A quick update today, we had more big names exit yesterday and some who sailed through pretty much untroubled. But the main theme yesterday was once again that of great escapes for some of the favourites.
First the losses, and last year’s semi-finalist Sakkari, beaten by Muchova via two breakers, we also lost Raducanu who will look to improve her stamina and strength after fading badly following a superb first set. Kvitova also bowed out pretty harmlessly which is always sad to see.
No such trouble for the likes of Gauff, Kerber, Korda [impressive over Gasquet], Bencic [surprisingly easy against Andreescu], Auger-Alliassime, Anisimova, Fernandez, Kanepi and the quietly impressive Dimitrov. Watch out too for the wonderful all-court game of Jil Teichman, also easily through. Oh and Nadal and Djokovic of course!
But as mentioned, it was the marathon matches that really took centre stage as Zverev, Stephens, Schwartzman and most significantly Alcaraz who was more than just ‘on the ropes’ against veteran and countryman Ramos-Vinolas. A tad worrying really.
Day 5 picks
Tiafoe vs Goffin
Keys vs Garcia
Halep vs Zheng
Cornet vs Ostapenko
All Things Tennis 