What an ace day for Italian tennis

Not only did world No.1 Jannik Sinner saunter into the last 16 on Saturday, the green, white and red flag was flying high as Flavio Cobolli (main picture) and Lorenzo Sonego joined their compatriot. It is the first time that three Italian men have reached the fourth round at Wimbledon.

First, Cobolli posted his finest Grand Slam showing to date with an authoritative 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 passage past No.15 seed Jakub Mensik. Then, on a jam-packed Court 14, with Sinner and Cobolli watching from the media centre balcony during press duties, Sonego prevailed in a gruelling five-hour tussle 6-7(5), 7-6(8), 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6[10-3] against Brandon Nakashima.

"It's something I dream a lot, since I started to play tennis. Especially here, it's fantastic to reach the fourth round here," said Cobolli with a huge grin. "I played one of the best matches of my life. Almost perfect. I'm really happy to play on this surface because it makes me happy."

Sonego struck an ace to seal his fourth-round ticket, prompting a raucous reception from the heavily Italian crowd. "What an incredible match, really tough. Great battle," said the world No.47. "He played unbelievable today. I was really aggressive after the first set. I'm so happy to reach the fourth round."

A special century

Grigor Dimitrov celebrated a milestone with his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(0) victory over Sebastian Ofner. At 34, and contesting his 59th Grand Slam, the No.19 seed claimed his 100th Grand Slam match win.

“It’s very special. I am at that point of my career where everything that comes is such a bonus for me. I’m just full of joy and gratitude,” said Dimitrov, whose best Wimbledon result to date was a 2014 semi-final.

“Not only towards the game, but towards my team, towards my family. You know, my girlfriend has been so supportive. The past months have been a difficult ride, she’s been a true rock.”

He's not the only established star serving up a reminder of his Grand Slam credentials. After his upset win over No.4 seed Jack Draper on Thursday, Marin Cilic – runner-up to Roger Federer in 2017 – was a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 winner over Jaume Munar.

No place like a second home

Alex de Minaur ended an inspired run for qualifier August Holmgren with a 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3 win, putting the No.11 seed into the last 16 for a third time. It validates De Minaur’s decision to take a break in recent weeks, which included time spent in London with fiancee Katie Boulter.

“I needed a little mental reset so I could do my best to peak here in Wimbledon. I mean, that’s the goal,” said the popular Australian, who has taken to describing The Championships as his “second home Slam”.

“I just want to do well here,” he added with a smile. “Go deep [and] stay here for a long time.”

A happy return

Belinda Bencic is adding happy new chapters to her Wimbledon story, a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7) win over Elisabetta Cocciaretto ensuring the Swiss will go into the second week for the fourth time in her career.

Bencic is playing her first Wimbledon since 2023 - her daughter, Bella, was born in April last year. Motherhood clearly suits the 28-year-old Swiss, one of nine mothers to start in the ladies’ draw.

“Sometimes I feel even more relaxed with a different perspective, you know, playing the tournaments, maybe being more grateful that I'm able to play and to have these beautiful moments together,” said Bencic, who will face No.18 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, straight-sets winner over Zeynep Sonmez, next.

Liudmila Samsonova and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro also advanced to the fourth round.

Next generation take stage

Young players took the first steps to glory as the 2025 girls’ and boys’ singles tournaments began. They could look to Day 6 main draw winners for inspiration: Dimitrov (in 2008), Bencic (2013) and Iga Swiatek all lifted junior Wimbledon trophies ahead of their successful pro careers.

Australia’s Emerson Jones, the world No.1 and top seed in the girls’ draw, made a winning start, as did rising Brit Hannah Klugman, who recently contested the Roland-Garros final.

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