Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
French Open champion Alexander Zverev and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina underlined their title credentials with emphatic straight-set victories to book their places in the third round of Wimbledon 2026 on Thursday, July 2.
Second seed Zverev produced another polished display on No.1 Court, brushing aside French qualifier Valentin Royer 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (3). The German was in complete control for much of the contest, winning nine consecutive games after an early exchange before Royer showed late resistance by forcing a third-set tiebreak.
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Zverev, however, quickly regained control, using his powerful groundstrokes and precise serving to wrap up the match and register his 50th tour-level win on grass.
The reigning French Open champion admitted he briefly lost concentration late in the contest but was pleased to conserve energy ahead of the business end of the tournament. He will next face American Marcos Giron for a place in the fourth round.
RYBAKINA BACK TO HER DOMINANT BEST
Reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina looked every bit a contender for a second Wimbledon crown as she swept aside American Caty McNally 6-1, 6-2 on Centre Court. The Kazakh, who lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2022, needed just over an hour to dismantle McNally with her trademark booming serve and aggressive baseline game.
Having survived a stern three-set examination against Lois Boisson in the opening round, Rybakina showed no signs of vulnerability this time. She broke McNally’s serve repeatedly, dictated points from the outset and barely allowed her opponent any rhythm, sealing the opening set in just 28 minutes before racing through the second.
The victory strengthened Rybakina’s bid to reclaim the Wimbledon title and extended the impressive form that has already seen her win the Australian Open this season.
She will face Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the third round after the Belgian advanced from her second-round match. A deep run at the All England Club could also strengthen Rybakina’s push for the world No.1 ranking.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
