logo
Wimbledon briefing: Day seven recap, Monday order of play and technology woe

Wimbledon briefing: Day seven recap, Monday order of play and technology woe

Kartal's loss to Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova included an embarrassing malfunction of Wimbledon's new electronic line-calling system on Centre Court.
The singles quarter-final line-up will be completed on Monday, with Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek all on the schedule.
Here, the PA news agency looks back at Sunday's action and previews day eight of the Championships.
Cameron Norrie kept the British flag flying at Wimbledon by taking down qualifier Nicolas Jarry in a five-set marathon to reach the quarter-finals.
The 29-year-old had a match point in the third set, but was taken to a fifth by the towering Chilean before getting over the line after four hours and 27 minutes.
Norrie, a semi-finalist in 2022, is only the third British man to reach the last eight more than once in the last 50 years, after Tim Henman and Andy Murray, and is the last home hope remaining in singles after Sonay Kartal was beaten in straight sets by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
'They stole the game from me' 😠
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova wasn't happy when #Wimbledon's electronic line-calling system failed ❌ pic.twitter.com/JA0WIYSccD
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2025
Wimbledon officials had to apologise to Pavlyuchenkova and Kartal after an embarrassing malfunction of the new electronic line-calling system on Centre Court.
Organisers admitted the technology was turned off in error on a section of the court for a game, with the mistake only becoming apparent when a shot from Kartal that clearly missed the baseline was not called out.
Had the call been correct, it would have given Pavlyuchenkova a 5-4 lead in the first set, but instead umpire Nico Helwerth ruled the point should be replayed, with Kartal going on to win the game.
A Wimbledon spokesperson later said the technology was 'deactivated in error on part of the server's side of the court', the 'chair umpire followed the established process' and both players had received an apology.
Women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka beat Elise Mertens in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals for an 11th successive grand slam appearance.
The victory was her 46th of the season – way ahead of any other player, with only four women managing more wins in the whole of 2024 – but having lost in the Australian Open and French Open finals so far this year, she is desperate to win Wimbledon for the first time.
Meanwhile, reigning men's champion Carlos Alcaraz remains on course for a third successive SW19 title.
The Spaniard dropped the opening set against Russian 14th seed Andrey Rublev, but he fought back to extend his winning streak to 22 matches.
Alex De Minaur has been forced to wait for a crack at seven-time champion Djokovic.
The pair were scheduled to meet in the 2024 quarter-finals before a devastated De Minaur withdrew ahead of play due to a hip injury sustained in his previous round win over Arthur Fils.
Twelve months on, the Australian has an opportunity a round earlier.
Centre Court (from 1.30pm)Novak Djokovic (6) v Alex De Minaur (11)Mirra Andreeva (7) v Emma Navarro (10)Jannik Sinner (1) v Grigor Dimitrov (19)
Court One (from 1pm)Ekaterina Alexandrova (17) v Belinda BencicBen Shelton (10) v Lorenzo SonegoIga Swiatek (8) v Clara Tauson (23)
Heavy rain changing to sunny intervals by late morning, with a maximum temperature of 23C, according to the Met Office.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sport minister rejects calls to consult on alcohol ban in football stands
Sport minister rejects calls to consult on alcohol ban in football stands

