Wimbledon - July 5

Yesterday was a special day at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, a very special day if I want to be precise. There were three matches with huge surprises, but good surprises this time.

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Hubert Hurkacz vs Daniil Medvedev

14th seed versus 2nd seed, this should be a no brainer for anyone, especially for those who are familiar with what's going on nowadays in tennis. Yet, the logical outcome is not what happened yesterday. Huvert Hirkacz was able to defeat Medvedev, can you believe it? Hurkacz has had some good matches lately, but the same thing can be said about Medvedev.

The match lasted two days, due to the rain and there were 5 sets played, but mentally that did not bother The Polish at all, he was able to concentrate on the game and not let himself be intimidated by the fact that he's playing against one of the best. I'm very glad to see him qualified for the next round.

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Felix Auger Aliassime vs Alexander Zverev

This was the other huge surprise. As I've said in my previous posts this year, I've been following Felix Auger Aliassime's evoulution to see if his new coach has managed to change something in his playing. Before this tournament I could have said and have said several times that there's no change, I see no improvement in his playing as most of the times the young Canadian got eliminated in the first round and if not, then in the second.

This tournament is different for him. I'm not sure if he got lucky, maybe luck counts as well because if Kyrgios wouldn't have gotten injured, I'm not sure he would have won. Anyway, would have and could have counts less here. He has managed to get this far and he won the most important match of his career yesterday. Winning against world no. 6 is a huge thing for the young Canadian! I'm glad he could battle though all the emotions a match like that brings to a player and could win. This must boost his confidence, which is much needed for him. After all the early defeats he has been through, he finally got a break.

What can I say about Zverev? I don't think he considered losing a possible outcome, but there's always a slight possibility of losing, in every match. He had 20 double faults, which at this level is not really acceptable. Better luck next time.

I must admit, I was wrong in predicting the winner in this game, but I don't think I am alone. Not many would have thought Aliassime could win.

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Márton Fucsovics vs Andrey Rublev

This was the other match that shocked me in a good way and obviously I got the prediction wrong. Again :) These two have met five times before yesterday and Rublev won 4 of the matches. He was the one always sending home the Hungarian in major tournaments. This is why I was afraid that the mental pressure for Fucsovics is becoming more and more of an issue, but I was wrong.

The match we saw yesterday was epic! It was the best match of the tournament! After losing the first set, Rublev was able to take back control, dominate the game and win the next two sets. Mentally this could be damaging for the opponent and I was afraid for Fuchovics but it looks like he came prepared this time.

He was extremely calm and concentrated on the game. Rublev on the other hand lost his temper several times, starting in set four. He could not control his anger and I suppose he didn't even try to hide his frustration. I've only seen Rublev this angry and desperate so far and that was at the beginning of the year at the Australian open, when it was extremely hot and the Russian had to play against Medvedev.

Fucsovics was able to control his emotions, stay focused and construct his points wisely. This is why he could defeat Rublev. Rublev is a good player, but he still needs experience.

I'm very proud of Fucsovics and consider myself lucky for being able to see the match. I'm looking forward to the next meeting between these two to see how it's going to go.

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Novak Djokovic vs Cristian Garín

This match ended as expected. Unfortunately Garin still needs experience, that will come in time. He is a very talented player, who's going to dominate the top of the ATP ranking list one day, but till then, there will be a lot of struggle. This is how it works.

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Roger Federer vs Lorenzo Sonego

This was a match that could go either way, depending on how fit Federer feels like during the match. Obviously of the two, he's the one with more experinece, but because of his surgeries and missing out one year, there's a risk of him not coping well with the physical pressure. But he did well and was able to win and qualify for the next round.

Tomorrow we're going to have three matches.

Karen Khachanov vs Denis Shapovalov

This is a match I will be watching emotionless. I like both players and maybe rooting for Karen Khachanov, but whatever happens, I'm going to enjoy the match. Somehow I feel like Shapovalov has more chance, but who knows. Let the best win.

Matteo Berrettini vs Felix Auger Aliassime

Well, I have the feeling that Felix Auger Aliassime will have his *ss kicked tomorrow. I know he has just won against Zverev, but I don't think he has the power to beat Berettini as well. Anyway, good luck to both of them.

Novak Djokovic vs Márton Fucsovics

This will be the third time these two get to meet. The first two matches have been won by the Serb and I think he's going to win the third one as well. Anyway, it's a good opportunity for Fucsovics to play once again against the big legend.

Roger Federer vs Hubert Hurkacz

I don't know what to say about this match. It can go either way. It depends on how Federer feels. Hubert Hurkacz I bet is in a great shape, so we'll see.