Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and top seed Jannik Sinner took contrasting paths into the third round of Wimbledon on a cloudy Wednesday, while eighth seed Casper Ruud saw his campaign come to an early end.
Alcaraz faced a tough start against Australian Aleksandar Vukic, nearly dropping the first set. However, the third seed rallied to win 7-6(5) 6-2 6-2, showcasing glimpses of his title-winning form from last year. “I’m feeling similar… Obviously, I’m getting better and better. Hopefully, if I keep winning, I’ll reach the same level as the final last year,” said Alcaraz, who defeated Novak Djokovic in five sets to lift the trophy last year. “I’m playing great tennis. Physically, I’m feeling great. Hopefully, I’ll keep going.”
Sinner, on the other hand, was dragged into a battle by fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini. After surrendering the third set tamely, Sinner fought back to secure a 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6(4) victory just before the 11 p.m. curfew. “It’s a big honor to play in such an incredible venue. Today, I had my first match on Centre Court, which is special. The support has been amazing,” Sinner remarked.
Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev began the day’s play on Centre Court and struggled to find his rhythm, even losing track of the score at one point against 102-ranked Alexandre Muller. Despite the challenges, Medvedev emerged victorious with a 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5 win.
Second seed Coco Gauff also had a challenging day under the roof on Court One. Despite not being at her best, she managed to defeat Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni 6-2 6-1. “I do think I can be too critical… I think it’s just like moments, maybe I missed some shots that I normally would make,” said Gauff, who faces Sonay Kartal next. Kartal beat France’s Clara Burel 6-3 5-7 6-3.
Wild card Emma Raducanu showed impressive form with a 6-1 6-2 victory over Elise Mertens. However, it was the end of the road for fellow former U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka, who lost 6-4 6-1 to American 19th seed Emma Navarro. Raducanu will also compete in mixed doubles, partnering with fellow British major singles champion Andy Murray.
Rain delayed the start of play on the outer courts for over two hours in the morning. When action resumed, Ruud became an early casualty, losing 6-4 7-5 6-7(1) 6-3 to Italian Fabio Fognini. “I’m disappointed that I lost, but I know my abilities on this surface. I’m trying to be realistic,” said Ruud, whose best results have come on clay and hard courts. “I find it difficult. I find it fun as a challenge and I try my best every year. I haven’t given up on it yet, but it’s really difficult for me somehow, the movement and feeling confident out there.”
Fognini’s compatriot and French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini also advanced, overcoming a tight first set to defeat Greet Minnen 7-6(5) 6-2.
