Katie Boulter had been under no illusion of what to expect heading into this second-round encounter with Aryna Sabalenka.
“I’m going to have a swing on her service games,” the world No 219 had plainly stated in the build-up to facing a Wimbledon second seed known for her ultra-aggressive style of play. Boulter was going to fight fire with fire. She had nothing to lose.
For a significant portion of a pulsating match that lasted more than two hours, the brave tactic looked like paying off with Sabalenka visibly rattled after losing the opening set and Boulter on track for what would have been the victory of her career. It was not quite to be.
Just as the Belarusian threatened to boil over - frequently bellowing in exasperation - her hard-hitting ways won out. Errors reduced, powerfully-struck winners increased and she was relieved to claim a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win, with the British underdog left to wonder what might have been after producing some of the best tennis of her life playing on Centre Court for the first time.
“I absolutely loved every minute out there,” said Boulter, 24. “It’s definitely the best court in the world.
“I thought it was a really good level. Obviously I’m gutted not to get the win, but it is what it is. I’ll keep building and get the momentum going into the weeks ahead. It was a really good match, one I won’t forget.”
Sandwiched between matches involving Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, many of those in attendance on SW19’s most famous court opted to stretch their legs at the start of the match, perhaps uncertain as to who exactly Sabalenka is and how she had earned a place as second seed for this tournament.
Never before has she been beyond the second round at Wimbledon and she entered this tournament with the unwanted statistic of being the only woman in the world’s top 20 not to have reached a grand-slam quarter-final.
If she is to ditch that record over the coming week or so, the most likely path to success is from the bullet of her right arm.
Sabalenka had hit an astonishing 48 winners in her straight-sets, first-round victory on Monday, but it was Boulter who outhit her in the opening set here, winning that particular winners battle 11-9 despite hefty strapping on a niggling right elbow issue.
Increasingly, and obviously, rattled by Boulter’s persistence in returning everything she threw at her, the scowling Belarusian’s luck changed. With no obvious alteration in her tactics - see ball, hit ball extremely hard - she began to gain the upper hand.
An early break of serve built a platform for Sabalenka to take the second set with some ease, but the path to victory remained far from routine.
Roared on by a partisan crowd, Boulter earned six break points with Sabalenka serving when 4-3 up in the deciding set, but could not seize the moment. Those missed opportunities would prove decisive.
Britain's Katie Boulter celebrates winning a game against Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles second round match on the third day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 30, 2021. - GETTY IMAGES
“She’s clearly a champion for a reason,” said Boulter. “Those are the people that play the best points at the most important points. She did that today. It got her out of trouble a couple of times.
“I had quite a few break points and didn’t manage to take them. I also didn’t feel like I gave them away. She had to win them. I’ve got no regrets about that at all. I’ve got a lot of positives to take from it.”
While Sabalenka’s mission to delve into the latter stages of a grand slam continues, it is arguably Boulter who will take most out of the match having been restricted to just a handful of tour-level games since a spinal stress fracture suffered in 2019 saw her plummet from a career-high world ranking of 82 to her current position.
She is guaranteed to move back into the world’s top 200 after this tournament and looks destined to climb a lot further up that ladder.
Making her grand slam debut, British 18-year-old Emma Raducanu showed tactical acumen and courage beyond her years to win her first-round encounter with Russian qualifier Vitalia Diatchenko 7-6 (7-4), 6-0.
Handed a wildcard for this tournament, the world No 338 fought off two Diatchenko set points to claim a lengthy opening set on a tie break, before securing the victory in quick time. She now faces a second-round match against former French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova, of Czech Republic.
Norrie fights back from set down to defeat Pouille
By Mick Cleary
It may be difficult to locate a hot streak in this damp and drizzly Wimbledon but Cam Norrie continued his rich vein of form this year with an impressive carried-over first round 6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Frenchman, Lucas Pouille.
The Kiwi-reared Norrie is enjoying a career-high ranking of 34 on the tour after reaching three finals and will have hopes of his best return at Wimbledon after reaching the second round for only the second time in his career, shrugging off any downbeat vibes from his first set loss on a fitful Tuesday evening to get the business done in a style that he might well have picked up during his New Zealand upbringing: unfussy, hard-nosed, no-nonsense, get-the-job done.
