interruption to play late in the set when fans on Centre Court burst into celebration as England beat Switzerland on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

Fortunately, both players saw the funny side as Djokovic mimicked kicking a football and Popyrin raised his arms to imitate making a save.

Djokovic went on to wrap up the set with his 1,000th ace in the men’s singles at Wimbledon – just the sixth male player to achieve that feat.

Momentum remained with Djokovic in the third, breaking Popyrin in the first game, and he dropped just three points on serve before another ace sealed the set.

The fourth set proved a much tighter affair, with Djokovic missing three break points before a tie-break was required to settle the match.

“I didn’t expect anything less than what we experienced on the court today from Alexei,” Djokovic added.

“With that serve and powerful forehand, he’s dangerous on any surface.

“I knew he was in form and he was going to come out believing he can win. He was the better player in the first set. I think I played a good second and third and the fourth was anybody’s game.

Shelton ‘100% ready to go the distance’ again

Meanwhile, Ben Shelton says he is “100% ready to go the distance” again after coming through a third successive five-set match to reach the Wimbledon fourth round.

The American 14th seed defeated 2021 semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2 on Court One.

Up next for Shelton is world number one Jannik Sinner on Sunday.

It will be a huge task for the 21-year-old, who has played on five of the six days in the Championships so far.

However, Shelton said he is “really excited” about facing the Italian and “always confident in my abilities, no matter who is on the other side of the net”.

He has followed in the footsteps of his father and coach Bryan, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon 30 years ago.

Resuming from Friday with Shelton leading 3-2 in the first set, both players held firm on their serve to set up a tie-break which the Canadian took.

Mistakes from Shelton put him on the back foot but he used an excitable crowd to take the next two sets with some fantastic serving.

However, Shapovalov fought back to force Shelton into another deciding set.

Buoyed by the American support in the crowd, Shelton produced a host of brilliant forehand winners to book his place in the last 16 in three hours and five minutes.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Eight-time men’s champion Roger Federer was in attendance on Court One alongside parents Robert and Lynette

Elsewhere, fifth seed Daniil Medvedev set up a meeting with 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov after beating German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-3).

Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard became the fifth lucky loser in the Open era to reach the fourth round with a 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win over 87th-ranked Emil Ruusuvuori.

Perricard’s reward is a meeting with Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Argentina’s Francisco Comesana 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

German fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie, will face Taylor Fritz in the fourth round after the American 13th seed won 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-5 against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.

Fellow Frenchman Ugo Humbert defeated American Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (11-9) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (8-6) and will play defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut beat Italy’s Fabio Fognini in another five-setter, coming through 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-5 6-7 (1-7) 4-6. He will play American 12th seed Tommy Paul on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur was handed a walkover when Frenchman Lucas Pouille withdrew with an abdominal injury before their third-round match.

De Minaur will meet Arthur Fils in round four after the unseeded Frenchman beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin 4-6 6-3 1-6 6-4 6-3.

Putintseva fought back from a set down to stun Poland’s Swiatek 3-6 6-1 6-2.

“It feels really, really great,” said Putintseva, who plays Latvian 13th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16.

“I was feeling it on the court and that is why I was like fire. I was trying to entertain you more and more with my shots.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, Tunisian two-time finalist Ons Jabeur lost 6-1 7-6 (7-4) to Ukraine’s Elena Svitolina.

Swiatek struggles on grass continue

Swiatek is the dominant player on the WTA Tour after success on clay and hard courts, but has still not got to grips with the Wimbledon grass.

The five-time major winner is known for her clinical brand of tennis, but she hit a rare 34 unforced errors to Putintseva’s 18.

The Kazakh, cheered on by a raucous crowd on Court One, wrapped up the victory on her third match point to end Swiatek’s 21-match winning streak.

Putintseva has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and US Open, but had never been beyond the second round at Wimbledon.

It continues a superb grass-court season for the 29-year-old, who won the Birmingham Classic last month.

Meanwhile, grass remains Swiatek’s least successful surface, with Wimbledon being the only Grand Slam in which she has not gone past the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old French Open champion will return to her favoured clay courts to prepare for tennis at this summer’s Olympics, which will be hosted at Roland Garros.

Svitolina ends Jabeur’s SW19 ‘dream’

Both Jabeur and Svitolina are popular figures at the All England Club, having particularly captured the hearts of the British fans last year with their respective stories.

Amid the backdrop of her nation being attacked by Russia, Svitolina reached the semi-finals in her first season back on the WTA Tour after having baby daughter Skai.

Jabeur – known as the Minister of Happiness because of her infectious personality – went one better by reaching the final.

It was her second successive appearance in the SW19 showpiece but she lost again, this time to surprise victor Marketa Vondrousova, and had to be consoled by the Princess of Wales in one of the abiding images of the tournament.

