The 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner Rafael Nadal has confidently reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and continues to strive towards a dream final against Novak Djokovic.
The 36-year-old Spanish tennis superstar defeated Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6). Nadal conceded two breaks in the third set but remained composed in the decisive moments. He will now meet US number eleven Taylor Fritz, who gave Australian qualifier Jason Kubler no chance with a 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 win and has yet to drop a set.
Nadal still has a chance to win his third Grand Slam title of the year. The final could see a clash with top seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia, the defending champion.
Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios won another emotional rollercoaster against American Brandon Nakashima 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-2, with the 27-year-old complaining at times of shoulder problems and allowing himself periods of weakness after brilliant moments. “I need a glass of wine tonight for sure,” Kyrgios said relieved about his second quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon after the debut in 2014.
His winning third-round duel with world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece had caused a stir because both players had been cautioned for offences and blamed each other afterwards. Kyrgios is criticised for insulting the referees, but is also very popular with large parts of the public. Kyrgios will now face Chilean Cristian Garin, who beat Australian Alex de Minaur 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 7-6 (10-6) in 4:34 hours.
In the women’s competition, Romania’s Simona Halep reached the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the title in 2019. The 30-year-old dominated 6-1, 6-2 against world number four Paula Badosa of Spain. She will face American Amanda Anisimova, a 6-2, 6-3 winner over Harmony Tan of France, ending the surprising run of Serena Williams’ vanquisher.