No wonder the 25-year-old lists the All Blacks as one of his sporting reference points. (Newcastle Utd FC, another of his favourite teams, might not quite fit that narrative but it does point to a well-travelled young man.)
Norrie, who came through the college system in the States, is on a roll, a finalist at Queen’s, surging up the rankings to push Dan Evans for top dog status in Britain after 30 wins in 2021, the third best return on the ATP Tour. From hereonin, much more is possible. Norrie could be the name to follow for British tennis fans across this first week.
Pouille was a tough cookie as befits his world ranking of no.10 in 2018, a rising star in the firmament until persistent elbow problems flared up and resulted in surgery last year. It has been a long road back towards any sort of prominence for the talented Frenchman who had seemed set to emulate those Gallic musketeers such as a Yannick Noah or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The 27-year-old has had to put on the crampons to clamber back up the rankings, having slipped down to almost 100th place
The well-swaddled crowd on no.2 court would have been wise to have paid no heed to the scrappy first set played out in unsympathetic conditions on Tuesday evening. There was plenty of high-octane action to warm the cockles, initially from Norrie who was sharp and punchy as he righted the wrongs of the opening set to go clear in taking the second and third sets, the latter in only 28 minutes.
The ding-dong fourth set was a classic full of twists and turns, dinks and drops, nerve and cleverness with four breaks of serve, three of them in succession as Pouille rallied and Norrie resisted, eventually stemming the flip-flop of service games to force his opponent to serve at 5-6 to stay in the match. That was just the invitation Norrie needed and he duly closed out. Job done.
Evans swats aside Lajovic in straight sets
By Mick Cleary
The feel-good vibe in the country flowed into SW19 where British No 1 Dan Evans followed the lead of the man just below him in the British rankings, Cam Norrie, by putting on another show for a yearning, ever-supportive Wimbledon crowd in progressing to the third round with a show-stopping, straight-sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Serb Dusan Lajovic in one hour and 56 minutes.
Birmingham-born Villa fan Evans took a leaf out of the book of local hero Jack Grealish with the deftness of his play, replicating the zeal and cleverness too as he bids to head into uncharted territory were he to progress further than the next round.
The 31 year-old, as feisty and engaging as his footballing counterpart, is enjoying his sport and it shows in his play, mixing his game, slicing and dicing, cutting the ball one minute, whipping it away the next, changing the pace, occasionally growling but so often breaking into a smile also as some bit of impish audacity pays off.
Evans has had well-charted issues down the years, notably a 12-month ban for cocaine abuse in 2017, but appears now to be much happier within himself and it shows on court. He received counselling during his time away from tennis, with one practitioner describing him as the angriest man he had ever dealt with. Those demons have been slain. There is a punchy joyfulness in his game, a desire to push and probe, to find a way to the finish line.
At 5ft 9ins, Evans is never going to blast his way to victory and that was again evident in this well-marshalled win over a slipshod opponent. Lajovic made far too many unforced errors for a player of his standing (world ranked No 23 in 2019, now at 42) although it would be fair to argue that it was as much Evans’ tormenting shot-play as his own inner frailties that contributed to the gulf in class.
It was the 31st birthday of Lajovic but there was little to celebrate on No 1 Court apart from a late rage against the dying of the light when he broke back in the eighth game of the third set when Evans was serving to try and secure an even quicker victory.
Evans had a worrying-looking slip in the first set, initially testing his ankle gingerly but showing no after-effects. The first set was relatively even, Evans getting a warning over his language at one point but nothing really disturbed his new-found equilibrium and it took over 23 minutes for him to wrap up the second set, 6-3, almost half the time it took for the same-score first set. A few nervy moments apart in the third set, Evans rounded off proceedings in the early evening sunshine by putting away a winner at the net.
05:09 PM
That's all from me for today...
But read Ben Bloom's report for a full recap of Boulter's efforts, and Mick Cleary on Cameron Norrie's earlier win.
Or, join Rob Bagchi for live coverage of Andy Murray's game here
04:57 PM
Katie Boulter was fantastic today
She gave the No. 2 seed a real run for her money today. Boulter ran out of steam a little towards the end but there is clearly a talented player there. Hopefully this is just the beginning for Boulter.
04:53 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 3-6 Sabalenka
Sabalenka is one game away from winning this match. But Boulter is fighting hard. 30-30.