South Wales Argus

time37 minutes ago

  • South Wales Argus

Sport minister rejects calls to consult on alcohol ban in football stands

Stephanie Peacock said moves to reverse the prohibition, which has been in place since 1985, do not fall within the scope of the Football Governance Bill. MPs will have a say on the Tories' amendment to the Bill on Tuesday, if the party chooses to push it to a vote. Sport minister Stephanie Peacock (Chris McAndrew/PA) The minister also stopped short of agreeing to financial support for ex-players who have suffered brain conditions caused by heading footballs, but said the Government is 'committed' to looking further at player welfare. Speaking in the Commons, Ms Peacock said the Bill's focus is on the 'financial sustainability of football clubs up and down the country'. The Bill would introduce an independent regulator for the top five tiers of the men's game to ensure clubs are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans. The regulator will also have 'backstop' powers to impose a financial settlement between the English Football League (EFL) and the Premier League if they cannot agree one themselves. David Kogan, a media rights expert, has been named as the Government's preferred candidate to chair the Independent Football Regulator in April, and his appointment was endorsed by a cross-party committee of MPs. But Mr Kogan faces an inquiry into his appointment following the revelation that he had donated money to both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, as well as other Labour figures. During the Bill's report stage, shadow sport minister Louie French accused the Government of 'appointing a Labour crony to be the new sheriff of football'. Intervening, Ms Nandy said then-minister Stuart Andrew had 'actively headhunted the individual in question and added him to the shortlist'. Mr French also urged the Government to scrap the 'legacy ban which sees fans rushing to drink their beer before kick-off and at half-time'. On new clause one, he said: 'The alcohol ban, which has been in place since 1985, was introduced to help curb hooliganism on the terraces during the problematic era of British football. 'But 40 years on, and with the modern game enjoying a more family-friendly atmosphere in stadiums across the country, clubs, fans and the Conservatives are urging the Government to consult on lifting the ban on alcohol. 'As football fans know, we have this legacy ban which sees fans rushing to drink their beer before kick-off and at half-time, this often leads to the fans being delayed entering the stadiums and overcrowding on the concourses. 'This is why we have listened to clubs and fans, especially those lower down the football pyramid, and are urging the Government to end the two-tier approach to football plans as part of their Football Governance Bill.' Responding, Ms Peacock said: 'This is outside the scope of the Bill, which is focused on sustainability of clubs and game overall. I've raised the issue with the Home Office, as I committed to do during the Bill committee, as it is their policy lead.' Labour MP for Caerphilly Chris Evans (Andrew Matthews/PA) A number of MPs, including Labour's Chris Evans (Caerphilly) had tabled amendments to the Bill calling for greater support of past players who have developed neurodegenerative diseases as a result of heading footballs. Referring to the Liberal Democrats' amendment which called for a financial scheme to provide care, Ms Peacock said it is 'not within the tight regulatory scope of the Bill'. She told MPs: 'The Secretary of State and I recently met with a small group of affected families and ex-footballers, including individuals associated with Football Families for Justice (FFJ), to discuss player safety and welfare for those suffering with dementia. 'The Government is committed to looking further at this issue and supporting the families and football authorities to come together to address issues of lifelong consequences from concussion as well as post-career mental health and financial crises. 'I'm afraid this amendment is not within the tight regulatory scope of the Bill, although that does not mean the Government is not aware and very sympathetic to the calls that are being made on this issue, both in this House and for many former players and their families. 'This Bill is focused on the financial sustainability of football clubs up and down the country.' The Liberal Democrats had also tabled an amendment which proposed that at least 10 Premier League football matches should be made available on free-to-air television channels such as the BBC or ITV. The party's culture spokesperson Max Wilkinson said: 'If we are to get the next generation of fans involved, the easiest way to make sure that they are entertained and that they're engaging is by making football free-to-air.' Ms Peacock said: 'The Government believes that the current list of events works well, and it strikes an appropriate balance between access to sporting events and allowing sports to maximise broadcasting revenue. 'In domestic football, the present arrangements under the listed events regime have protected key moments such as the FA Cup final, while ensuring that the Premier League, the EFL, and the FA, are able to raise billions of pounds annually, which is invested back into the pyramid. 'We all want to see more matches being televised, free-to-air, but that must be balanced against investment and not risk it.'

Wimbledon diary: Sir Ian McKellen takes in the tennis and fans pack Henman Hill
Wimbledon diary: Sir Ian McKellen takes in the tennis and fans pack Henman Hill

Powys County Times

time37 minutes ago

  • Powys County Times

Wimbledon diary: Sir Ian McKellen takes in the tennis and fans pack Henman Hill

Gandalf witnessed some Centre Court wizardry on day nine of Wimbledon. Actor Sir Ian McKellen, who starred as The Lord of the Rings character, watched Aryna Sabalenka battle back to reach the women's semi-finals before taking in Cameron Norrie's quarter-final defeat to defending men's champion Carlos Alcaraz. The 86-year-old was joined in the Royal Box by fellow thespians Sir Mark Rylance, Sienna Miller, Jodie Foster and Richard E. Grant, singer Katherine Jenkins and coffee magnate Giuseppe Lavazza. Former cricketer David Gower was among those representing the world of sport, while Scotland and Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay and Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber enjoyed the action from less exclusive seats. *** American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova celebrated progression to the semi-finals with a special guest. The 23-year-old was accompanied by nephew Jaxon for her post-match interview on Court One following a 6-1 7-6 (9) win over Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Jaxon, who turns four on Thursday, only arrived in the UK on Tuesday morning. An early birthday present for Amanda's nephew, Jackson #Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2025 After ensuring his long trip was worthwhile, Anisimova said: 'My sister and her husband are also here and I'm super grateful that they flew in and got to experience this with me – it doesn't happen often.' *** The tension on Centre Court during Sabalenka's match against Laura Siegemund was broken when a mobile phone began to ring. The usual accompanying tuts and moans from other spectators grew louder when it became apparent no one could turn off the annoying ring tone. One unfortunate spectator was rifling through her bag trying to find the offending item. But it turned out to have been left behind by someone else and they were trying to locate it remotely. The phone was eventually found under a seat and handed to a member of security. *** Henman Hill was rammed late on Tuesday afternoon. Fans were glued to the big screen, with the majority cheering on British number three Norrie in his efforts to pull of a major upset against world number two Alcaraz. Barely a spare blade of grass was available as other spectators queued to join them. Quote of the day 'I'm more for line umpires, to be honest. Sometimes it's scary to let machines do what they want, you know (smiling)?' – Russian 17th seed Karen Khachanov joined the growing list of players to question Wimbledon's electronic line calling system following a malfunction during his quarter-final loss to Taylor Fritz. Picture of the day Wednesday's match of the day Teenage Russian Mirra Andreeva has been one of the standout performers in the women's draw. The 18-year-old, who is coached by 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, is bidding to reach a second grand slam semi-final and has been given another Centre Court slot after shining in front of Roger Federer on Monday during her fourth-round defeat of Emma Navarro. Standing in her way is 2021 Olympic champion Belinda Bencic. The 28-year-old Swiss player is also enjoying her best run at SW19, having missed last year's tournament after giving birth to daughter Bella in April 2024. Wednesday weather watch

