A new star of British tennis emerged on Thursday as teenager Emma Raducanu pulled off a second successive win in the women’s singles. There looks destined to be more drama on Friday with these among the late day-five highlights:
Already, Andy Murray has been on a serious emotional rollercoaster with his legion of fans. The third match on Centre Court has the potential to be a repeat. In his favour is the fact that Denis Shapovalov is relatively inexperienced but the No10 seed is having his best season and Murray ought to be feeling the effects of his last five-setter.
Andy Murray’s Wimbedon 2021
Nick Kyrgios/Venus Williams v Austin Krajicek/Sabrina Santamaria
Two years ago, the most talked about doubles partnership saw Andy Murray join forces with Serena Williams, this time sister Venus has paired up with Nick Kyrgios, who is already shining in the men’s singles. Kyrgios described his coming together with his 41-year-old playing partner as a dream come true. It should prove entertaining as Kyrgios has proved in each of his singles appearances to date.
Stefanos/Pavlos Tsitsipas v Cameron Norrie/Jaume Munar
Stefanos Tsitsipas was seen as one of the potential favourites in the men’s draw but he once again fell foul of Wimbleon’s grass early, winning just 11 games as he was swatted aside in straight sets by Frances Tiafoe. He returns with brother Pavlos in the doubles, taking on British No2 Cam Norrie and his Spanish partner.
Joe Salisbury/Harriet Dart v Henri Kontinen/Heather Watson
Salisbury has opted to forego his usual mixed doubles partnership with American Desirae Krawczyk, which resulted in the pair winning the French Open last month, for an all-British line-up alongside Harriet Dart. They face another Brit on the other side of the net in Heather Watson, a former winner of the Wimbledon mixed with Henri Kontinen.
