LONDON, (Reuters) – Home favourites Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray were among the Grand Slam champions who made swift exits from Wimbledon yesterday, a day after a total of 10 Britons moved into the second round of their home slam.
Tenth seed Raducanu was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Caroline Garcia, ending the reigning U.S. Open champion’s run and underlining why the Frenchwoman was a former top-five player herself.
The Centre Court crowd then watched on as John Isner beat Andy Murray for the first time in his career, with the big-serving 37-year-old American triumphing 6-4 7-6(4) 6-7(3) 6-4 under the floodlights with the roof closed.
Britain’s Ryan Peniston was ousted in straight sets by American Steve Johnson while Heather Watson, leading Wang Qiang 7-5 5-4, will have to wait until today after their match was suspended late in the day.
British number one Cameron Norrie gave the home fans reason to cheer, however, after overcoming Jaume Munar 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-0 6-2.
Top seed Novak Djokovic brushed aside Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 6-2 but third seed Casper Ruud was ousted by Ugo Humbert who won 3-6 6-2 7-5 6-4.
The women’s draw had upsets with second seed Anett Kontaveit going down 6-4 6-0 to Jule Niemeier while 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza lost 6-4 6-0 to Greet Minnen.
But fifth seed Maria Sakkari advanced with a 6-4 6-3 win over Viktoriya Tomova.
Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz moved into the third round for the first time in his career after the fifth seed beat Tallon Griekspoor 6-4 7-6(0) 6-3.
