Zverev may seek help after shock first-round defeat
The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday.
Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory.
It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts.
He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game.
"I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January.
"I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it.
"I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before.
"I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment."
Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence.
While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace.
"Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April.
"It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon.
"It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling."
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon.
The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday.
Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory.
It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts.
He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game.
"I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January.
"I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it.
"I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before.
"I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment."
Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence.
While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace.
"Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April.
"It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon.
"It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling."
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon.
The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday.
Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory.
It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts.
He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game.
"I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January.
"I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it.
"I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before.
"I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment."
Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence.
While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace.
"Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April.
"It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon.
"It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling."
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon.
The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday.
Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory.
It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts.
He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game.
"I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January.
"I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it.
"I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before.
"I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment."
Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence.
While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace.
"Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April.
"It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon.
"It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling."
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Dortmund, Madrid march on to Club World Cup quarters
Borussia Dortmund have held off a stirring second-half fightback from Monterrey to set up a quarter-final meeting with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Clinical finishes from Serhou Guirassy in the 14th and 24th minutes at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta put Dortmund on top at the break before German Berterame hit back in the 48th minute. The Mexican club pressed for an equaliser until the final whistle but the Bundesliga giants' defence held firm to set up a clash with the 15-time European champions in New Jersey on Saturday. "I think we had a very good first half. Second half was a bit harder, but the mindset was tough and we won so we're all happy tonight," said Guinean Guirassy, who was named Player of the Match. "I expect a tough game (against Madrid) but we'll be prepared." There will be no reunion for the Bellingham family, however, with a yellow card shown to Dortmund's Jobe in the 28th minute ruling him out of the clash with big brother Jude's Real. Earlier on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), Madrid edged Juventus 1-0 thanks to an early second-half goal from Gonzalo Garcia as Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut. Garcia has been deputising for Mbappe after the France forward missed the group stage with gastroenteritis. Mbappe made his much-anticipated appearance as a second-half substitute, delighting the partisan crowd who packed Miami's Hard Rock Stadium to near capacity in a demonstration of the Spanish giants' considerable global appeal. Juventus had early chances but gradually faded in tough weather conditions in South Florida and under the relentless pressure of Xabi Alonso's side, and had goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio to thank for sparing them a heavier defeat. "It's the end of the season. They had a lot of stress on them, that takes away energy as well and then the heat is another thing that makes things more difficult," said Juventus coach Igor Tudor. QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES: * Fluminense (BRA) v Al Hilal (KSA) - Saturday, July 5 * Palmeiras (BRA) v Chelsea (ENG) - Saturday, July 5 * PSG (FRA) v Bayern Munich (GER) - Sunday, July 6 * Real Madrid (ESP) v Borussia Dortmund (GER) - Sunday, July 6 With The AP. Borussia Dortmund have held off a stirring second-half fightback from Monterrey to set up a quarter-final meeting with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Clinical finishes from Serhou Guirassy in the 14th and 24th minutes at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta put Dortmund on top at the break before German Berterame hit back in the 48th minute. The Mexican club pressed for an