Mens Wimbledon Day 3 Results
Marin Cilic (32) d Salvatore Caruso 7-6(5) 7-6(1) 6-1
Caruso put up a fight, but it was to no avail. Cilic cleaning up in the 3rd set. Cilic served 18 aces to 1, winning 80% of his first serves, compared to only 55% for the Italian.
Cameron Norrie (29) d Lucas Pouille 6-7(6) 7-5 6-2 7-5
Pouille, now in his 30s was lucky to pull off the first set. The Frenchman was more aggressive than expected, showing he still had some grit left in him. It was all in due time when Norrie fired back, taking the next 3 sets in convincing fashion with no tiebreakers.
Nick Kyrgios d Ugo Humbert (21) 6-4 4-7 3-6 6-1 9-7
A colossal match on Court 1, with 46 games in total. Kyrgios somehow knows the answers and gets himself out of these tricky situations. His last win to Humbert back in January at the AO, also coming down from 2 sets to 1. Perhaps some mentality affected precious Humbert...
Jordan Thompson d Casper Ruud (12) 7-6(6) 7-6(3) 2-6 2-6 6-2
Thompson put on a very impressive performance in the first two sets, holding well against the 12th seed. It was visible that Thompson looked the favourite despite the odds, but it was Thompson's mentality that got the better of him. As with most of his matches, the Aussie tends to lose matches of his own accord, getting frustrated and psyching himself out rather than zoning in. Ruud definitely is a calmer player, but his physicality is not quite there yet. It will be difficult to see Ruud break the top 10 by the end of the year, but come clay time next year, an opportunity will probably arise.
Aljaz Bedene d corentin Moutet
This was difficult to predict prematch because Moutet had a 67% win rate on grass compared to Bedene's 43%. Moutet is an unconventional player who can be dicey when it comes to mentality. Bedene served brilliantly, winning 84% on first serve compared to Moutet's 57% leaving little room for Moutet to mess with his serve. Moutet giving up in the third set, showing the true effects Grand Slams can have on players mentally.
Kei Nishikori d Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-4 6-4
Popyrin had his chances, converting 0/7 break points compared to 3/11 for Nishikori. 3 breaks was it all took to clean the Aussie up in straight sets. Popyrin is still only 21, and settling in to tour level tennis, so should do better as he matures.
Matteo Berrettini (7) d Guido Pella 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-0
Berrettini did not have the easiest player. Pella made last Wimbledon's QF, beating Kevin Anderson and Milos Raonic, and winning a set off Roberto Bautista Agut in the QF, so he has some classy recognition, but Berrettini is favourite to win the title, so no unseeded player is likely to knock him out. The Italian serving 20-4 aces, winning 83% of his first serves and only giving Pella one break point opportunity in the match.
Botic van de Zandschulp d Gregoire Barrere 6-2 6-7(4) 6-1 7-6(3)
Qualifer v Qualifier on Court 7 with some questions in the air about who would take the cake. Both players ranked in the 130s in the world, and definitely could see this as an even matchup with over 3 sets being a likelihood, and it was, being 1 set a piece after 2 sets, but the bigger server in van de Zandschulp served excellently, providing 14-4 aces throughout the match, and creating 19 break points compared to 4 for the Frenchman.
Yoshihito Nishioka d John Isner (28) 7-6(5) 2-6 6-3 6-7(3) 6-4
The 175cm man does it against the 208cm American! In the most unlikely result, only 2.1% of tipters in the tennis draw challenge predicted this upset. Isner still served 36-3 aces, and actually won 4 more points than the Jap over the match, but it was not enough, as Nishioka claimed a fantastic victory. He might be tired in his next matchup over Serb Aljaz Bedene, who only played 26 games compared to Nishioka's 53.
Carlos Alcaraz-Garfia d Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-3 6-7(4) 6-2 3-6 6-3
Another 5 setter on Day 3 at Wimbledon, as the Spanird channelled his inner Nadal to win a colossal match. Uchiyama actually won more points in total, but it was the breaks of serve that matter, with Garfia breaking 10 times vs 6 for the Jap. The Spaniard faces 2nd seed Daniil Medvedev, which could be a demolition if Medvedev turns up.
