Wimbledon Eight Finals: Unexpected end of Rublev, Zverev and Medvedev. Pliskova and Muchova advance to the quarterfinals!

The traditional “Manic Monday” started the second week of Wimbledon. All the eight-final duels were played on Monday and there was plenty to watch. Djokovic, Federer and Berrettini easily advanced in the men’s event. But several of the big favourites also dropped out. There were no big surprises in the women’s event. Czech fans were delighted with Muchova and Pliskova. Both Czech tennis players managed their eighth-round matches successfully and advanced to the quarter-finals.

Some of the favourites advanced further, others finished in the eighth round. Federer, Djokovic and Berretini easily made it to the quarterfinals and these players continue to confirm their role as big favourites.

The other top players were not so glorious.

The first surprise of the eight finals was the end of Rublev. 5.the seeded player was not able to keep up with the Hungarian Fucsovics in a five-set battle, who eventually defeated him. The outsider won 6::3 4::6 4::6 6::0 6::3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

Alexander Zverev also failed to win his match. He came up against the talented Auger-Alliasim and here the scythe fell on the stone. The Canadian managed to win the opening two sets and put the favourite under a lot of pressure. Zverev was able to rally and take the match into the 5th set. However, the Canadian underdog was more successful there. Augera-Alliasime defeated Zverev 6::4 7::6 3::6 3::6 6::4 and scored a valuable scalp.

Medvedev lost a well-played match. He led 2-1 on sets against Hurkacz and was close to advancing to the quarterfinals. But then the rain came and the match had to be postponed to Tuesday. The Polish player managed the match much better and made one of the biggest comebacks of the tournament. He defeated the Russian 2::6 7::6 3::6 6::3 6::3 and took care of the biggest shock of the eight-finals. Medvedev, as the number two seed, was considered one of the big favourites. The fact that he finishes already in the eighth round is a big disappointment. The up-and-coming new generation is still unable to fulfil its potential at the Grand Slams.

The women’s eight-final was much quieter and went as expected.

Sabalenka had a tough match against Rybakina. It was an evenly matched battle, but the favourite managed to pull it off. The Belarusian won 6::3 4::6 6::3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. It took time, but she got there.

The biggest surprise of the women’s eight finals was probably Jabeur. The 21st seed defeated the Pole 5::7 6::1 6::1 and improved her career best. She also became the first Arab player to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal in 47 years.

What about the Czechs? They did quite well too.

Karolina Pliskova ran into the erratic Samsonova. Moreover, the Russian is in great form on grass. She won the title in Berlin and went on a streak of 10 wins in a row. So nothing easy. Even with this obstacle, the Czech did well. She served well again, was aggressive enough and patient at the same time. Samsonova, on the other hand, didn’t enjoy her risky tennis and was throwing herself away unnecessarily. Pliskova won 6::2 6::3 and advanced to the Grand Slam quarterfinals after 2 years.

Karolína Muchová was also facing a tough match. The Czech faced the Spanish Badosa. The Spaniard is in great form and is one of the biggest comets of the current season. She confirmed it in this match as well. She had a better start and even led 5:2 in the first set. However, Muchová did not give up and finally won the opening game in a tiebreak. That was the turning point that kick-started the Czech. She protected her lead and brought the match to a victorious end. She defeated her dangerous opponent 7::6 6::4 and advanced to the quarterfinals. At the same time, she equalled her Wimbledon best, which she also achieved in 2019.

Barbora Krejcikova was the toughest opponent in the eight finals. She was facing a big challenge in the form of a duel against Barty. A clash of two Grand Slam champions. Krejcikova could have won 16 in a row, and at first she was well on her way. She even led 4:2 in the first set. But then the mistakes started piling up and the world number one went on a tear.

Barty won the opening set 7-5 and was on her way to the quarterfinals. Krejcikova fought back but it was not enough. It should also be noted that she didn’t give an ideal performance. The Australian confirmed her role as the favourite and defeated the Czech 7-5 6-3. However, the Czech definitely doesn’t have to be sad and can make up for it in the doubles, where she and Siniakova are still in the rankings.

Source: Wimbledon