WIMBLEDON DAY THREE – Alcaraz and Sabalenka ease through whilst Jasmine Paolini exits
Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and the end of London’s tropical heatwave ensured that a sense of normality returned to the lawns of Wimbledon after two days of shocks, although Jasmine Paolini’s exit meant the surprises did not end.
The 22-year-old second seed, Carlos Alcaraz, was not at his best but after saving three break points in a nervy first service game against Oliver Tarvet ranked 733rd in the world, he asserted his authority to win 6-1 6-4 6-4.
On Centre Court, women’s top seed Sabalenka battled to a 7-6(4) 6-4 win against Czech Marie Bouz-kova.
Last year’s runner-up Paolini joined the mass exodus of fancied players when she crashed out 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Russian Kamilla Rak-him-ova.
Lower temperatures did not necessarily mean more comfortable outings as world number 12 Frances Tiafoe became the 14th of the 32 men’s seeds to fall, losing 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 against Cameron Norrie, one of seven Britons in singles action on day three including the host nation’s big hope Emma Raducanu, who got past 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-3.