Boulter makes a tired unforced error to hand Sabalenka a match point. And she takes it!
Sabalenka wins! But that was some effort from Boulter.
04:50 PM
Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 3-5 Sabalenka*
Boulter needs a break to stay alive in this match. And she takes a 15-30 lead following a beautiful down the line forehand. She then lobs Sabalenka to make it 15-40. Make that 30-40 after a strong response from the No.2 seed.
Sabalenka then fires in an ace to take it to deuce. Boulter needs this game having done a lot of the hard work. And she has the advantage! A superb rally is ended by a deft volley. Sabalenka responds with an ace. Deuce.
Sabalenka attempts a drop shot but only finds the net! Advantage to Boulter once again. And Sabalenka comes back with another unplayable serve. Deuce.
Boulter then makes an unforced error. Advantage Sabalenka. Boulter gets to a drop shot, somehow, to save the game. Back to deuce again. The crowd are on their feet!
Advantage Boulter! Sabalenka sends a backhand way long. But there is another ace. Deuce, again.
And advantage Boulter! Can she make it count this time? Nope, some strong ground play takes us to deuce.
Sabalenka now has advantage after Boulter send a forehand long. Ace. Game, eventually, to Sabalenka.
That game was a battle and a half.
04:37 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 3-4 Sabalenka
Boulter has not given up yet and wins the first three points in her serve. A loose shot lets Sabalenka back into the game but Boulter does eventually hold.
04:34 PM
Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 2-4 Sabalenka*
Boulter fought back last time she was broken - can she do it again?
Sabalenka holds with ease. She wins all four points, including two superb aces. That is more like it.
04:31 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 2-3 Sabalenka
The momentum is back with Brit. That injury break gave her a chance to get her breath back. Her confidence is back and now the sun is finally shining at Wimbledon. A good omen, perhaps.
Maybe not. The game goes to deuce. And it is advantage Sabalenka. The crowd gets behind Boulter before this vital serve. The first is out. The second is in, but the point goes to Sabalenka. Another break,
04:26 PM
Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 2-2 Sabalenka*
This is not over! Boulter comes out after the injury break firing! She breaks back against Sabalenka. That is a huge moment in this back and forth match.
04:21 PM
Injury timeout
Boulter is having the tape around her elbow redone.
Elsewhere, Dan Evans is one set up.
04:19 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 1-2 Sabalenka
Boulter is not making it look easy but she gets to 30-30. Sabalenka then pushes her back and Boulter cannot get her shot in. Chance to break for the No.2 seed.
And she does. That could be key.
04:16 PM
Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 1-1 Sabalenka*
Sabalenka starts her serve well before a powerful forehand from Boulter takes the score to 30-15. And then to 40-30.
Big point. Can Boulter take it to deuce? Nope. Sabalenka holds.
04:12 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 Sabalenka
Boulter serves first in the deciding set. Sabalenka is playing with more aggression to Boulter's serve now with mixed results. The game goes to 30-30 before Boulter resoundingly wins the last two points.
Good start from the Brit.
04:08 PM
Boulter 6-4, 3-6 Sabalenka*
Boulter wins the first point of Sabalenka's serve. And the second. The crowd is really playing a part now, celebrating Sabalenka's unforced error with vigour.
The No. 2 seed responds by winning two points of her own. Sabalenka's power is forcing Boulter back and back.
The game goes to deuce. Boulter launches her return long, handing Sabalenka set point. And she takes advantage.
One set apiece.
04:03 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 3-5 Sabalenka
The crowd is getting right behind Boulter who takes the first point in this game. And the second.
Sabalenka responds well, forcing the game to deuce. Her power game is coming to the fore now.
Advantage Boulter after an ace. Sabalenka fights back to deuce. Advantage Boulter once again. And she holds!
That was a vital game for Boulter. No collapse from her.
03:56 PM
Boulter 6-4, 2-5 Sabalenka*
The momentum is all with Sabalenka at the moment. She holds with ease, winning all four points. The No. 2 seed has gone up a gear.
03:54 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 2-4 Sabalenka
Boulter is serving with real accuracy at the moment. Not too much power but she her first serve is rarely going out. She misses an easy shot by overcooking a forehand. 30-30.
Boulter responds to the mistake well, winning the next point much to the annoyance of Sabalenka. She responds well. Deuce.