equaliser until the final whistle but the Bundesliga giants' defence held firm to set up a clash with the 15-time European champions in New Jersey on Saturday. "I think we had a very good first half. Second half was a bit harder, but the mindset was tough and we won so we're all happy tonight," said Guinean Guirassy, who was named Player of the Match. "I expect a tough game (against Madrid) but we'll be prepared." There will be no reunion for the Bellingham family, however, with a yellow card shown to Dortmund's Jobe in the 28th minute ruling him out of the clash with big brother Jude's Real. Earlier on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), Madrid edged Juventus 1-0 thanks to an early second-half goal from Gonzalo Garcia as Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut. Garcia has been deputising for Mbappe after the France forward missed the group stage with gastroenteritis. Mbappe made his much-anticipated appearance as a second-half substitute, delighting the partisan crowd who packed Miami's Hard Rock Stadium to near capacity in a demonstration of the Spanish giants' considerable global appeal. Juventus had early chances but gradually faded in tough weather conditions in South Florida and under the relentless pressure of Xabi Alonso's side, and had goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio to thank for sparing them a heavier defeat. "It's the end of the season. They had a lot of stress on them, that takes away energy as well and then the heat is another thing that makes things more difficult," said Juventus coach Igor Tudor. QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES: * Fluminense (BRA) v Al Hilal (KSA) - Saturday, July 5 * Palmeiras (BRA) v Chelsea (ENG) - Saturday, July 5 * PSG (FRA) v Bayern Munich (GER) - Sunday, July 6 * Real Madrid (ESP) v Borussia Dortmund (GER) - Sunday, July 6 With The AP. Borussia Dortmund have held off a stirring second-half fightback from Monterrey to set up a quarter-final meeting with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Clinical finishes from Serhou Guirassy in the 14th and 24th minutes at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta put Dortmund on top at the break before German Berterame hit back in the 48th minute. The Mexican club pressed for an equaliser until the final whistle but the Bundesliga giants' defence held firm to set up a clash with the 15-time European champions in New Jersey on Saturday. "I think we had a very good first half. Second half was a bit harder, but the mindset was tough and we won so we're all happy tonight," said Guinean Guirassy, who was named Player of the Match. "I expect a tough game (against Madrid) but we'll be prepared." There will be no reunion for the Bellingham family, however, with a yellow card shown to Dortmund's Jobe in the 28th minute ruling him out of the clash with big brother Jude's Real. Earlier on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), Madrid edged Juventus 1-0 thanks to an early second-half goal from Gonzalo Garcia as Kylian Mbappe made his tournament debut. Garcia has been deputising for Mbappe after the France forward missed the group stage with gastroenteritis. Mbappe made his much-anticipated appearance as a second-half substitute, delighting the partisan crowd who packed Miami's Hard Rock Stadium to near capacity in a demonstration of the Spanish giants' considerable global appeal. Juventus had early chances but gradually faded in tough weather conditions in South Florida and under the relentless pressure of Xabi Alonso's side, and had goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio to thank for sparing them a heavier defeat. "It's the end of the season. They had a lot of stress on them, that takes away energy as well and then the heat is another thing that makes things more difficult," said Juventus coach Igor Tudor. QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES: * Fluminense (BRA) v Al Hilal (KSA) - Saturday, July 5 * Palmeiras (BRA) v Chelsea (ENG) - Saturday, July 5 * PSG (FRA) v Bayern Munich (GER) - Sunday, July 6 * Real Madrid (ESP) v Borussia Dortmund (GER) - Sunday, July 6 With The AP.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Zverev may seek help after shock first-round defeat
Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon. The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday. Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory. It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts. He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game. "I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January. "I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it. "I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before. "I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment." Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence. While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace. "Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April. "It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon. "It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon. The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday. Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory. It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts. He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game. "I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January. "I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it. "I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before. "I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment." Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence. While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace. "Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April. "It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon. "It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon. The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday. Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory. It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts. He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game. "I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January. "I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it. "I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before. "I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment." Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence. While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace. "Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April. "It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon. "It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Alexander Zverev says he might need therapy after becoming the highest men's seed to fall in a brutal first round for top players at Wimbledon. The German cut a forlorn figure after losing a five-set marathon to France's Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday. Third seed Zverev and Rinderknech were locked at one set apiece on Monday when play was stopped, but after the resumption on a sultry Centre Court the Frenchman ground out a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 victory. It was Zverev's first opening-round defeat at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2019 and leaves him still searching for a first major after 38 attempts. He appeared to be a lost soul as he tried to come to terms with the defeat, explaining that his off-court struggles were now impacting his game. "I feel very alone out there at times," said Zverev, who lost a third grand slam final when beaten by Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park in January. "I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. I'm trying to find ways to get out of this hole. I keep finding myself back in it. "I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely ... is a feeling that is not very nice. Just never felt that way before. "I don't think tennis is the problem right now for me. It's something else that I have to find within me at the moment." Zverev has had to deal with a number of issues in recent years. Last year he settled an assault case against him for allegedly pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, a charge he denied. He also previously faced allegations of domestic abuse against another former girlfriend, with the ATP halting its investigation due to insufficient evidence. While he previously managed to block out those distractions, on Tuesday he admitted he might need counselling to get back into the right headspace. "Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll probably need it (therapy). I've been through a lot of difficulties in life generally. I've never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do," said Zverev, who last won a title in April. "It's not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis as well. Even when I'm winning ... it's not necessarily a feeling that I used to get where I was happy, over the moon. "It's just not there right now for me, which, again, is the first time in my life which I'm feeling." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
It's Wimble-done for world No.3, but Sinner sizzles
Alexander Zverev's unhappy relationship with grass courts has continued, the No.3 seed crashing out of Wimbledon in the opening round. Zverev, who has never won a title on grass, nor gone beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon, lost 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in a match suspended late on Monday night and resumed at a set apiece. World No.72 Rinderknech had only previously won one match at Wimbledon in four visits, but sealed victory with his third match point. Across the two days, the match lasted four hours and 40 minutes, and at its conclusion Rinderknech fell to the grass in joy. Zverev was followed on court by Novak Djokovic, who looked as if he would cruise past Alexandre Muller when he won the first set 6-1 in 30 minutes. The Frenchman had greeted the draw by posting on social media "Please No, God, Please, No, No!..." - and that assessment seemed prescient. But he then won the second set in a 9-7 tiebreak, saving six set points on the way. With light dimming the roof was closed. Djokovic sprinted through the next set, winning five games from 2-1 down, only delayed by medical timeouts for both players. Muller forced break points in the fourth set but failed to take them, and the seven-time Wimbledon winner wrapped up the match 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-2. Earlier world No.1 Jannik Sinner cruised past fellow Italian Luca Nardi 6-4 6-3 6-0 to line up a meeting with Australian Aleksandar Vukic. Sinner's three grand slam successes have come on hardcourts in Australia and the US, while he has only once reached the semi-finals at the All England Club. The man who beat Sinner in the Halle grass-court warm-up, 28th seed Alexander Bublik, had his Wimbledon challenge unexpectedly curtailed by Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2. Bublik, who went on to win the Halle title, was serving for the match at 5-4 before Munar clawed back to make it two sets apiece via the tiebreak. The Spaniard capitalised from there with an early break in the decider. Last year's semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti also made an unexpected exit, beaten by Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili. Seventh seed Musetti, playing his first match since retiring in the French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz with a leg injury, never looked settled against the world No.126 and went down 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1. "Really bad day at the office,'' Musetti said. "I came here at the last minute and of course I didn't have much good feelings with my game and honestly the physical side and energy and whatever it takes to play a match like this.'' It was 33-year-old Basilashvili's first win in a grand slam since reaching the Wimbledon third round in 2022. American fifth seed Taylor Fritz defeated France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (8-10) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 in a match suspended on Monday evening with the pair level at two sets each. Fritz faced the fastest in Wimbledon history, 153 miles per hour (246.3km/h), but won the point. "The funny thing