Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has secured his place in the third round of Wimbledon 2024, overcoming Aleksandar Vukic in a straight-sets victory, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 6-2. The world number three showcased his prowess on Centre Court, delivering 42 winners and 10 aces in a match lasting just under two hours. Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, ‘The first set was the key. I played at a very high level in the second and third sets, and I’m happy with that’.In a remarkable turn of events, British hopeful Emma Raducanu stormed into the third round with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Elise Mertens. Raducanu, who has struggled with fitness issues since her 2021 US Open triumph, looked strong and confident throughout the match. ‘I’m really happy with the improvements I’ve made… I knew all the hard yards and hard work I was doing this year would lead to something,’ Raducanu said after her impressive performance.However, it was a different story for former world number one Naomi Osaka, who suffered a disappointing loss on her return to Centre Court after a five-year absence. Osaka was defeated by Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-1 in the second round.Other notable results include American Coco Gauff’s comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over Romanian Anca Todoni, advancing her to the third round. In a surprising upset, 37-year-old Fabio Fognini eliminated eighth seed Casper Ruud in a thrilling four-set match, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (1-7), 6-3.
Key points
- Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to Wimbledon’s third round with a straight-sets victory.
- Emma Raducanu showed impressive form, dominating her second-round match against Elise Mertens.
- Naomi Osaka suffered an early exit on her return to Centre Court after a five-year absence.
- Veteran player Fabio Fognini upset eighth seed Casper Ruud in a four-set thriller.