And Boulter's serving lets her down. It had been good but she double faults. Sabalenka breaks.
03:48 PM
Boulter 6-4, 2-3 Sabalenka*
Sabalenka is starting to find her feet. She holds with ease after a game that included resounding winners and an unstoppable ace. Ominous for Boulter.
03:45 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 2-2 Sabalenka
Boulter responds well, holding her serve. The occasion is now intimidating the massive underdog at the moment!
03:40 PM
Dan Evans is in action on court one
He leads 2-1 having already broken Dusan Lajovic.
03:40 PM
Boulter 6-4, 1-2 Sabalenka*
Sabalenka is getting very frustrated and is now playing with real determination. Boulter hangs in the game but a couple of aces allow Sabalenka to hold.
03:36 PM
*Boulter 6-4, 1-1 Sabalenka
Sabalenka has come out with real venom. She dominates a long rally and Boulter cannot cut off a powerful forehand. Sabalenka wins the second point before Boulter responds with a stunning lob and then an ace. 30-30.
Sabalenka misses a 'gimme' from a poor drop shot. 40-30 to Boulter. She then wraps up the game with a deft volley.
03:32 PM
Boulter 6-4, 0-1 Sabalenka*
Sabalenka will serve as the second set gets underway. She starts strong, holding with ease.
03:27 PM
Boulter takes the first set!
The Brit is causing a lot of problems for Sabalenka! Boulter started the game with back-to-back aces. Sabalenka responded but Boulter still managed to hold. What a start to this match against the No. 2 seed!
03:21 PM
Boulter leads Sabalenka 5-4 in the opening set
Boulter to serve.
03:20 PM
Elsewhere, Samantha Murray was defeated in straight sets
Sorana Cirstea made light work of the Brit in their first round clash earlier today.
03:17 PM
Boulter is performing extremely well against Sabalenka
She has just broken the No. 2 seed to go 4-3 up in the first set.
03:07 PM
Boulter-Sabalenka is two games apiece on centre court
Dan Evans is due on court one next, following Nick Kyrgios' win.
03:00 PM
*Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7 Humbert
Humbert has come out with real aggression, winning the first two points of the game with some stunning tennis. Kyrgios holds his nerve to bring the score to 15-30. Humbert then moves the Australian around the court to win a crucial rally.
Kyrgios produces a ferocious backhand to take the game to deuce. This has been such a close contest.
Advantage Kyrgios. Match point. And he delivers an ace! What a match. Kyrgios is through!
02:53 PM
Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 8-7 Humbert*
Here we go! Kyrgios takes it up a gear to give himself three break points. Humbert responds well, winning successive points. But Kyrgios then breaks! He forces Humbert back and he can only find the net.
02:50 PM
Katie Boulter is underway on centre court against Aryna Sabalenka
We will keep you updated on that match as it progresses.
02:49 PM
*Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-7 Humbert
Humbert is looking more likely to break. He fights his way to 30-30 once again. And now to deuce. The Australian then fires in two wicked serves to hold.
02:44 PM
Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 Humbert*
Novak may be fine but Kyrgios has just gone down in a heap. He looks in a lot of pain after taking a nasty slip. The Australian is back on his feet but Humbert holds comfortably.
02:39 PM
No complaints about the surface from Novak...
"I seem to be having a really nice connection with the grass. I haven't fallen this much in the first rounds of Wimbledon.", he said after his win.
02:38 PM
*Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-6 Humbert
Kyrgios and Humbert are very well matched. The Australian wins the first two points but Humbert answers back with two of his own. Kyrgios rallies the crowd and then takes the game.
6-6. This could go on for a while...
02:33 PM
Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 5-6 Humbert*
Kyrgios takes the first point but Humbert responds well. 15-15. Humbert then executes a number of strong first serves to hold.
02:30 PM
*Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 5-5 Humbert
Humbert wins the first point before Kyrgios comes back with back-to-back aces. Make that three in a row. Nope, make it four.
Great stuff from the Australian.
02:28 PM
Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 4-5 Humbert*
Humbert makes light weight of his hold. Wow, he made that look easy.
02:25 PM
*Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 4-4 Humbert
Kyrgios ended the match last night in red hot form. Can he rediscover that today? He loses the first point and is seemingly upset at some distraction in the crowd. Kyrgios takes the second point after a strong second serve.
Kyrgios then finds his range with his first serve to hold.