is, I always tell my coaches when they sometimes say maybe I should try to serve into the body ... that I think body serves are awful. I never win the point when I do it," Fritz said. "And I sent the video (of the record serve) to my coach, saying: 'There you go. He served the fastest serve in the history of Wimbledon right into my chest, and I won the point, so there's your proof: Body serves are bad." British hope Jack Draper went through after Sebastian Baez retired hurt in the third set. Draper was leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 before the Argentine conceded after struggling with an injury. "I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty," Draper said after the 74-minute match. Alexander Zverev's unhappy relationship with grass courts has continued, the No.3 seed crashing out of Wimbledon in the opening round. Zverev, who has never won a title on grass, nor gone beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon, lost 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in a match suspended late on Monday night and resumed at a set apiece. World No.72 Rinderknech had only previously won one match at Wimbledon in four visits, but sealed victory with his third match point. Across the two days, the match lasted four hours and 40 minutes, and at its conclusion Rinderknech fell to the grass in joy. Zverev was followed on court by Novak Djokovic, who looked as if he would cruise past Alexandre Muller when he won the first set 6-1 in 30 minutes. The Frenchman had greeted the draw by posting on social media "Please No, God, Please, No, No!..." - and that assessment seemed prescient. But he then won the second set in a 9-7 tiebreak, saving six set points on the way. With light dimming the roof was closed. Djokovic sprinted through the next set, winning five games from 2-1 down, only delayed by medical timeouts for both players. Muller forced break points in the fourth set but failed to take them, and the seven-time Wimbledon winner wrapped up the match 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-2. Earlier world No.1 Jannik Sinner cruised past fellow Italian Luca Nardi 6-4 6-3 6-0 to line up a meeting with Australian Aleksandar Vukic. Sinner's three grand slam successes have come on hardcourts in Australia and the US, while he has only once reached the semi-finals at the All England Club. The man who beat Sinner in the Halle grass-court warm-up, 28th seed Alexander Bublik, had his Wimbledon challenge unexpectedly curtailed by Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2. Bublik, who went on to win the Halle title, was serving for the match at 5-4 before Munar clawed back to make it two sets apiece via the tiebreak. The Spaniard capitalised from there with an early break in the decider. Last year's semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti also made an unexpected exit, beaten by Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili. Seventh seed Musetti, playing his first match since retiring in the French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz with a leg injury, never looked settled against the world No.126 and went down 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1. "Really bad day at the office,'' Musetti said. "I came here at the last minute and of course I didn't have much good feelings with my game and honestly the physical side and energy and whatever it takes to play a match like this.'' It was 33-year-old Basilashvili's first win in a grand slam since reaching the Wimbledon third round in 2022. American fifth seed Taylor Fritz defeated France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (8-10) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 in a match suspended on Monday evening with the pair level at two sets each. Fritz faced the fastest in Wimbledon history, 153 miles per hour (246.3km/h), but won the point. "The funny thing is, I always tell my coaches when they sometimes say maybe I should try to serve into the body ... that I think body serves are awful. I never win the point when I do it," Fritz said. "And I sent the video (of the record serve) to my coach, saying: 'There you go. He served the fastest serve in the history of Wimbledon right into my chest, and I won the point, so there's your proof: Body serves are bad." British hope Jack Draper went through after Sebastian Baez retired hurt in the third set. Draper was leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 before the Argentine conceded after struggling with an injury. "I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty," Draper said after the 74-minute match. Alexander Zverev's unhappy relationship with grass courts has continued, the No.3 seed crashing out of Wimbledon in the opening round. Zverev, who has never won a title on grass, nor gone beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon, lost 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in a match suspended late on Monday night and resumed at a set apiece. World No.72 Rinderknech had only previously won one match at Wimbledon in four visits, but sealed victory with his third match point. Across the two days, the match lasted four hours and 40 minutes, and at its conclusion Rinderknech fell to the grass in joy. Zverev was followed on court by Novak Djokovic, who looked as if he would cruise past Alexandre Muller when he won the first set 6-1 in 30 minutes. The Frenchman had greeted the draw by posting on social media "Please No, God, Please, No, No!..." - and that assessment seemed prescient. But he then won the second set in a 9-7 tiebreak, saving six set points on the way. With light dimming the roof was closed. Djokovic sprinted through the next set, winning five games from 2-1 down, only delayed by medical timeouts for both players. Muller forced break points in the fourth set but failed to take them, and the seven-time Wimbledon winner wrapped up the match 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-2. Earlier world No.1 Jannik Sinner cruised past fellow Italian Luca Nardi 6-4 6-3 6-0 to line up a meeting with Australian Aleksandar Vukic. Sinner's three grand slam successes have come on hardcourts in Australia and the