Jabeur, who planned to have a baby if she won the title last year, says it is her “dream” to win Wimbledon.

Her wait goes on after an error-strewn performance.

The pace of Svitolina’s returning unsettled Jabeur and the focused Ukrainian broke twice to win the opening set in 27 minutes.

The second stanza was tight. Jabeur was unable to convert a set point on Svitolina’s serve at 5-4 and that knocked the confidence of the Tunisian as her opponent dominated the tie-break.

The Spaniard won an intense match 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 in front of a raucous Centre Court crowd.

It keeps Alcaraz’s hopes of winning back-to-back major titles alive after triumphing at the French Open last month.

“Obviously it is always a big challenge playing against Frances,” said third seed Alcaraz.

“All I was thinking is ‘fight one more ball’.”

Friday’s first match on the main show court lived up to the pair’s previous meeting in the semi-finals of the 2022 US Open.

Alcaraz was the victor on that occasion as well, beating Tiafoe in a five-set epic on the way to winning his first Grand Slam title.

World number one Jannik Sinner is also through to the last 16 after an emphatic 6-1 6-4 6-2 win against Miomir Kecmanovic.

Alcaraz survives scare against ‘talented’ Tiafoe

Tiafoe was seeded 10th at Wimbledon last year, but he has since dropped down the rankings and suffered second-round exits at this year’s Australian Open and French Open.

Now 29th in the world rankings, he frustrated Alcaraz throughout and received the early backing of the crowd after coming back from a break down to take the opening set.

“He is a really talented player, really tough to face,” Alcaraz added. “He deserves to be at the top, he deserves to fight for big things.”

Alcaraz, who had not dropped a set at the Championships until then, regained control in the second, but a single break of serve was enough for Tiafoe to win the third.

The American waved to the crowd and pointed to his ears, calling for more noise under the closed Centre Court roof.

The fans willingly obliged, cheering on the 26-year-old through the fourth set until it reached a tie-break after both players’ serve held firm.

Sensing the crowd were on his opponent’s side, Alcaraz whipped up emotion with cries of “vamos” after striking huge winners and he cruised his way through to force a decider.

From there it was plain sailing for the three-time major winner, who broke twice before raising his arms in celebration after sealing the victory with a delightful drop shot.

He will play American Brandon Nakashima or French 16th seed Ugo Humbert in the fourth round.

The world number one needed three tie-breaks to triumph 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 7-6 (7-4) in a closely contested encounter that ended just 27 minutes before the All England Club’s 23:00 BST curfew.

A Wimbledon finalist in 2021, Berrettini had been Italy’s leading man in tennis.

But there has been a changing of the guard, with 22-year-old Sinner’s success in recent years propelling him ahead of his Davis Cup team-mate.

“We are very good friends, we play Davis Cup together, sometimes we practise together,” Sinner said.

“It is very tough we had to face in the second round of such an important tournament.”

Berrettini, 28, was the world number nine when he became Italy’s first men’s singles finalist at Wimbledon three years ago.

Since then he has slipped down the rankings to 59th, with injury problems causing him to miss this year’s Australian Open and Roland Garros.

However, against Australian Open champion Sinner he showed his big serve has stayed put – hitting 28 aces to his opponent’s 10.

It was the younger Italian who took control of the opening two tie-breaks before Berrettini, roared on by the crowd, stormed through the third set.

But Sinner recovered from his brief blip, going toe to toe throughout the fourth before taking charge of another tie-break to close out the victory after three hours and 42 minutes.

“Today was a very high level match. I think we both played really well,” Sinner added, before telling the crowd: “It’s quite late so thanks for staying.”

Sinner will play Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic, who defeated Dutch 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor.

Earlier, defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz entertained fans on Court One with a stunning victory over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic.

Alcaraz and Vukic played out a thrilling topsy-turvy opening set before the Spaniard took control and wrapped up a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-2 victory.

The 21-year-old is attempting to win back-to-back major titles after triumphing at the French Open last month.

“I’m really happy about my performance today,” Alcaraz said.

“The first set was the key for me to pull out all the nerves. It was really close.”

The three-time major winner will face American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe, who he defeated in the semi-finals en route to his US Open victory in 2022.

“We played a really good match in the US Open. I know that he is a really talented player. He is even tougher here on grass with his style,” said Alcaraz.

“It’s going to be a really difficult match for me but I’m ready to take that challenge, I’m ready to play a really high level of tennis.”

Tiafoe made it into the third round with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 6-3 win against Croatia’s Borna Coric.

Medvedev fights back in gruelling win

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Daniil Medvedev fought back from a set and a break down to defeat Frenchman Alexandre Muller.

The Russian fifth seed won 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-5 after three hours and 28 minutes on Centre Court.