02:20 PM
Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 3-4 Humbert*
Humbert will serve as the match gets back underway. He starts well, serving with accuracy and pushing Kyrgios onto the back foot. After winning the first three points, Kyrgios fights back well, winning two points in a row.
An ace hands the first game of the day to Humbert.
02:12 PM
Kyrgios and Humbert are out on court one
The entertaining match gets back underway shortly. The score was Kyrgios 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 3-3 Humbert
02:07 PM
Dan Evans was meant to be on court one next, but...
the remainder of Nick Kyrgios' match, which could not quite finish last night, will take place first. We will have live coverage of that before Evans gets underway.
01:47 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 5-7 Norrie
Norrie starts the game well, winning the first two points. Pouille misses his first serve and Norrie capitalises on the second serve. The Brit has three match points.
And there it is! Pouille fires a shot wide after a long rally and that is that. Norrie is through to the second round.
01:43 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 5-6 Norrie*
There have been four breaks in this fourth set so far. Norrie starts his serve poorly, losing the opening point. He comes back well, taking it to 15-15. Norrie then nails a forehand slam to move into the lead.
This is much better from the Brit who holds. Can he take the match with a break?
01:40 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 5-5 Norrie
Norrie now does the same as Pouille, playing with aggression after being broken. He surges to break point and there it is! Another break in this topsy-turvy match!
01:36 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 5-4 Norrie*
Pouille comes out swinging, winning the first three points after a stunning shot that was ruled in after review.
And Pouille breaks back! What a set this is turning into. Norrie was not in that game at all.
01:33 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 4-4 Norrie
Norrie starts the game well, winning successive points. Pouille fights back with some intelligent play, taking the game to 30-30. The Frenchman tries to seal the next point at the net and Norrie caresses the ball past him. Top shot.
Norrie cannot break, however. Deuce. Norries then forces a break after an excruciating rally! He is back in the set!
01:26 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 4-3 Norrie*
Norrie is frustrated with the last two games and takes it out on his serve, winning all four points. Real venom in those serves.
01:24 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 4-2 Norrie
That break has woken up Norrie who claims the first two points of the game. A deft serve and volley from Pouille gives him a foothold, however.
Norrie takes the next point after a powerful shot straight back at the server. The Brit has a chance to take the game but can only find the net. 30-40. Pouille wins a long rally to take the game to deuce.
Pouille dominates the next two points to hold.
01:18 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 3-2 Norrie*
Hang on a minute... Pouille is back in this! He finds a break out of nowhere. All the momentum was with Norrie but a few unforced errors have cost him the game.
01:16 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 2-2 Norrie
Norrie is varying up his game, coming to the net to volley as well as rocking back and hitting power strokes. Pouille loses his first serve radar once again and Norrie takes advantage, forcing the game to deuce.
Bianca Andreescu, who was seen slipping several times during her straight-sets defeat by Alize Cornet, is the latest player to talk about the condition of the courts.
"The courts are pretty wet. I didn't just slip once but like five or six times,” the No5 seed said. “I don't think it affected my game but the courts are super slippery."
01:10 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 1-2 Norrie*
Norrie cruises to another game win on his serve. He is looking in top form.
01:07 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 1-1 Norrie
Pouille is not giving up yet and delivers a resounding serving performance of his own. No points dropped on that serve.
01:05 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 0-1 Norrie*
Norrie will serve first as the fourth set gets underway. He is now pushing Pouille around the court, confidence exuding from the Brit. He holds.
01:00 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-6 Norrie
Norrie now all over Pouille and he breaks again, taking the third set! What a turnaround after losing the first set last night!
12:57 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-5 Norrie*
Norrie holds with ease - it is starting to feel like this match is here for the taking for the Brit...
12:55 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-4 Norrie
Norrie breaks! Pouille loses his first serve accuracy and Norrie capitalises, dominating the game. Norrie moves into a commanding position in the set.
12:52 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-3 Norrie*
Norrie is put under more pressure from Pouille in this game but the Brit holds his nerve after a rocky start. He is serving crisply and finding winners when required. Impressive stuff.
12:49 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 2-2 Norrie
Pouille returns the favour. The pattern of easy holds that appeared in the first set returns.
12:46 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 1-2 Norrie*
Norrie holds with ease. He really is looking in fine form today.