Ilya Ivashka d Jaume Munar 6-1 7-5 7-6(5)
Ivashka was predicted to have a straight-forward victory, and proceeded with a straight set victory, putting any doubters of his ability behind him. Ivashka has had his troubles, but his now breaking through the top 80, and hoping for top 50 by the end of the year. Ivashka winning 85% of first serves as well as creating 14 break point opportunities compared to 2 for the Spaniard, who prefers the clay.
Jeremy Chardy d Aslan Karatsev 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-3
As much as the crowd wanted Karatsev to win, Chardy is incredible in tiebreakers, and continued to do so against a big server in Karatsev. Chardy outserved the Russian 18 aces to 8, with Karatsev 0/4 break points, whilst Chardy did not do much better with 1/8. Chardy faces another big server in Ivashka, expecting to be one or two tiebreaks included.
Mikael Ymer d Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 6-7(4) 5-7 6-4 6-3
This was predicted to be a 5 setter, as the 22yo kept his hustle all the way through Tsonga's reign in the second and third set. Despite serving 16 aces, the Frenchman could not continue. His age (36) caught up to him, and gave Ymer the opportunity to win.
Marcos Giron d Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4 2-6 6-2 0-6 6-4
Once again, these 5 set matches are becoming a theme in Wimbledon this year, likely because the lack of matchplay on grass leads to inconsistencies that are shared amongst all, leading to more sets being won by the underdog. Both players served very well, winning 84% and 85% respectively. It was Ruusuvuori with the momentum turning into the 5th set, but it was not enough to see him through, as the more experienced player in Giron saw the match through.
James Duckworth d Radu Albot 6-4 6-4 6-1
Albot is one of those inconsistent players that you never know you will get from him. Duckworth is not as quality, but is definitely more consistent in his matches, and it showed, as he breezed through the final set, thanks to Albot's bottled mentality.
Sam Querrey d Pablo Carreno-Busta 7-6(6) 6-4 7-5
At first glance, Querrey had an unlucky draw, with 11th seed, but Pablo Carreno-Busta has a terrible record at Wimbledon, not making it through the 1st Round in 6 attempts including this one. Querrey serving 22 aces and winning 90% of first serves. Querrey faces Aussie James Ducworth in the 2nd Round, who he actually played last week, winning 6-4 7-6(7), one of the closer times he has almost lost.
Daniel Galan d Federico Coria 6-4 4-6 7-5 7-5
Coria did well to keep this match a relatively close one, only winning 7 more points than Coria in the match. Galan was predicted to wipe the floor with Coria since the Argentine lost a challenger clay final in Italy, then flew to London a day before his 1st Round match.
Grigor Dimitrov (18) d Fernando Verdasco 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-4
Dimitrov had a slow start, but knew Verdasco was likely to tire out. The 37yo taking the first set in style, and actually serving more aces than the 'Handsome Bulgarian, but it was to no avail, as Dimitrov was winning 82% of his first serves, and was relatively consistent for the rest of the match; enough to win. Dimitrov faces Bublik in the 2nd Round, which is always entertaining, with Bublik leading the H2H 1-
Novak Djokovic (1) d Kevin Anderson 6-3 6-3 6-3
There were no surprises this time for Djokovic, as he was clinical in his service game, creating no break point opportunities for Anderson. Djokovic serving impeccably, only losing 15 points on serve in 14 service games. Djokovic continues to be the main threat in the draw, with his next match up in Denis Kudla likely not to be a threat.
Lorenzo Sonego (23) d Predo Sousa 6-2 7-5 6-0
Sonego dismissed the Sousa in relatively quick succession, serving 12-2 aces, and creating 16 break point opportunities compared to 3 for Sousa. Sousa is more of a clay player, and is reaching the tail end of his career at 33yo, which is likely what lead to his demise in the third set.
Taylor Fritz (31) d Brandon Nakashima 7-6 3-6 6-4 7-5
Fritz had doubts in the lead up to this game, recently having knee surgery. Honestly it did not look like he was 100%, but his aces helped him. In fact, if he served no aces, he would not have won as many points as Nakashima. The 20yo was favourite, but could not handle high pressure compared to 23yo Fritz.
