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Novak Djokovic suffers nasty fall and Wimbledon icon reduced to tears

Wimbledon Live: Sinner Battles Through, Djokovic Dominates, Swiatek Shines, and Andreeva's Rising Star

LONDON - The grass courts of Wimbledon are alive with drama, upsets, and sheer brilliance as Day X of the Championships unfolds under the unpredictable British skies. From the top seeds asserting their dominance to emerging talents making waves, today's action has been nothing short of electrifying. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner kicked off the day's highlights with a gritty performance, while Novak Djokovic continued his quest for an eighth Wimbledon title with clinical precision. On the women's side, Iga Swiatek powered through her match, and young sensation Mirra Andreeva turned heads with her fearless play. Ben Shelton, the American firecracker, added his own flair to the mix. Here's a blow-by-blow account of the key moments as they happened on Centre Court and beyond.

Starting with Jannik Sinner, the Italian sensation and current Australian Open champion, who faced a stern test in his round-of-16 clash against a resurgent opponent. Sinner, seeded first for the first time at a Grand Slam, entered the match with high expectations after a flawless run through the early rounds. The 22-year-old's powerful baseline game and improved serve have been the talk of the tournament, but today he was pushed to his limits. The match began under overcast conditions, with Sinner breaking early in the first set to take a 3-1 lead. His opponent, known for a tricky slice and volley style that suits the grass, fought back valiantly, forcing a tiebreak that Sinner edged 7-5. Commentators noted Sinner's composure under pressure, a marked improvement from his earlier career wobbles. As the second set unfolded, Sinner's forehand started firing on all cylinders, clocking speeds over 90 mph consistently. He sealed the set 6-4, but not without a scare when he slipped on the baseline, reminding everyone of the slick surfaces after yesterday's rain delay.

By the third set, Sinner was in full control, mixing drop shots with his trademark inside-out forehands to keep his rival guessing. The crowd on No. 1 Court erupted as he closed out the match 6-3, advancing to the quarterfinals. Post-match, Sinner reflected on the challenge: "It was tough out there; the grass is playing faster today, but I'm happy with how I adapted." His performance sets up a mouthwatering quarterfinal against a fellow top seed, potentially Daniil Medvedev, depending on later results. Sinner's run at Wimbledon this year underscores his rapid ascent; after reaching the semifinals last year, he's now favored by many to go all the way, especially with some big names already out of the draw.

Shifting to Novak Djokovic, the seven-time champion and eternal favorite, who dismantled his opponent in straight sets on Centre Court. Djokovic, at 37, is defying Father Time once again, fresh off knee surgery just weeks ago. His movement looked fluid from the outset, a testament to his rigorous rehab and mental fortitude. The match started with Djokovic breaking serve in the opening game, his return game as sharp as ever. He raced to a 6-2 first set, peppering the court with precise backhands down the line. The Serbian's serve, often underrated, was a weapon today, with aces piling up and first-serve percentage hovering around 80%. His opponent, a qualifier who had upset a higher seed earlier, tried to rally in the second set, but Djokovic's experience shone through. A pivotal moment came at 4-4 when Djokovic saved two break points with audacious net rushes, then broke back to take the set 6-4.

The third set was a masterclass, with Djokovic varying his pace and spin to disrupt rhythm, ending 6-1. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he waved to all corners of the arena. In his on-court interview, Djokovic quipped, "I'm feeling better every day. Wimbledon has a special energy that pushes me." This victory marks his 15th Wimbledon quarterfinal, tying him with legends like Roger Federer. Djokovic's path forward looks promising, but he remains cautious: "Every match is a battle here." His performance today silenced doubters who questioned his fitness, and it positions him as the man to beat, especially with his record of never losing a Wimbledon final he's reached.

On the American front, Ben Shelton brought his explosive energy to the outer courts in a thrilling encounter. The 21-year-old lefty, known for his booming serve and charismatic celebrations, faced a veteran baseliner in what turned into a five-set epic. Shelton started strong, winning the first set 7-5 with a barrage of aces, some clocking over 140 mph. His phone-call celebration after big points drew cheers from the fans, adding to the entertainment value. However, his opponent clawed back, taking the second set in a tiebreak after Shelton double-faulted at a crucial moment. The third set saw Shelton's athleticism on full display; a diving volley winner at the net had the crowd gasping. He edged it 6-4, but fatigue seemed to set in during the fourth, where he lost 3-6 after a string of unforced errors.

The decider was pure drama. Shelton saved three match points in a marathon game at 5-5, then broke serve with a audacious lob that just clipped the baseline. He sealed the match 7-5, collapsing to the grass in exhaustion and joy. Shelton's win propels him into the quarterfinals, a career milestone on grass where he's historically struggled. "This means everything," he said post-match. "I've worked on my grass game all year, and it's paying off." Shelton's blend of power and personality is injecting fresh excitement into the men's draw, and his next match could pit him against a top seed, promising fireworks.

Turning to the women's side, Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1 and French Open champion, continued her dominant form in a straight-sets victory. Swiatek, who has transitioned impressively from clay to grass this season, overwhelmed her opponent with relentless groundstrokes and impeccable footwork. The first set was a clinic, 6-2, as Swiatek broke twice early and never looked back. Her backhand, often her weapon, was slicing through the court like a knife. The second set saw a brief fightback, with her rival holding serve to love in a couple of games, but Swiatek's mental edge prevailed. She closed it out 6-4 with a forehand winner down the line.

Swiatek's performance was marked by her improved serve, which has been a focus after early-round wobbles. "Grass is still new for me, but I'm adapting," she noted. This win sets her up for a potential semifinal run, where she could face tougher tests. Swiatek's all-court game is evolving, and with 21 straight wins on tour, she's the favorite to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Finally, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva stole the spotlight with an upset victory over a seeded player. The Russian prodigy, who burst onto the scene last year, played with maturity beyond her years. Her match on Court 2 was a rollercoaster: she dropped the first set 4-6 but roared back to take the second 7-5 with aggressive returns. The decider was tense, but Andreeva's composure shone, winning 6-3. Her variety—drop shots, lobs, and powerful forehands—kept her opponent off balance. "I just tried to stay calm and play my game," Andreeva said humbly. This result marks her deepest Grand Slam run yet, and she's drawing comparisons to teenage sensations like Maria Sharapova.

As the day winds down, other notable updates include several doubles matches heating up and weather forecasts predicting clearer skies for tomorrow. The energy at the All England Club is palpable, with fans queuing for hours to catch glimpses of their heroes. Wimbledon 2024 is shaping up to be one for the ages, blending veteran prowess with youthful exuberance. Stay tuned for more live updates as the quarterfinals loom—tennis at its finest.

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[ https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2079340/wimbledon-live-jannik-sinner-novak-djokovic-shelton-swiatek-andreeva ]