12:44 PM
Cameron Norrie has been moving around the court extremely well today
Britain's Cameron Norrie returns against France's Lucas Pouille during their men's singles first round match on the third day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 30, 2021. - GETTY IMAGES
12:43 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7, 1-1 Norrie
Pouille, after losing the last game he served, returns to his commanding self, holding.
12:41 PM
Elsewhere, the slippery surface controversy is not going away
John Isner with a very painful-looking slip on Court No18 against Yoshihito Nishioka. Bianca Andreescu also fell multiple times in her defeat to Alize Cornet.
Norrie is first to serve in the third set. His execution is a little sloppy and the game goes to deuce. Pouille then dominates the rally to move to advantage. Norrie responds well with a strong serve that cannot be returned. Deuce.
Norrie moves to advantage but Pouille denies him the set, then winning a point to move to advantage himself. Norrie is on the back foot but finds a stunning forehand to save himself just as Pouille was dominating the rally.
Two aces allow Norrie to hold. That was close.
12:32 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-7 Norrie
Can Norrie break to take the set? He starts well, winning the first point with a delicate forehand past the onrushing Frenchman. And Norrie takes the second point too.
Norrie then takes the next two points to break and take the set! What a start for Norrie.
12:28 PM
Pouille 7-6, 5-6 Norrie*
Pouille has not looked like breaking Norrie... until now. He fights his way to 30-30 with some powerful ground strokes. Norrie then steps up his game to hold.
This is a very even game - and no slipping in sight as of yet.
12:25 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 5-5 Norrie
Norrie wins the first point of Pouille's serve after taking the sting out of the rally. He takes the second point too after a long rally. This is his chance to break. Or maybe not, Pouille comes back with an unplayable ace.
Norrie gets himself to break point but Pouille finds another ace just at the right time. Deuce.
The Brit moves to advantage after a superb drop shot but cannot capitalise. Deuce.
Pouille then moves to advantage and yet another ace saves him. He just about holds.
12:16 PM
Pouille 7-6, 4-5 Norrie*
The left-handed Norrie wins points off both his forehand and backhand. An attempted drop shot hits the net and then Norrie double faults, handing Pouille a footing in the game. Norrie fights back well with a stunning cross-shot forehand that beats an advancing Pouille who was heading for the net. An ace concludes the game.
Norrie holds.
12:14 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 4-4 Norrie
Pouille wins the opening point of the game before Norrie wins a point after a long rally. The Frenchman retakes the lead with a powerful back foot forehand before an ace down the middle. Norrie fails to keep his next return in.
Game Pouille.
12:10 PM
Pouille 7-6, 3-4 Norrie*
Norrie drops one point but is in no danger of conceding the game. No breaks thus far in this second set of the match.
12:07 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 3-3 Norrie
Norrie is struggling to get on top of the bounce from Pouille's serve. The Frenchman is serving impressively and concludes the game with an ace down the middle.
12:04 PM
Pouille 7-6, 2-3 Norrie*
It is all about the serve in this match. Norrie waltzes through another game while serving.
12:02 PM
*Pouille 7-6, 2-2 Norrie
Pouille is serving with plenty of power and Norrie is struggling to return. Game to Pouille.
11:59 AM
Pouille 7-6, 1-2 Norrie*
Norrie is giving Pouille the run around on his own serve, moving the Frenchmen around the court with ease. Four serves, four points. Easily done.
11:57 AM
*Pouille 7-6, 1-1 Norrie
Norrie has come out with more intent then yesterday, striking the ball with real venom. He fights his way to 30-30 after some wayward serving by Pouille before earning himself a break point. Pouille misses with his first serve but recovers well to take it to deuce.
Pouille's serving then goes up a gear and an ace secures him the game.
11:53 AM
Pouille 7-6, 0-1 Norrie*
Norrie makes an excellent start, or restart, to this match, holding his serve with ease. Confident beginning.
11:38 AM
Cameron Norrie is now on court two
He lost the first set to Lucas Pouille last night - can he stage a comeback today?
11:36 AM
Cornet upsets Andreescu in straight sets (6-2, 6-1)
What a performance from Cornet! She dominated from start to finish and barely put a foot wrong. The fifth seed Andreescu is out!
An amazing start to day three of Wimbledon.
