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Injury-hit Rafael Nadal battles back to beat Taylor Fritz in Wimbledon epic

rafael nadal vs taylor fritz live score wimbledon 2022 latest - TELEGRAPH
rafael nadal vs taylor fritz live score wimbledon 2022 latest - TELEGRAPH

The signal from Rafael Nadal’s father, Sebastian, was unmistakeable. With one vehement gesture, slapping his hands and then making a sweeping motion that his Spanish observers quickly interpreted as “please leave”, he was pleading for his son, already a set down, to bail out of a bruising match with his body still intact.

For a while even Nadal, a man seemingly sculpted out of granite, was inclined to take heed. Soon he was in such agony, he briefly buried his head in the green canopy behind him on Centre Court. When the trainer emerged for a second time to treat his worsening abdominal injury, he just gazed into the middle distance, weighing up whether, under a brutal bombardment from metronomic serve machine Taylor Fritz, to cut his losses.

Ultimately, the magnitude of the prize in sight was too great for him to retire hurt. Just one man, Rod Laver, has ever achieved the calendar grand slam. Nadal, against all odds and with Laver sitting front-row centre in the royal box to watch him, is hell-bent here on becoming the second. There comes a point, though, where the quest for glory collides headlong with the necessities of self-preservation. Nadal, channelling all his mulish obstinacy to vanquish Fritz in a fifth-set champions’ tie-break, vaulted clean past it.

Nadal had to leave the court to have an abdominal injury treated - ALPHA PRESS
Nadal had to leave the court to have an abdominal injury treated - ALPHA PRESS

It was an astonishingly bull-headed performance from a player who never ceases to astonish. Truly, only somebody with his mind-bending haul of 22 major titles could have seen this mission through, purging intense pain to sink a 24-year-old Californian in the form of his life. Except this time, you half-wondered if Nadal, through his resolve to take himself to places few humans were physically designed to go, was his own worst enemy.

Typically, Nadal bounces all across the court after a victory such as this, shaking his hair out from his bandana like a sheepdog that has just gone swimming in a pond. This time, he sounded forlorn, almost fatalistic, as he addressed the crowd. “In the abdominal area something is not going well, to be honest,” he said. “I had to find a way to serve a little bit differently. At times I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to finish the match.”

The prospect of a semi-final against Nick Kyrgios, who antagonised him in 2019 to the point of firing a full-strength forehand straight at his body, was not one he could contemplate just yet. There was no rousing declaration that he would be ready for the rematch, merely a half-hearted statement that he hoped to be.

No one in attendance understood quite how he had come through this gruelling examination at all. Nadal Snr, wrung out with the stress of it all, looked incredulous. Wife Xisca, pregnant with their first child, bore the expression, even behind her sunglasses, of one who wished her beloved would not subject her to these ordeals. But this was the essence of Nadal distilled: headstrong, wilful, indestructible, mustering inspiration when any lesser mortal would have given up.

There will surely never be anyone else like him. He had every justification for concluding that this was a test too far, that he would be best advised, for what is left of his career, to choose rest and recuperation on a Majorcan beach. But Nadal also has the keenest eye on history, conscious that the chance to emulate Laver will not come again. He is more than halfway there, after his barely-credible triumph over Daniil Medvedev at Melbourne Park and an absurd 14th coronation at Roland Garros. With a body held together through tape and painkillers, he is compelled to draw deeper than ever from his mental reserves to complete the task.

“The impregnable quadrilateral,” the calendar slam has been called in golf. In men’s tennis, it has remained maddeningly out of reach since Laver managed it a second time 53 years ago. Djokovic was reduced to tears by the end of last summer’s US Open final against Medvedev, recognising that his opportunity of a lifetime to join Laver’s company had eluded him. The odds are still stacked against Nadal, in his battered condition. But he made it clear in this, his annus mirabilis, he was not going to die wondering.

