Berrettini is back 🇮🇹

Big serving baseline brut Matteo Berrettini powered past 19th seed Alexander Zverev and into the fourth round yesterday. The Italian, who has only played 14 matches this year due to injury showed he still has the grass court game which took him to the 2021 final, muscling out the German in 3 sets 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5).

Playing under the radar
With all eyes on Novak, Alcaraz and compatriot Sinner, Berrettini entered the championship without much of a look-in. The former world no.6 (now no.38), like Zverev has been coming back from injury. An abdominal issue has kept him away from much of the tour in 2023 and the lead up to the Championship only saw him play one grass court match which he lost. But he has definitely shown he can still be a threat on the surface as he out-served French Open semifinalist Zverev to set up a match up with world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz.

A game to win
Berrentti has had an unfortunate time since losing in the 2021 final to Novak Djokovic. He was forced to miss last year’s Championship due to COVID 19, leaving questions of what could have been. But he definitely has the game for grass and to lift the trophy. He is only a handful of players on tour who have 3 grass court titles to his name having won Stuttgart in 2019 and Queens back-to-back 2021 & 2022.

We know Alcaraz won’t be pleased to see the Italian tennis stallion’s face across the other side of the net in the next round, but we know a few female fans who will. 😉

Trouble in paradise 🏝️

The Wimbledon organisers have come under fire from players Alexander Zverev and Alize Cornet for what they perceive as unequal treatment at the prestigious tournament.

Sinner selectiveness
Zverev expressed his disappointment that Jannik Sinner was given consecutive matches on the main court while some players, including himself, had not even completed their first-round matches. Sinner's matches were conveniently scheduled on Court 1, which has a retractable roof, allowing him to finish his matches despite rain delays. Zverev questioned why he and other accomplished players were not given the same advantage.

More support please!
Cornet, on the other hand, voiced her frustration at the disparity in ticket allocation between matches played on outside courts and the Centre Court. She emphasized that all players should be given equal credit and support, not just those playing on the big courts. Cornet's remarks were supported by her experience of only having two tickets for her first-round match and subsequently receiving 40 tickets when she played on Centre Court.

An ongoing debate
Their statements shed light on a debate that always seems to come up surrounding equal treatment and scheduling issues in professional tennis tournaments. It remains to be seen whether the latest criticisms will lead to any changes in the future or continue to be seen ongoing player tantrums.

In the end we think Zverev and Cornet have it pretty good being considered at the top of the game. Think of the rest!

4 threats to Novak 🤔

Novak Djokovic, the dominant force at Wimbledon, however, four players have the potential to threaten his reign. Let's take a closer look at their chances.

Carlos Alcaraz
First on the list is an easy one. Carlos Alcaraz. The youngster has shown he can play on grass. If he can overcome his French Open yips, he may be ready to take down Djokovic in a best-of-five final.

Jannik Sinner
Next is Jannik Sinner, who showcased his potential at last year's Wimbledon. Although his odds of reaching the semifinals are high, he will need unwavering confidence to win three sets against Djokovic.

Hubert Hurkacz 
With his big serve and grass-court prowess, could pose a challenge for Djokovic in the fourth round. He took care of Fed a few year’s ago, bageling the Wimbledon great in the final set of their match. He will be on Djokovic’s radar for sure.

Daniil Medvedev 
Lastly, the Russian, despite grass not being his best surface, has shown improvement and the belief that he can defeat Djokovic, as seen in their clash at the 2021 US Open final. If he reaches the final, his knowledge of beating Djokovic could give him an edge.

While Djokovic remains the favourite, these four players have the potential to pull off a miracle and hand him his first Wimbledon loss since 2018.

Minis 🎾⏰

Australian Daria Saville shares her comparisons of the four Grand Slam tournaments. What do you mean British cuisine is lacking? 🥓🍳

Justine Henin was awarded the International Tennis Federation highest honour, the Philippe Chatrier Award, for contribution to the sport 🎖️

Daniil Medvedev admitted that he was in danger of joining Jensen Brooksby after having two missed doping tests 💊💉

Goran Ivanisevic thinks Novak coming to the party late is the reason why he is not loved like Federer and Nadal 🥰

Formula One great, Lewis Hamilton was refused entry into Royal Box for the 2015 Wimbledon final over wardrobe clash 😂

Apparently sweaty armpits are what’s really behind the white dress code of Wimbledon 💦

What was he thinking? 🤦‍♂️

Spaniard Davidovich Fokina will be losing some sleep about this one…

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