BRIT WATCH
5 KNOCKED OUT 5 STILL IN
AFTER a terrific Tuesday, it was a woeful Wednesday with both home hopes — Heather Watson and men’s No 1 Kyle Edmund — losing in the second round. Five more British players are hoping to make it into round three in the singles today with Jo Konta and Dan Evans leading the charge.
KYLE CRASHES OUT AFTER COSTLY SLIP
THERE was more knee trouble for Kyle Edmund as Britain’s No 1 let a two-set lead slip against Fernando Verdasco. Edmund, who retired at the French Open with a left knee injury, needed treatment on his right knee after slipping in the third-set tie break.
WATSON FADES AGAINST KONTAVEIT
HEATHER WATSON’S 10th Wimbledon ended in a second-round defeat by Anett Kontaveit. Watson matched the 20th seed in the first set, before being broken at 5-5, then faded quickly in the second. She now joins Henri Kontinen for the mixed doubles.
IN THE SECOND ROUND TODAY... DAN EVANS v NIKOLOZ BASILASHVILI
THE British No 2 starts as favourite despite Basilashvili being seeded 18th. The Georgian struggled to beat James Ward in five sets and his all-or-nothing game is not suited to grass. Evans could end up as the final British man standing.
CAM NORRIE v KEI NISHIKORI
A CENTRE COURT debut for Norrie against the 2014 US Open finalist. Japanese No 8 seed Nishikori has not shown his best form on grass but he is one of the purest ball-strikers around and will give Norrie precious few free points.
JAY CLARKE v ROGER FEDERER
IT doesn’t get much more difficult than this. Clarke can take some hope from Federer losing the first set to Wimbledon debutant Lloyd Harris in his opening round, although by the end of that match the Swiss was purring along.
HARRIET DART v BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA
THE Brazilian has the wind in her sails having won through qualifying and upset 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza in the first round. Haddad Maia had little recent form before this fortnight, though.
JO KONTA v KATERINA SINIAKOVA
THE Czech, 23, is one of the world’s best at doubles and defending champion here with Barbora Krejcikova. She is no slouch on her own, either, seeing off Naomi Osaka in the French Open. Konta should win, but will be tested.