Time and again it looked as if Nadal, broken eight times by Fritz, might wilt. And yet, even when he had to resort to a slower serve that did not hurt him as much, he sparked a phenomenal act of resistance. At the end of the third set, the trainer gave him the choice of further treatment. He just shook his head before heading to the baseline, later saying: “It’s not easy to retire on Centre Court in a quarter-final at Wimbledon.”

He looked in such acute physical distress that few, at that stage, gave him a prayer. Oh, we of little faith. No sooner did Nadal achieve a decisive break at the sharp end of the fourth set than he muscled Fritz into a tie-break in the decider, winning the first five points, his devilish angles leaving the American sprawled across the grass. If this is to prove the platform for his third Wimbledon title, we can count it as his greatest conjuring trick yet.


Rafael Nadal v Taylor Fritz: as it happened


08:20 PM

That wraps things up for day 10

Another dramatic day at Wimbledon and tomorrow promises to be just as special with the women's semi-finals.

Relive Nadal's win over Fritz below. Wimbledon will never be 'just an exhibition'!


08:12 PM

Tennis can be a cruel sport


08:06 PM

Hard to argue with David when Nadal plays like that


08:02 PM

Nadal on facing Kyrgios

I hope to be ready to play it. Then Nick is a great player on all the surfaces but especially on grass. He's having a great grass court season. I need to be at 100 percent to keep having chances.


07:58 PM

A quick reminder...

.... Nadal is yet to be beaten in a grand slam match this year.

He won the French Open with a dodgy foot. Will he win Wimbledon with abdominal issues?


07:52 PM

More from Nadal

The body in general is fine, but in the abdominal something is not going well, being honest. I had to find a way to serve a little bit different. For a lot of moments I was thinking I would not be able to finish the match but the crowd, the energy, thanks for that.

I think he should be braced for questions in his press conference later.


07:49 PM

Nadal reacts

I honestly enjoy a lot playing these kind of matches in front of you guys. I can't thank you enough for the support.

It's been a tough afternoon against a great player. Credit to Taylor that he has been doing great all season. Personally for me it was not an easy match at all so it is great to be in the semi-finals.

Wimbledon - REUTERS
Wimbledon - REUTERS

07:43 PM

Audible boos for Kyrgios

When Nadal is told he will face Nick Kyrgios in the next round, the Centre Court crowd reacts unfavourably to the controversial Australian.

Quotes from Nadal to come...


07:41 PM

The semi-finals are set

On Friday we will see:

Novak Djokovic vs Cameron Norrie

&

Rafael Nadal vs Nick Kyrgios


07:38 PM

The winning moment for Rafael Nadal


07:31 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 Fritz - Final set tiebreak

Nadal return long, 9-4. Nadal forehand winner, 10-4. GAME SET MATCH NADAL!

WOW!


07:29 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-6 Fritz - Final set tiebreak

Nadal backhand goes long, 5-2. 128mph ace from Fritz, 5-3. Off balance, Fritz hits a backhand into the tramlines, 6-3. Another desperate dive from Fritz to reach a Nadal drop shot but Nadal puts away the volley, 7-3. Nadal first serve unreturned by Fritz, 8-3. Nadal forehand winner down the line, 9-3.


07:23 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-6 Fritz - Final set tiebreak

Diving volley by Fritz is long, 1-0. Fritz backhand into the net, 2-0. Deep Nadal backhand and Fritz nets, 3-0. Nadal hits a drop shot, Fritz reaches it but nets, 4-0. Another Fritz backhand into the net, 5-0. Fritz volley winner to keep his hopes alive, 5-1.


07:18 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-6 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal moves serenely to 30-0. And we enter a tiebreak when Fritz's return is long.

HERE WE GO!


07:16 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 5-6 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz forehand winner down the line, 30-0. Big forehand down the line by Nadal and Fritz slices a forehand long, 30-15.

Fritz hits back with a forehand winner into the corner. And he holds again to guarantee himself a tiebreak at least.


07:11 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 5-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

We tick into the fourth hour on Centre with Nadal moving to 30-15. Fritz nets a forehand return, 40-15.

Nadal somehow comes through after shanking an overhead, Fritz replies with a forehand but Nadal comes up with a sensational backhand volley winner.


