Murray Continues to Roll on Wet Day Three at Wimbledon

June 22, 2011 | By David Drucker
Wet_Court_Pic

If there was one word to describe the weather for the Wimbledon Championships, I think “frustrating” would be appropriate. Before play could even get underway on day three, we had to wait for the rain to pass. In an update from yesterday’s matches that took place late in the day, world number two Novak Djokovic of Serbia, France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were able to advance without much of a battle. American John Isner took nine hours less than he did last year to beat France’s Nicolas Mahut, this time winning in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-2, 7-6(6).

Number four seed Andy Murray kept the ball rolling today in straight set win over Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. The young Brit who has been picked by so many to win this years Wimbledon, took care of business without any hiccups like he had in round one. For Murray, the pressure on his shoulders is enormous as he is looking to become the first British grand slam winner since Fred Perry in 1936. Former British player Tim Henman could never win a slam in his career, but Murray has the game to win multiple slams, if his head is screwed on correctly. Awaiting Murray in the third round will either be Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia or Sergiy Stakhovsky of the Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, world number one Rafael Nadal of Spain battled young American Ryan Sweeting on Centre Court. The Spanish warrior proved to be too dominant for the young American, dominating rallies left and right. Nadal took the match easily in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. For Nadal this is now his 16th consecutive victory at Wimbledon dating back to his title run in 2008, and his title run last year in 2010. Nadal withdrew from Wimbledon in 2009 with a knee injury. Next up for the Spaniard will be Gilles Muller of Luxembourg who came through against Canadian youngster Milos Raonic after Raonic was forced to retire with a leg injury coming early in the first set.

Other notable names through on the day thus far are last year’s runner up Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic who defeated France’s Julien Benneteau 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. American Mardy Fish also came through in straight sets after defeating Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-4.

In upset news, there was a bit of a surprise today as number 14 seed Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland was upset by Simone Bolleli of Italy 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-6(4). Most fans were expecting a third round clash between Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet of France. Gasquet who advanced in straight sets earlier today, will now be the favorite when he takes on Bolleli instead.


David Drucker
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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