11:33 AM
Cornet leads Andreescu 5-1 in second set
Andreescu has found some improved tennis in the last two games but Cornet is just too clinical at the moment.
The Canadian has slipped on a number of occasions this match and the scrutiny on the slippery Wimbledon surface is sure to grow.
11:22 AM
Cornet leads Andreescu 4-0 in the second set
She holds her serve in rapid time...
11:20 AM
Pella has taken the second set against Berrettini
It is one set apiece on court three.
11:19 AM
A reminder that Cameron Norrie resumes his match...
Following the conclusion of Cornet-Andreescu. At this rate, Norrie could be on the court rather soon.
11:18 AM
Cornet leads 3-0 in second set!
Having taken the first set against Andreescu, Cornet is continuing to steamroll the much-fancied Canadian. She has broken Andreescu twice already this set.
11:15 AM
Pella is fighting back against Berrettini
After losing the first set 6-4, Pella leads the second set 5-2 against the No. 7 seed Berrettini. A strong fight back from the Argentine.
11:11 AM
Cornet breaks Andreescu in the opening game of the second set
Cornet is playing some superb tennis at the moment while Andreescu's execution is letting her down.
11:05 AM
Elsewhere, Yoshihito Nishioka has won the first set against John Isner
Nishioka won the first set via a tie break (7-5) on court 18.
11:02 AM
Cornet takes the first set!
Andreescu did not give up that set easily, forcing a long game that finished after a number of set points on deuce.
The upset is on for Cornet!
10:53 AM
Cornet breaks Andreescu once again!
Cornet now leads 5-2 and will serve for the opening set against the fifth seed. What a start on court two.
10:41 AM
Berrettini takes the first set 6-4!
Pella put in a decent performance in the opening set but could not quite deal with the power of Berrettini.
10:39 AM
Cornet breaks Andreescu!
The fifth seed has just been broken in the opening set. Cornet leads 3-2 and is about to serve.
10:32 AM
Elsewhere, Pella hangs in against Berrettini
The No. 7 seed leads 4-3 in the opening set but the Argentine has just held his serve to hang in the set.
10:28 AM
Andreescu leads 2-1 against Cornet
Serve has been held in all three games on court two thus far.
10:17 AM
Cameron Norrie will resume action on court two...
after Alize Cornet vs Bianca Andreescu which is underway. The Canadian has held her serve in the opening game of the match.
10:05 AM
Is the slippery surface going to cause havoc again today?
Williams, the 23-time grand-slam champion, was among a host of players to suffer difficulties with the grass this week as she made a tearful exit following what appeared to be an ankle injury.
Her ill-fated match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich took place immediately after Roger Federer's opponent Adrian Mannarino was also forced to retire after slipping and hurting his knee.
Although there could be a little bit of rain around today, we should be set for a full day of action. It will be cloudy with a gentle breeze across south-west London.
Play is not far away.
09:39 AM
Brit Watch update - who has made it to day three?
Men’s singles
Andy Murray - IN
Beat 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili to reach the second round for the 13th consecutive attempt. Will face Oscar Otte in today’s final match on Centre Court.
Liam Broady - IN
Beat Marco Cecchinato to reach the second round for only the second time after progressing in 2015. Due to play Diego Schwartzman today.
Dan Evans - IN
Beat Feliciano Lopez to reach the second round for the third time. Looking to emulate his previous best of reaching the third round, having done so in 2016 and 2019, when he faces Dusan Lajovic on Court No1 today..
Jay Clarke - OUT
Defeated by Egor Gerasimov after failing to overturn a two-sets-to-one overnight deficit, suffering a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 loss.
Cameron Norrie - IN
Double-faulted at set-point in a first-set tie-breaker against Lucas Pouille yesterday evening and subsequently lost the opener 7-6 (8-6) before bad light suspended play. Will return to finish the match this morning.
Women’s singles
Katie Boulter - IN
Beat Danielle Lao to reach the second round for the second time, having matched her previous best run from 2018. Due to face second seed Aryna Sabalenka on Centre Court this afternoon.
Johanna Konta - OUT
Withdrew before opening day after close contact tested positive for Covid-19.
Heather Watson - OUT
Defeated by Kristie Ahn 2-6, 7-6 (7-3), 8-6 on Monday to suffer a sixth first-round exit out of 11 career appearances.
