Veteran tennis player Fabio Fognini defeated Norwegian Caspar Ruud in four sets to move into the third round of Wimbledon. Later the same day, the all-Italian match saw Sinner defeat Berrettini, also in four sets.
Fabio Fognini, with a startling peroxide hairdo, advanced to the third round of Wimbledon. The 37-year-old Ligurian defeated world number eight Casper Ruud in four sets, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7, 6-3.
Fognini started strong, securing an early break in the third game, aided by several errors from Ruud. Except for the sixth game, where he had to save two break points, Fognini had no significant issues on serve and maintained his lead to win the first set 6-4.
In the second set, Fognini had another chance to break Ruud in the third game but squandered two break points. He then had to save break points in the sixth and eighth games. Just when a tie-break seemed inevitable, Ruud faltered at 5-5, surrendering his serve to Fognini, who closed out the set 7-5.
The third set saw Fognini break Ruud at 2-2, extend his lead to 4-2, and serve for the match at 5-2. However, Ruud mounted a fierce comeback, winning four consecutive games, saving a match point, and ultimately taking the set in a tie-break.
Unfazed, Fognini regrouped in the fourth set. At 4-3, he climbed back from 15-40 and broke Ruud’s serve after several advantages. Serving for the match, Fognini remained steady and clinched victory on his fourth match point with a winning forehand.
Fognini thus reached the third round at Wimbledon for the seventh time in his career. He will next face Roberto Bautista Agut.
Sinner v Berrettini
Jannik Sinner secured a significant win last night, defeating former finalist Matteo Berrettini 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 2-6, 7-6(4) in a thrilling second-round match.
In only their second meeting, both players showed powerful baseline play. Sinner capitalised on key moments, forcing backhand errors from Berrettini and recovering from a break down in both the second and fourth sets.
After three hours and 45 minutes, Sinner advanced to the third round, just 27 minutes before the 11 p.m. curfew, maintaining his undefeated record against fellow Italians at 14-0.
“First of all, we are very good friends,” Sinner remarked. “We played Davis Cup together and we practice together, so it is very tough to face each other in the second round of such an important tournament. Today was a very high-level match. In three tie-breaks, I got a little bit lucky, and I’ll take it.”
Berrettini reached the Wimbledon final in 2021, but dropped out of the Top 10 in June 2022. Sinner surpassed him shortly thereafter. Since then, World No. 1 Sinner defeated Berrettini en route to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto and clinched his first major crown at the Australian Open in January. In contrast, World No. 59 Berrettini has struggled with injuries, with his best recent result being a title win in Marrakech in April.
“We have spoken with the team a lot, and I knew I had to raise my level,” Sinner said. “He played the final here and is a grass-court specialist. I was looking forward to it, and it was a challenge to come on court. I am very happy with how I handled the situation. There were some ups and downs, which is normal in a five-set match, but I am happy.”
Ladies Singles – Paolini advances
No.7 seed Jasmine Paolini quietly advances into the third round with a straight sets win. She is in to the thrid round of Wimbledon for the first time.