07:06 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 4-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Another tricky service game for Fritz as he is taken to 30-30. He responds with a lovely angled forehand winner, 40-30.

Nadal then hits back with another carefully hit backhand drop shot, deuce.

Fritz backhand winner to hold. Fritz is a set away from the semi-finals again.

Wimbledon - AFP
Wimbledon - AFP

07:01 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 4-4 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Wonderful half volley flick by Fritz at the end of a gruelling rally, 15-30. Fritz slices a defensive backhand into the tramlines, 30-30.

Nadal gets his drop shot wrong, Fritz flicks a forehand at Nadal's feet and the Spaniard hits a scooped backhand wide, break point.

Nadal nets a backhand and Fritz breaks.


06:55 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 4-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Cute drop shot by Nadal and Fritz can't get his reply back into play, 0-30. Good approach shot by Fritz, he should put away the volley but he nets, two break points.

Fritz saves the first with an unreturned first serve. Fritz backhand hits the top of the net and drops on Nadal's side, wow. Deuce.

Nadal backhand volley winner, second break point. Big wide serve by Fritz and he finishes the point with a forehand winner.

Fritz can't get out of this game as we enter a fourth deuce. Nadal bullies Fritz with a series of forehands and Fritz nets, break point.

Nadal forehand down the line, Fritz scrambles to his right and gets the ball back over but Nadal finishes with a careful drop shot to win the point. Incredible.


06:46 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 3-3 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal digs in to hold serve again and looks for energy from his support box. He seems to be the stronger player at the moment.

Wimbledon - AFP
Wimbledon - AFP

06:43 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 2-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Rapid service hold by Fritz. Sensed a lot of frustration in those first serves that he hammered down.


06:35 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 2-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Have to say, Nadal serve looks strong again. The issue of previous sets doesn't appear to be hampering him at the moment.

And there's nothing wrong with his backhand as he steps in and drills a cross court winner. Trademark wide Nadal serve followed by a forehand into the corner to hold.


06:33 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 1-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Timely ace by Fritz, 40-30. And he holds when Nadal puts a forehand return long.

Scoreboard pressure applies in the final set, Fritz will be happy that he's serving first.


06:30 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 1-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal continues to will himself forward. Can he complete what looked at one point like an unlikely victory?

What is his physical state going forward? Has there been a more resilient sportsman or woman?

Nadal holds to 15.


06:25 PM

Fifth Set: Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 0-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

How will Fritz respond to the disappointment of losing the previous set? He holds to love.

But his head must be extremely frazzled at the moment.


06:23 PM

Becks is happy


06:19 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A bit of fortune for Nadal as his forehand clips the net, the ball drops low and Fritz flicks a backhand long, 15-0.

Fritz backhand down the line long, 30-0. 108mph Nadal ace, three set points.

And we are going five on Centre as Nadal whips a forehand down the line which catches the baseline.

What a competitor he is.


06:15 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 6-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Nadal forehand winner, 0-30. Great rally, both men on the full stretch but Nadal nets his forehand, 15-30.

Nadal then puts his hands on his head after putting a forehand into the tramlines, that was a bad miss, 30-30.

Fritz goes up the line with a backhand but puts it in the tramlines, break point.

Fritz backhand up the line, it is called out. Fritz challenges but the ball is long.

Nadal will serve for the set next. Wow!


06:10 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 5-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Perfect start by Fritz as he hits a forehand winner down the line, 0-15. Nadal responds with a forehand winner of his own.

Chance for Fritz to make the pass but he nets a forehand, 30-15. Nadal runs around his backhand to rifle a forehand into the corner and Fritz can't get the ball back in play.

114mph ace from Nadal to hold. That was one of his biggest serves in a long time.


06:07 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 4-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Huge game for Fritz now.

Fritz double faults, his third of the match, 15-30. Back-to-back first serves in play and that allows Fritz to move to 40-30.

Vintage Nadal as he gets on the back foot and whips a forehand down the line, deuce. Deep Nadal forehand down the line and Fritz sliced defensive forehand is long, break point.