Alcaraz dominates Norrie to end British hopes at Wimbledon
Alcaraz dominates Norrie to end British hopes at Wimbledon

The Herald Scotland

timean hour ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Alcaraz dominates Norrie to end British hopes at Wimbledon

The statistics told the story of a one-sided quarter-final contest: a 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 masterclass from a player who is attempting to join Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in winning three consecutive Wimbledon titles in the Open era. Norrie had beaten Alcaraz twice before, but on these lawns — where the Spaniard is unbeaten in 19 consecutive matches — he is far more at home than the home hope. So popular is Alcaraz that cries of "Come on, Carlos" were nearly as loud as those backing the British No 3. The Centre Court crowd quickly sensed the inevitability of the result, and the defending champion wrapped up his victory in just 99 minutes — his swiftest of the Championships thus far. Even Oliver Tarvet, the world No 733, had made him work harder for over two hours last week. Alcaraz won 89 per cent of his first-serve points and fired down 13 aces. He accumulated 94 points with 39 winners, and even when Norrie occasionally threatened his serve, the Spaniard remained unflustered. "Yes we Cam," shouted one optimistic voice in the crowd, although the sentiment owed more to summer sunshine and too many glasses of Pimm's than on-court reality. There was sympathy for Norrie who, despite his exceptional fitness, may have been feeling the effects of a five-set thriller against Nicolás Jarry just 48 hours earlier. Arthur Ashe, who won his historic title here 50 years ago, once remarked that the gap between the world No 1 and No 10 was as great as that between ten and 100. You did not need expert eyes to see that Norrie's current ranking — No 61, though this run will lift it — was cruelly exposed. "I was the underdog and he just took care of things really well," said Norrie. "It was a good experience to play the best player in the world, on his favourite surface. I didn't take my chances and that showed in the score. "When he's enjoying his tennis like this and he's serving that well, he's the favourite to win again for sure and the level he is playing is unreal. He's got so many options - he's got power and then he plays a drop shot. His physicality and movement makes it very tough for you. "It was one of the biggest matches of my career but for him that was probably just another match. He just played much better than me in the big moments and it all seemed to happen very quickly. I fought to the last point and I'm proud of my championships and I can take lots of confidence from it." Cam Norrie's great @Wimbledon run comes to an end as defending champion Carlos Alcaraz wins their quarter-final on Centre Court #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | #Wimbledon — LTA (@the_LTA) July 8, 2025 Alcaraz paid tribute to Norrie's work ethic and expressed confidence in his ability to return to the upper echelons of the sport after his best Grand Slam showing since reaching the semi-finals here in 2022. His own focus now turns to Taylor Fritz, his semi-final opponent, whom he has beaten twice without dropping a set. "This was my best match of the tournament," he said. "I'm feeling great and while every match is different, my confidence is really high. "The more matches I've played, the more I've started to get a good rhythm with my serve. I'm feeling really calm and my thinking is very clear. "I struggled a bit in the first rounds of the championship but it's started to click now and feel really good. "Taylor is having a really successful season and he's playing some great tennis on grass, his aggressive game really suits this surface. "I need to find an even higher level than I did against Cameron, it doesn't get any easier. The key will be not to let him dominate the game. "This is my 23rd match in my winning streak but I don't want to stop, the players have a target on me and I know that." Fritz produced two outstanding sets to take control of his quarter-final against Karen Khachanov before inexplicably losing the third. He regained his composure, however, to complete a 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 win. It is further evidence of the American's steely mindset, cultivated in recent years as he has become a consistent presence in the second week of majors. This will be only his second Grand Slam semi-final, after his run to last year's US Open final, where he was well beaten by Jannik Sinner. That experience, though, instilled fresh belief in his ability to navigate the latter stages of major tournaments. His current Wimbledon campaign has underscored that resilience. Fritz came through two five-set matches in the opening rounds — including a first-round tie against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard that spanned two days — and has improved as the grass at the baseline has thinned. His game has long been suited to grass, and after recent ATP Tour titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne, he is as confident as ever as he attempts to dethrone the reigning champion. "[The US Open final] has given me a lot of confidence in those moments and situation — just having been there — that I can do it again," he said. "I feel like in other years, when I reached the quarter-finals here, it felt like a really big deal. This time I went into the match much more calm and relaxed. "I've just been really proud of how I've been mentally all week. I was about as close to being out of the tournament in the first round as you can be. "I think grass can be an equaliser. I trust how I'm playing. I truly believe that, playing the way I did in the first two sets today, there is not much any opponent can do." For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store