Anyone with even a limited knowledge of tennis would have been prepared for the outcome today. But still for so many it would have been a sad shock to see two of Britain’s interests in The Championships bow out with little fanfare.
Dan Evans was frustrated and outfoxed by the latest in the Korda dynasty, whilst the returning Andy Murray was dismissed with relative ease by 10th seed and very much contender Shapovalov. Given the Scot was all but retired a couple of years ago means this was still a miraculous showing in the first week.
We’re still of course left with a half of the draw that oozes quality, Rublev, Pliskova, Bautista-agut and Swiatek are all still very much alive and kicking, the Pole in particular looking in fine fettle.
Surprises? Plenty. Garbine Muguruza looked to be back to her best and had taken the first set against Birmingham champ Jabeur, but the Tunisian turned things around emphatically. We also lost early form players Sloane Stephens, Schwarzman, Rogers and Tiafoe.
So the fixtures now begin to get really tasty. From the next post onward I’ll be highlighting the picks of the 4th round, and no doubt offering some of my infamous, terrible predictions
All Things Tennis 