
4 days · 4 summary articles
Amanda Anisimova and Taylor Fritz led a strong American charge into Wimbledon’s third round on Thursday, as the grass-court major entered its decisive stages with a wave of high-profile victories and symbolic gestures. Anisimova, ranked 28th, survived a tense three-set battle against compatriot Sofia Kenin 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(3), firing 20 aces in a display of power that silenced Kenin’s challenge on Centre Court . Fritz, meanwhile, secured his place in the next round with a straight-sets win, ensuring the United States maintained a robust presence in both singles draws.
The tournament’s third round is now shaping up with a blend of rising talent and defending champions. Iga Świątek, the reigning champion, continued her title defence with a clinical 6-3, 6-2 victory over former finalist Karolína Plíšková, earning praise from Martina Navratilova, who awarded her an “A+” for her performance . Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion, also progressed comfortably, defeating Caty McNally 6-1, 6-2 in a dominant display that underscored her grass-court pedigree .
Beyond the on-court action, Wimbledon’s third round has been marked by poignant off-court moments. Turkish player Zeynep Sönmez, eliminated in the second round, revealed that organisers barred her from wearing a pin in support of Palestine, prompting her to use a watermelon-shaped vibration dampener on her racket as a symbolic substitute . The move highlighted the tournament’s strict neutrality rules while allowing players to express personal causes within regulated boundaries.
Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea continued her resurgence on grass, reaching the third round for the first time since 2013 with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Kimberly Birrell . The 31-year-old, who has struggled with consistency in recent years, now faces a fourth meeting in 2026 against a familiar opponent, a sign of her renewed form. In a historic milestone, Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino player in the Open era to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, defeating Maya Joint in an electrifying atmosphere .
As the tournament progresses, attention turns to Saturday’s clashes, including Jannik Sinner’s highly anticipated third-round match against Jenson Brooksby, a test of the Italian’s adaptability on grass . With defending champions and rising stars converging, Wimbledon’s third round promises to deliver drama, defiance, and a reminder of the sport’s global appeal.
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