A series of deep forehands by Fritz and he finishes with a forehand winner, wow.

Fist pump to his support box by Fritz as he holds when Nadal nets a forehand. Nadal will serve next to stay in the match.


06:01 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 4-4 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal backhand goes long, break point Fritz. Nadal hits another forehand long and Fritz breaks again.

rafael nadal vs taylor fritz live score wimbledon 2022 latest - REUTERS
rafael nadal vs taylor fritz live score wimbledon 2022 latest - REUTERS

05:56 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 4-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz continues to keep himself in touch with Nadal, who makes an error that allows the American to hold.


05:52 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 4-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz gets a look at a second serve from Nadal but puts a return long, 30-15. 96mph wide ace from Nadal, 40-15.

Off-balance Fritz drags a backhand wide and Nadal holds again.


05:47 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 3-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Nadal is increasingly reliant on the drop shot at the moment to help him. But Fritz comes through this service game to hold.


05:45 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 3-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal forehand just long, 15-30. He drops his end in frustration. Nadal double faults, 30-40.  His sixth of the match.

Nadal with back-to-back drop shot winners. Fritz shows great defence to stay in the point but then nets a forehand.

Finally Nadal consolidates.


05:41 PM

Meanwhile...


05:38 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 2-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Three immediate break points for Nadal. Nadal wastes the first when he puts a forehand long. Fritz saves the second with a top spin forehand that just catches the baseline.

But Fritz can't save the third as he puts a backhand long. Three breaks of serve to start the set.


05:35 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 1-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Another topsy turvy service game for Nadal. Nadal scoops a backhand wide, deuce.

Nadal forehand down the line, defensive sliced forehand by Fritz but Nadal puts away an easy volley. Nadal double fault, deuce.

Nadal with a sliced backhand up the line and Fritz responds with a backhand winner, break point. Nadal slices a backhand into the net.

We're back on serve.


05:29 PM

Fourth Set: Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 1-0 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Nadal just won't give up and he creates a break point chance with a flicked forehand winner.

Nadal breaks! Fritz hits a deep approach but Nadal goes the ball back in play, Fritz then hits a ball that's way too short and that allows Nadal to step in and fire a backhand winner into the corner.


05:20 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-6 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz backhand winner, 15-30. Nadal forehand long, 15-40. Set points. Nadal forehand into the tramlines.

Fritz takes the set and is one set away from a first Grand Slam semi-final.


05:16 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 3-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

First serve by Fritz stretches Nadal, Fritz steps forward and places a backhand winner up the line, 30-15. Another winner, this time off the forehand wing, by Fritz allows him to hold.

Wimbledon - GETTY IMAGES
Wimbledon - GETTY IMAGES

05:13 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 3-4 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal refuses to drop his level as he holds to 15. He slowly walks to his chair for the change of ends. I wonder what is going through his head right now.


05:09 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 2-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Confident service hold by Fritz as he extends his lead with an ace. The American has taken control of the match again. Can he keep hold of it?


05:05 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 2-3 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Great anticipation by Fritz to read Nadal's forehand and he whips a forehand winning down the line, 30-15.

Nadal holds with a whipped forehand winner. How long can he continue battling?


05:02 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 1-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz forehand down the line, Nadal shuffles across to get it but doesn't look comfortable, 15-15.

Fritz backhand into the net, 30-30. Another forehand by Fritz into Nadal's forehand side and the Spaniard nets.

Fritz ace to consolidate the break.


04:57 PM

Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 1-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz goes on the attack and Nadal nets a backhand, 15-30. Nadal's service speeds are still hovering around the 100mph mark.

Nadal forehand long, break point. Nadal double fault. He crouches over in pain. That didn't look good.


04:53 PM

One of Nadal's biggest fans


04:52 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5, 1-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz blasts his way to a swift love hold. Can he regain his composure?


04:51 PM

Third Set: Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Nadal, the ultimate fighter that he is, holds to 15. I don't think it is too unkind to say that Fritz bottled that set.