Felix Auger-Aliassime (16) d Thiago Monteiro 6-3 6-3 6-3
Felix has been in sensational form on grass, and could be ready for an upset over a big player soon enough. His results have been stable, winning 7/9 matches so far this grass season. Felix won 87% of his first serves, and did well to not let Monteiro create any break point opportunities
Benjamin Bonzi d Marco Trungelliti 6-1 1-6 6-4 3-6 4-6
Once again, a 5 set thriller for the qualifiers. Bonzi coming from behind to snatch a victory he should have won easier. Both with similar stats, but lots of momentum changes. As young players both outside top 150 in the world, there were bound to be some big momentum changes with lack of consistency.
Denis Kudla d Andreas Seppi 6-2 6-4 6-2
Kudla bounced back well after his straight sets victory, with a breezy straight sets victory over the Italian. Kudla's noticeable stat is his break points (6/9) at 67%. Many players get lucky if they can break 45-50% conversion. He will have the most difficult 3rd Round matchup, meeting Novak Djokovic.
Daniel Evans (22) d Dusan Lajovic 6-3 6-3 6-4
After Evans had a much calmer first round, and having the crowd behind him, it was difficult to see him losing this one. Evans playing confidently and with spirit, breaking 6/9 opportunities (67%) in the match with the Serb having little answers.
Alexander Bublik d Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4 6-2 6-1
Bublik replicated his defeat of Kukushkin a week ago, with another breezy straight sets win. Bublik serving 16 aces and breaking 6/8 (75%) to destroy his fellow Kazakhstan compatriot, creating no break points for Kukushkin
Marton Fucsocics d Jiri Vesely 6-3 5-4
With Vesely retiring from an unknown injury, it allowed the Hungarian to go through to the 3rd round, where he will face Diego Schwartzman. Potential upset alert?
Karen Khachanov (25) d Egor Gerasimov 6-1 7-6(3) 6-3
Gerasimov just did not make the most of his opportunities...0/4 break point, and 5 double faults, there was little chance of the Russian losing. The Russian winning 82% of first serves compared to the Belarusian's 62%. Khachanov also utilising his break point opporunities, breaking 5/9 (56%).
Denis Shapovalov (10) d Pablo Andujar (WALKOVER)
After Andujar's mammoth 5hour match, it was clear Shapovalov had already won the match. The 35yo would not have had the match fitness, let alone replicate Shapovalov's fitness and agility either. An unfortunate yet smart move.
Fabio Fognini (26) d Laslo Dere 6-3 6-4 0-6 6-4
Fognini showing glimpses of inconsistency, but getting the job done against the Serb. Dere served 11-2 aces, and both actually broke 5 times each in the match but Fognini was more clinical when it mattered. Fognini faces Rublev (5) in the 3rd Round. If Fognini takes this match seriously, the outcome might surprise you.
Frances Tiafoe d Vasek Pospisil 6-4 6-4 6-4
Tiafoe is the only player into the 3rd Round to not be broken! Let that sink in... Tiafoe's rallying is exceptional. He does not have a big serve, and relies on his defensiveness turned to offensive, and it's obviously working! Tiafoe faces Karen Khachanov next round. If Tiafoe can remain consistent, he may well force frustration from the Russian and lead him to fall apart.
Dominik Koepfer d Soon-Woo Kwon 6-3 6-7(8) 7-6(2) 5-7 6-3
In a highly entertaining contest, lasting 56 games, it was the German coming victorious. It was a 50/50 match, with even break opportunities, but it was Koepfer serving that bit better, providing 16-9 aces, and 5% better on each serve than the Korean that brought him home.
Diego Schwartzman (9) d Liam Broady 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-4
Schwartzman really should have won this in straight sets, but the crowd likely pushed Broady through the first set, just like they did with 19yo Jack Draper in the first set against Novak Djokovic. Schwartzman has not really been challenged, and has not had much grass experience this season, so playing Fucsovics could be challenging.
Sebastian Korda d Antoine Hoang 7-5 6-4 6-4
Kord started off slow, going down a break early in the first, but pulled his way back to break twice in the set. Korda created 23 break points in the match compared to just 7 for the Frenchman, leading Korda to a not-so-easy straight sets victory.
Andy Murray d Oscar Otte 6-3 4-6 4-6 6-4 6-2
Andy Murray wins another famous 5 set match on Centre Court. Being down 2 sets to 1 is not easy against an incredible server, but Murray kept strong, mentally at least, with the crowd lifting him up to victory. Murray faces 10th seed Denis Shapovalov who should finish Murray.