“It was never easy but I managed to stay solid, stay in the match, try to fight back,” said 28-year-old Medvedev.

“I’m definitely happy with the win – I should have played much better but when you win, there is the next round to do better.”

Medvedev, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year, will face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round.

Eighth seed Casper Ruud fell to a 6-4 7-5 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 defeat by world number 94 Fabio Fognini of Italy.

It is the third year in a row that Norway’s Ruud, who prefers clay and hard-court surfaces to grass, has lost in the second round at Wimbledon.

Frenchman Gael Monfils edged two games away from the third round as he took a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 5-5 lead over three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka, before play was suspended because of fading light.

American 12th seed Tommy Paul was taken the distance by world number 147 Otto Virtanen before the Queen’s champion claimed a 4-6 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-4 win on court three.

Meanwhile, Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia saved four match points on his way to a 4-6 5-7 7-6 (11-9) 6-4 6-4 victory against 17th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Former British number one Raducanu, given a wildcard in her return to the Championships after last year’s injury troubles, struck the ball confidently and clinically in a 6-1 6-2 win.

It is the first time she has reached the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since lifting the 2021 US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier.

Raducanu’s impressive victory came a couple of hours after 22-year-old qualifier Kartal produced the biggest win of her career to beat France’s Clara Burel in three sets.

Kartal, ranked 298th in the world, won 6-3 5-7 6-3 to become the first home player to reach the Wimbledon third round this year.

She will face US Open champion Coco Gauff after the American’s 6-2 6-1 win over Anca Todoni.

From ‘winning ugly’ to winning pretty

If Raducanu’s first-round win was all about “winning ugly”, her dominant victory over 33rd-ranked Mertens was a thing of beauty.

The 21-year-old’s clean ball-striking was a marked improvement from the win over Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazua.

Raducanu produced a nervy return and a double fault in the opening two points of the match but quickly settled down to assert her authority.

Serving strongly and overpowering Mertens with her power from the baseline was the key.

Now ranked 135th in the world, Raducanu raced through the opening set to the delight of the home fans on Court One and maintained her level in an equally impressive second set.

Missing the clay-court French Open in order to be better prepared for the Wimbledon grass has proved to be a wise decision.

After reaching the Nottingham semi-finals and beating world number five Jessica Pegula on her way to the Eastbourne quarter-finals, Raducanu arrived at Wimbledon in encouraging form.

The way she dismantled Mertens has further excited the British crowd.

Asked in her on-court interview if it was the best she had played in the past few years, several fans in a boisterous crowd shouted ‘yes’.

A laughing Raducanu replied: “Well, everyone else said yes!

“I played really good tennis and I knew all the hard yards would lead to something and I am just happy I can reap some of the rewards here in Wimbledon.”

Raducanu will play Greek ninth seed Maria Sakkari – who she memorably beat to reach the US Open final almost three years ago – in the last 32 on Friday.

Kartal’s ‘special day’ as dream run continues

A memorable week for Kartal continued as she became the second British woman to reach the third round as a qualifier in the Open era, and the first since Karen Cross in 1997.

Kartal previously said she thought she would be unable to take to the tennis court for the rest of this year after a serious health scare, but she recovered to come through qualifying.

The Brighton-born player powered through the first set and led by a break in the second. However, Burel – ranked 253 places above Kartal – fought back to force a decider, her confidence rising as she unleashed some brilliant backhand passes.

Kartal composed herself and broke in the fifth game of the final set when a forehand clipped the net cord and landed on Burel’s side, with a volley sealing another break and the victory.

“Today is a really special day for me,” Kartal said. “Monday was a high but I’ve topped that today.”

Evans unhappy with ‘fancy jackets’

Britain’s Dan Evans complained about authority figures in “fancy jackets” allowing his first-round match to continue late on Tuesday night after he lost when it resumed on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old was beaten 6-2 7-5 6-3 by Chilean 24th seed Alejandro Tabilo.

Evans, ranked 60 in the world, wore heavy strapping on his knee after slipping at the back of the court on the grass at Queen’s Club on 18 June.

Initially Evans feared he would miss Wimbledon, but the injury was a “bad strain” and he recovered in time for his home Grand Slam.

After losing to Tabilo, Evans expressed his displeasure at playing on a court at Wimbledon that he did not deem to be “safe”.

“It’s sort of the second time it’s happened over the grass where I’ve ended up going on pretty late because of the weather, which has been frustrating. It’s just part and parcel of it,” said Evans.

“Obviously, my first concern is to be safe after what happened. Obviously, that grass court wasn’t safe where I slipped I don’t think.

“I didn’t think the court was playable last night for the large majority of the time we were on court.

“The powers that be in the fancy jackets didn’t agree with me and we carried on.”