04:46 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 7-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Lovely lob by Fritz over Nadal's head, 15-15. Nice wide serve by Fritz and he backs it with a wrong footing forehand winner, 30-15.

Fritz forehand error, 30-40. The crowd senses the moment.

Nadal backhand volley winner. He breaks and wins the set. Wow!


04:40 PM

Nadal 3-6, 6-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Oooooh and ahhhhs from the crowd as both players come close to missing but it's Fritz, who eventually breaks down, 30-15.

Nadal somehow summons the energy to drag his opponent left and right and Fritz's backhand goes wide, 40-15.

Nadal holds again to book himself a tiebreak when Fritz's return is long.


04:37 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 5-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Despite his ailing opponent, Fritz is playing very nervously. He should be going for the kill.

Nevertheless he holds to 30.


04:32 PM

Nadal 3-6, 5-4 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

103mph first serve by Nadal, that's way down on his usual number.

But he somehow fights through the pain, hitting back-back forehand winners, to hold serve and keep himself in the match.


04:28 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 4-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Nadal does return to court but it remains to be seen how fit he is. Fritz holds to love easily.

Meanwhile...


04:26 PM

Stoppage in play

Real doubt over whether Nadal can continue as he leaves the court and takes a medical timeout.

He looked in real discomfort.


04:20 PM

Nadal 3-6, 4-3 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Sublime touch by Fritz with a backhand drop shot, 15-30. Nadal is rushed by a deep Fritz return, break point.

He saves it with a forehand winner but Nadal looks physically hampered. Possibly an abdominal issue.

But somehow he holds. He has called for the trainer though.


04:14 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 3-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz eases into a 40-0 lead. Some people in the crowd shout out 'come on, Rafa'.

But Nadal responds with a forehand return winner down the line, 40-15. Fritz nets a backhand, 40-30. And another when pushed wide by Nadal's return.

Fritz responds to the pressure by finding his first serve again and holds.


04:09 PM

Nadal 3-6, 3-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Back-to-back deep backhands by Fritz and Nadal nets, 15-30. Double fault Nadal, 15-40. Two break points.

Nadal saves the first when Fritz puts a forehand long. Nadal forehand into the net. I mean that was half way up the net, never going in.

Fritz breaks back again.

Wimbledon - SHUTTERSTOCK
Wimbledon - SHUTTERSTOCK

04:04 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 3-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Must win service game for Fritz I think.

He makes a good start with an ace to move to 30-0. Nadal backhand to the net and Fritz holds.


04:00 PM

Nadal 3-6, 3-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Another fast start to a set by Nadal with Fritz nowhere to be seen so far. He's lost the momentum he built with this below par start.

He concedes the game when he nets a drop shot.


03:56 PM

Nadal* 3-6, 2-0 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritiz backhand is called out, the umpire overrules, Nadal challenges and Hawkeye says the ball was in. The point is replayed and Fritz nets a drop shot, two break points.

Fritz forehand into the tramlines and Nadal is gifted the break. Terrible service game by Fritz.


03:52 PM

Second Set: Nadal 3-6, 1-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Another double fault by Nadal, 15-15. He manages to find his first serve when it matters most and he holds to open the set.


03:47 PM

Nadal* 3-6 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Wowzers. Fritz holds to love in next to no time at all. What a collapse from 3-1 down by the Spaniard.

Wimbledon - AP
Wimbledon - AP

03:44 PM

Nadal 3-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Great hustle by Fritz to reach a Nadal drop shot and flick a forehand up the line. Nadal puts up a lob but Fritz finishes with a backhand overhead winner, 15-30.

Nadal forehand into the tramlines, 15-40. Nadal double fault. Wow. What a turnaround.

Nadal is livid with himself.


03:39 PM

Nadal* 3-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz doesn't do enough with his forehand approach and Nadal punishes him with a forehand down the line winner, 15-30.

Nadal puts a forehand into tramlines after he had pulled Fritz left and right. Much better from Nadal as he steps in and whips a forehand down the line for a winner, break point.

Fritz finds a first serve and Nadal can't get the return back in play, deuce.

