Aussie seals huge career-first amid dramatic scenes for Wimbledon fan favourite
Thompson says he's still 'not anywhere near 100 per cent', despite booking his place in the last-16 at Wimbledon for the first time in his career, with a 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory over Italian Luciano Darderi. The Aussie battled through his back injury to record courageous five-set wins in his opening two matches, but looked more comfortable in the third round clash against Darderi.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering last-16 showdown with in-form fifth seed Taylor Fritz, who Thompson beat on the grass at Queen's Club last year. The big-serving American defeated Spain's 26th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1, and Thompson says there's no reason why he can't spring another huge upset against the World No.5.
"It's a pathetic outlook if I go out there thinking I can't win," the Aussie said. "I won last time on grass, but very different grass, in different circumstances. So, you know, it'll be a new day. Fellow Aussies Alex de Minaur and Daria Kasatkina have the chance to join Thompson in the fourth round when they play later on Saturday night (AEST).
The injury-plagued Thompson admitted before Wimbledon started that he was unsure whether he'd be able to compete because of his ongoing back issue. But the 31-year-old Sydneysider says it has improved as the tournament has gone on and filled him with confidence that he can keep his best-ever run going.
"When I was warming up for the doubles yesterday, I was seriously questioning what I was doing out there, but I actually felt better as the day went on," he said. "And today was actually a lot better. Don't know why, but felt half-normal on the court. But to make my first Wimbledon fourth-round under the circumstances at the moment is incredible."
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Among the other big names through in the men's draw are defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Russian 14th seed Andrey Rublev, who will meet in the fourth round. Alcaraz kept his quest for a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles alive with a 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-4 win over big-serving German Jan-Lennard Struff, while Rublev eased past French veteran Adrian Mannarino 7-5 6-2 6-3.
The most anticipated match of the day was left to last though and it didn't disappoint, with women's World No.1 Sabalenka surviving a huge scare against local favourite Raducanu 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. The atmosphere was electric around the packed Centre Court, with Raducanu riding a wave of home support to save seven set points and creating one of her own, only to lose an epic opening stanza to Sabalenka.
Raducanu also led 4-1 in the second set before Sabalenka's class shone through and she recovered to set up a fourth-round clash with Elise Mertens. The World No.1 joined in the applause as Raducanu was cheered off court after the drama-charged two-hour showdown.
It came after Australian Open champion and sixth seed Madison Keys became the latest big gun to fall, crashing out 6-3 6-3 against German veteran Laura Siegmund. The American became the fifth of the top-six seeds to be sent packing on an eventful day. Siegemund will next face Solana Sierra, who became the first woman 'lucky loser' to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon after beating Spain's Cristina Bucsa 7-5 1-6 6-1.
Playing better than she has in years, great to see Emma Radacanu back in form at last.
— regina kealy (@kealycopy) July 4, 2025
What a performance and what a fight. Pushed Aryna all the way and was so so close to getting either set but Sabalanka used her power in the most crucial points. She can be so incredibly proud of her 3 matches this year and can use this to push on.
— Matt Smith (@MattSmith_44) July 4, 2025
She is a champion and I've no doubt that we'll see her winning grand slams again soon, hopefully Wimbledon next year. She did the country proud. 🇬🇧
— Simon Davis (@madvisions_pens) July 4, 2025
Considering her injuries and what she's been through, going toe to toe with the world number 1 like that is a huge step up. Time to build consistency and sharpness 💪🏻
— Younes H-Hamou (@youneshhamou_) July 4, 2025
with AAP
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