US, while he has only once reached the semi-finals at the All England Club. The man who beat Sinner in the Halle grass-court warm-up, 28th seed Alexander Bublik, had his Wimbledon challenge unexpectedly curtailed by Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2. Bublik, who went on to win the Halle title, was serving for the match at 5-4 before Munar clawed back to make it two sets apiece via the tiebreak. The Spaniard capitalised from there with an early break in the decider. Last year's semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti also made an unexpected exit, beaten by Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili. Seventh seed Musetti, playing his first match since retiring in the French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz with a leg injury, never looked settled against the world No.126 and went down 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1. "Really bad day at the office,'' Musetti said. "I came here at the last minute and of course I didn't have much good feelings with my game and honestly the physical side and energy and whatever it takes to play a match like this.'' It was 33-year-old Basilashvili's first win in a grand slam since reaching the Wimbledon third round in 2022. American fifth seed Taylor Fritz defeated France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (8-10) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 in a match suspended on Monday evening with the pair level at two sets each. Fritz faced the fastest in Wimbledon history, 153 miles per hour (246.3km/h), but won the point. "The funny thing is, I always tell my coaches when they sometimes say maybe I should try to serve into the body ... that I think body serves are awful. I never win the point when I do it," Fritz said. "And I sent the video (of the record serve) to my coach, saying: 'There you go. He served the fastest serve in the history of Wimbledon right into my chest, and I won the point, so there's your proof: Body serves are bad." British hope Jack Draper went through after Sebastian Baez retired hurt in the third set. Draper was leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 before the Argentine conceded after struggling with an injury. "I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty," Draper said after the 74-minute match. Alexander Zverev's unhappy relationship with grass courts has continued, the No.3 seed crashing out of Wimbledon in the opening round. Zverev, who has never won a title on grass, nor gone beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon, lost 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in a match suspended late on Monday night and resumed at a set apiece. World No.72 Rinderknech had only previously won one match at Wimbledon in four visits, but sealed victory with his third match point. Across the two days, the match lasted four hours and 40 minutes, and at its conclusion Rinderknech fell to the grass in joy. Zverev was followed on court by Novak Djokovic, who looked as if he would cruise past Alexandre Muller when he won the first set 6-1 in 30 minutes. The Frenchman had greeted the draw by posting on social media "Please No, God, Please, No, No!..." - and that assessment seemed prescient. But he then won the second set in a 9-7 tiebreak, saving six set points on the way. With light dimming the roof was closed. Djokovic sprinted through the next set, winning five games from 2-1 down, only delayed by medical timeouts for both players. Muller forced break points in the fourth set but failed to take them, and the seven-time Wimbledon winner wrapped up the match 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-2. Earlier world No.1 Jannik Sinner cruised past fellow Italian Luca Nardi 6-4 6-3 6-0 to line up a meeting with Australian Aleksandar Vukic. Sinner's three grand slam successes have come on hardcourts in Australia and the US, while he has only once reached the semi-finals at the All England Club. The man who beat Sinner in the Halle grass-court warm-up, 28th seed Alexander Bublik, had his Wimbledon challenge unexpectedly curtailed by Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2. Bublik, who went on to win the Halle title, was serving for the match at 5-4 before Munar clawed back to make it two sets apiece via the tiebreak. The Spaniard capitalised from there with an early break in the decider. Last year's semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti also made an unexpected exit, beaten by Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili. Seventh seed Musetti, playing his first match since retiring in the French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz with a leg injury, never looked settled against the world No.126 and went down 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1. "Really bad day at the office,'' Musetti said. "I came here at the last minute and of course I didn't have much good feelings with my game and honestly the physical side and energy and whatever it takes to play a match like this.'' It was 33-year-old Basilashvili's first win in a grand slam since reaching the Wimbledon third round in 2022. American fifth seed Taylor Fritz defeated France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (8-10) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 in a match suspended on Monday evening with the pair level at two sets each. Fritz faced the fastest in Wimbledon history, 153 miles per hour (246.3km/h), but won the point. "The funny thing is, I always tell my coaches when they sometimes say maybe I should try to serve into the body ... that I think body serves are awful. I never win the point when I do it," Fritz said. "And I sent the video (of the record serve) to my coach, saying: 'There you go. He served the fastest serve in the history of Wimbledon right into my chest, and I won the point, so there's your proof: Body serves are bad." British hope Jack Draper went through after Sebastian Baez retired hurt in the third set. Draper was leading 6-2 6-2 2-1 before the Argentine conceded after struggling with an injury. "I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty," Draper said after the 74-minute match.
