Day five at Wimbledon delivered another thrilling day of tennis, with some of the biggest names in the sport progressing to the second week. Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka both booked their places in the fourth round to set up one of the standout matches of the tournament, while Daniil Medvedev suffered a surprise exit and both Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner continued their title bids. Here, QualityShot tennis journalist Ben Phillips looks into the exit of former grand slam champion Daniil Medvedev and all the action from day 5.
Osaka and Sabalenka on collision course
One of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the fourth round will see Naomi Osaka take on world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after both produced impressive victories on Friday.
Sabalenka came through what many expected to be one of the trickiest tests of the third round, defeating the dangerous Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-4. Ostapenko’s aggressive hitting has troubled many of the world’s best players over the years, but Sabalenka remained composed throughout, using her power and consistency to control the rallies and secure a straight-sets victory.
Osaka was arguably even more impressive as she dismantled Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3. Kasatkina has enjoyed some excellent results on grass in recent seasons and possesses the variety capable of causing problems on the surface. However, Osaka gave her almost no opportunity to settle, striking the ball cleanly from the opening game and dominating behind her serve.
The emphatic nature of the victory underlines just how well Osaka is playing this fortnight. With confidence growing match by match, her meeting with Sabalenka promises to be one of the highest-quality contests of the tournament so far.
Medvedev’s Wimbledon woes continue
Daniil Medvedev’s difficult relationship with Wimbledon continued as the Russian was knocked out in straight sets by Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.
Struff edged a tightly contested encounter 7-6, 7-6, 7-5, with very little separating the pair throughout the match. The margins were incredibly fine, but Struff consistently delivered in the biggest moments, particularly in the tiebreaks, to earn one of the best wins of his season.
Following the defeat, we asked Medvedev whether falling behind in matches sometimes helps him mentally relax and play more freely. The former US Open champion dismissed the idea, replying:
“I don’t think so. If you look at the first two matches it didn’t happen.”
The loss continues Medvedev’s long-standing struggles on grass. Despite being one of the world’s premier hard-court players and a former world No. 1, Wimbledon has remained one of the few major tournaments where he has never consistently found his best tennis.
Djokovic survives tough test
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic was pushed hard by Arthur Rinderknech before eventually securing a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 victory.
For much of the contest Djokovic looked in control, but Rinderknech refused to fade away. After taking the third set convincingly, the Frenchman carried that momentum into the fourth and looked capable of forcing a deciding set.
Djokovic, however, once again demonstrated why he has enjoyed so much success on Centre Court. He held his nerve in the fourth-set tiebreak to avoid a fifth set, where the momentum had clearly shifted towards his opponent.
The Serbian now moves into the fourth round where he will face qualifier Roman Safiullin, who continued his excellent run by defeating João Fonseca in straight sets.
Sinner continues smooth progress
Defending champion Jannik Sinner also enjoyed a comfortable afternoon, overcoming Jenson Brooksby in routine fashion to book his place in the last 16.
Although the scoreline never suggested any real danger, Brooksby played his part in an entertaining contest, producing the creative shot-making and defensive skills that have made him such a difficult opponent throughout his career.
Sinner, though, was simply too solid. The Italian continued to strike the ball with authority from both wings, serving efficiently and rarely allowing Brooksby any sustained opportunities to get back into the match.
With Djokovic, Sabalenka and Osaka all advancing alongside him, Wimbledon is beginning to build towards a fascinating second week. The headline act of the fourth round will undoubtedly be the clash between Osaka and Sabalenka, a meeting between two of the biggest hitters in the women’s game that has all the ingredients to become one of the matches of the championships.
What’s to come on day 6
The fourth round gets underway on Saturday with several mouth-watering contests across both the men’s and women’s draws.
Defending champion Iga Świątek will continue her pursuit of another Wimbledon title when she faces rising Filipino star Alex Eala. Świątek has looked increasingly comfortable on the grass after a dominant third-round performance and will be aiming to reach the quarter-finals, but Eala has already shown she is capable of troubling some of the biggest names on tour.
On the men’s side, Matteo Berrettini takes on Grigor Dimitrov in what promises to be one of the matches of the day. Both players possess huge serves and excellent grass-court pedigree, making this a fascinating battle between two former Wimbledon semi-finalists.
Another blockbuster sees Frances Tiafoe face Alexander Bublik. Bublik’s unpredictable shot-making and flair have made him one of the most entertaining players in the draw, while Tiafoe will be hoping his athleticism and aggressive style can carry him into the last eight.
The women’s draw also features an all-American showdown as Amanda Anisimova meets Madison Keys. With both players striking the ball exceptionally well and possessing the firepower to dominate on grass, it has all the ingredients to be one of the standout matches of the fourth round.
