Only with Roger Federer did the sun rise

When it rains in London, there are usually no weeds. So also on Tuesday. From 1.15 p.m. there was a broadcast break on the uncovered outdoor courts in Wimbledon, the tennis stars Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre/5) had just 58 minutes to present their hitting skills on Court 2.

The perspective is rosy in two respects: The world number 91. from Lichtenwörth was in good shape after recovering from a cold and started the “second stage” with a 6:3, 3:4 lead on his own serve becomes.

View of the largest stage

“You always have to expect interruptions here,” says Thiem, who served five aces, hit 16 winners and made fewer unforced errors (11:16) than Tsitsipas. It looks good that Austria’s number two can finally fulfill their dream of appearing on the sophisticated Center Court.

Should Thiem win, he would meet none other than Sir Andy Murray on Thursday, who was crowned two-time Wimbledon champion (2013, 2016) and Olympic champion in 2012 at the “All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club”.

The Scot prevailed against Ryan Peniston (Gbr) 6:3, 6:0, 6:1 in the closed main arena, which was of course completely sold out with 15,000 visitors. Previously, the world number one Carlos Alcaraz had also left nothing to burn. The Spaniard dispatched Jeremy Chardy (Fra) on Court One 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

There was no sign of thigh problems that had prevented Alcaraz from competing in the Hurlingham Classic. “It’s wonderful to play here in Wimbledon. I’m really lucky to get so much support from fans from all over the world. That inspires,” emphasized the 20-year-old, who had been in the shadow of the great Roger Federer.

The 41-year-old eight-time Wimbledon champion received a standing ovation during his visit to Center Court – flanked by wife Mirka and Princess Kate. The scenario did not escape Alcaraz either: “I saw from the stories and posts that I studied on my phone that Roger Federer is there. To be honest, I was a bit jealous. I want him to have one of my matches. It would also be great to exchange a word or two with him,” said the Iberian.

“Always a special place”

Federer was honored for his services to the classic lawn. “Wimbledon was always a special place for me,” said the Swiss, who is still not 100% fit after three knee surgeries. “Of course you might like to experience that again, to be down there on the pitch. But as long as you know that the body can’t do it at this level, you don’t have the need either.”

PS: Julia Grabher, who is 4:6 behind against Danielle Collins (USA), Sebastian Ofner and Dennis Novak didn’t hit a ball yesterday. Time for dryness.