The 2024 edition of The Championships just keeps delivering excitement and drama. Monday showcased another comeback from two sets down and the resurgence of major winners, making it a memorable day in south-west London. Here are the key headlines from Day 8:
Fritz Fights Back in Five
In a high-octane clash, Taylor Fritz staged a stunning comeback against Alexander Zverev. For two sets, Zverev's powerful serve was dominant, but Fritz managed to halt Zverev's run of 56 successive holds at SW19. The world No.12 eventually prevailed 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3 to book his fourth major quarter-final.
“It was amazing to do that on Centre Court from two sets down in front of this crowd – it’s just a dream,” said Fritz. “I was thinking: it sucked to be playing this well and just lose in three straight so let’s take the third. And I took it one at a time."
Fritz, who won the grass-court title in Eastbourne before heading to London, has a game strongly suited to the surface. He will face Lorenzo Musetti in the Elite 8. “The key is always going to be serving well and returning well. I feel like if I do those two things well, then I like my chances,” stated the 26-year-old.
Fired-Up Djokovic Dominates Rune
Another Grand Slam day, another Novak Djokovic milestone. The Serbian blazed past Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, reaching his 60th Grand Slam quarter-final and 15th at Wimbledon. Despite having undergone knee surgery less than five weeks ago, the seven-time champion showed no signs of slowing down.
“I’m very pleased. I don’t think he has played anywhere close to his best, to be honest. It was a tough start for him. He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally,” said Djokovic, who will face No.9 seed Alex de Minaur in the Elite 8.
Djokovic's main battle seemed to be against the Danish support chanting "Ruuuuune," which riled the 24-time major winner. “To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” said Djokovic during his on-court interview. “And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case, me, have a goooooooood night.”
French Hopes Dashed at Last 16 Hurdle
Australian Alex de Minaur had too much in his armoury, defeating French youngster Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. De Minaur, who reached the quarter-finals of the US Open 2020 and Roland-Garros 2024, will face Djokovic next.
“I don't think you need to talk too much about Novak here at Wimbledon. He's achieved greatness many, many years,” said the No.9 seed, who defeated Djokovic at the United Cup in January. “He's going to be a tough battle. But the type of battles that I want to be playing. Those are the challenges that I want to take advantage of and go out there and show what I can do.”
A de Minaur masterclass 👿
The Australian reaches the last eight at #Wimbledon for the first time, defeating Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 with a dazzling display of grass court tennis 🎾 pic.twitter.com/1ElcXEXFCK— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2024
Musetti's Emotional Victory
The tears were flowing for Lorenzo Musetti as the Italian marked a "phenomenal day." The No.25 seed defeated Lucky Loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final.
“It’s tough for me to get emotional but I think today I think I will. I’ve been dreaming about this moment,” said Musetti. Reflecting on his next match, he added, "Taylor has been on an amazing run. We played here in Wimbledon two years ago where he was playing one of his best tennis probably, and I was not mature enough on this surface. So definitely will be a completely different match."
Svitolina Spurred On by Home Heartbreak
2022 champion Elena Rybakina advanced to the Last 8, winning 6-3, 3-0 when Anna Kalinskaya retired with a back issue. Rybakina will face last year's semi-finalist Elina Svitolina, who dispatched Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-1.
Svitolina, wearing a black ribbon to honor Ukraine, said, “Today was one of the most difficult matches in my life. Mentally it was beyond anything I have ever faced but fails in comparison to what my people at home are going through.”
Ostapenko in the Groove
Roland-Garros 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko continued her impressive run, storming past Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 6-3. Ostapenko, the No.13 seed, has only dropped 15 games across four rounds.
“I feel like I'm just doing the things that I have to do. I'm playing aggressively, playing my game, just enjoying it probably more than before,” said the 27-year-old. She will face Barbora Krejcikova in the quarter-finals.
Krejcikova, the 2021 Roland-Garros singles champion, has achieved the set in Grand Slam singles quarter-finals after defeating No.11 seed Danielle Collins 7-5, 6-3. “I'm very happy with the way that I won today, that I was able to do the extra step that I wasn't in 2021,” said Krejcikova. “It feels great. I'm happy that I'm still competing.”
Day 8 at Wimbledon 2024 was packed with thrilling matches and emotional moments, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: X(multiple sources)
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