130mph first serve out wide by Fritz and he holds.


03:35 PM

Nadal 3-3 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Chance for Fritz as Nadal puts a forehand long, 0-30. Huge forehand into the corner by Fritz and Nadal nets his defensive backhand, three break points.

Nadal saves the first when Fritz shanks a forehand long. Then the second when he steps inside the baseline and rifles a backhand winner down the line.

And the third when Fritz puts his backhand return long. Great recovery.

Great Nadal serve but Fritz gets the ball back and Nadal puts his forehand into the tramlines, fourth break point.

Great rally, Fritz turns defence into offence with a backhand down the line with Nadal reaches to on the volley but Fritz has an easy forehand putaway.

Back on serve!


03:27 PM

Nadal* 3-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Nadal is very much in a zone right now, striking the ball beautifully. But credit to Fritz as he fights back from 0-30 down to hold serve again with a forehand winner.

rafael nadal vs taylor fritz live score wimbledon 2022 latest - SHUTTERSTOCK
rafael nadal vs taylor fritz live score wimbledon 2022 latest - SHUTTERSTOCK

03:23 PM

Nadal 3-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Excellent wide serve by Nadal, Fritz's reply just creeps over the net but Nadal finishes with a backhand winner, 40-0. Such an advantage to be a leftie.

Overhead winner by Nadal to hold serve.


03:19 PM

Nadal* 2-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Better service game from Fritz as he holds to 15. The American has strapping on his left thigh and some black tape.

Hopefully, it's not an issue that will affect him in this match.


03:16 PM

Nadal 2-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

First ace of the match by Nadal to start the game. Another unreturned serve by Fritz allows Nadal to hold to 15.

Already looking ominous for Fritz.


03:12 PM

First Set: Rafael Nadal* 1-0 Taylor Fritz (*denotes next server)

Vintage Nadal on the opening point as he whips a forehand down the line for a winner, 0-15.

Early pressure on the Fritz serve as he nets a backhand, 15-30. Relief for the American as Nadal goes long with a forehand, 30-30. Fritz can't break through Nadal after a series of forehand and nets, break point.

Nadal takes complete control of the rally, earns a defensive lob from Fritz and puts away the overhead.

Brilliant start.


03:06 PM

I'm in position on Centre Court...

... and the crowd is filling up nicely. Fritz won the toss and has opted to serve first.


03:00 PM

Tennis reporter Molly McElwee previews the upcoming match


02:47 PM

On this day - what a match!


02:42 PM

All over on Centre Court

Big win for the 2019 champion


02:28 PM

Hello there!

Good afternoon and welcome once again to coverage from Wimbledon on day 10 of the Championships.

Today, the men's and women's quarter-finals continue with the players aiming to reach the last four in their respective draws.

But my focus will be on Centre Court where 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal takes on American 11th seed Taylor Fritz.

The pair have met just twice but Fritz won their most recent match at Indian Wells in March.

Nadal said:  "Actually what I learned on that last match was zero because I had a stress fracture on my rib, and that was difficult to learn many things because, honestly, the pain was terrible playing that match.

"We didn't know we had a stress fracture on the rib during the match, but I knew something was going very wrong, very bad during the match, because the pain was too much.

"It's obvious he's playing at a very, very high level, having a great season, winning matches everywhere. Yeah, he's in a very high position of the race already, especially with no points here. It's bad for him in that case because quarter-finals are a lot of points.

"But, yeah, he's in a privileged position. Going to be a tough quarter-finals against a great player. But at the same time we are in quarter-finals, so you can't expect an easy opponent out there."

For Fritz, this is his first grand slam level quarter-final but he insists he's ready for the moment.

He said: "I've kind of been in these moments before, like, Indian Wells semi-final, Indian Wells final. I'd say probably it feels about the same as like a slam quarter-final. Obviously three-out-of-five sets. I think it makes the occasion bigger if I am playing Nadal.

"But I try to just approach it like how I did last time, treat it like any other match because I've been playing well. It's about kind of just replicating the way I've been playing and trusting that that will be enough."