Katie Swan - OUT
Defeated by Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 on Monday to suffer a third first-round exit in four attempts.
Harriet Dart - OUT
Defeated by Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3 yesterday in a match that was delayed overnight, her second first-round exit in three appearances.
Fran Jones - OUT
Defeat by Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4 yesterday evening on her Wimbledon debut in a valiant effort against the American 20th seed.
Jodie Anna Burrage - OUT
Defeated by Lauren Davis 6-2, 6-1 on Monday in under an hour in her maiden Grand Slam.
Samantha Murray Sharan - IN
Forced to wait for her first round match against Sorana Cirstea due to rain. Looking to make the second round for the first time in three attempts when she takes to the court today.
Emma Raducanu - IN
The final British player waiting to make her Wimbledon debut. Delayed first round match with Vitalia Diatchenko due to begin today.
09:20 AM
Good morning, it was a good day for Dan Evans yesterday
Dan Evans was the sole British winner on another rain-hit day at Wimbledon yesterday.
Evans snapped a four-match grand slam losing streak with an impressive 7-6 (4) 6-2 7-5 victory over Feliciano Lopez, leaping and punching the air in delight after the Spaniard's final volley drifted long.
The British number one has had an excellent 18 months on the ATP Tour but the slams have been a different matter, with Evans losing twice in the first round of the French Open and once at the Australian Open since his previous victory in New York last summer.
He said: "It was a good way to come through. It was pretty efficient. I feel I played solid tennis and was more controlled than previous matches over the grass. I had to be ready from the get-go and really focused and be sharp. I felt I was.
"It's always going to be a difficult match against Feli. I thought there'd probably be a tie-break or two in there. I was ready to be good in those moments. I did a good job and I'm happy to come through.
"It's tougher to come through these events. Whichever way you look at it, they're bigger events, they're better events. This is where you want to win matches."
Cameron Norrie, who is seeded at a grand slam for the first time, had to wait until late into the evening to start his match against former top-10 player and Wimbledon quarter-finalist Lucas Pouille.
The Frenchman is on the comeback trail after elbow surgery last year and Norrie has work to do after dropping the opening set 8-6 on a tie-break, following which play was suspended for the night.
Francesca Jones made a creditable Wimbledon debut against Coco Gauff, matching the fast-rising young American for much of two close sets before going down 7-5 6-4.
The 20-year-old, who was born with a condition that means she is missing several fingers and toes, said: "I went to the match thinking I could win it 100 per cent. I didn't doubt that. I knew my game could do her damage and do many other players damage in the draw.
"But I'm where I am. I'm going to keep building. I just competed with someone that made quarters of Roland Garros, is 23 in the world, has multiple WTA titles, and felt comfortable on the court.
"I know sooner or later I'll find myself in a position where I won't need a wild card. At the moment I'm at the beginning of the construction of my house."
Harriet Dart had a tough draw against Belgian 13th seed Elise Mertens and struggled with her serve in a 6-1 6-3 defeat.
Jay Clarke resumed his match against Egor Gerasimov down two sets to one and was unable to mount a comeback, losing 6-3 3-6 7-6 (5) 6-2.
"I did my best," said the 22-year-old from Derby. "I approached it the same I did yesterday, but he was just better."
Samantha Murray Sharan and 18-year-old debutant Emma Raducanu will both play their first-round matches on Wednesday.
For the Love of Dogs viewers were left infuriated as they pointed out a 'bad habit' of presenter Alison Hammond's during the latest episode of the ITV show, which has seen ratings plummet.
The moment was filmed by a Pollok resident who was left disgusted after spotting the vermin from her kitchen window in the Templeland Road area of Glasgow.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first public appearance alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2018, but a Royal author has claimed it was marred by an awkward moment
Prince William made a surprise visit to a school in the West Midlands today, where he issued a 14-word update on his wife, Kate Middleton, amid her cancer treatment
Callum Laing, 40, was diagnosed with a stage 4 Glioblastoma brain tumour, after he had been suffering from intense headaches - but surgeons in Edinburgh have made a surprising discovery.
The ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show star, who is a BBC Sounds podcast host too, spoke out on Twitter/X over how to get in touch with your bank urgently
Footage taken by a Brazilian tourist shows several pedestrians stepping to soothe the black horse which caused damage after running through the London streets on Wednesday.
A horse trainer who was accused of the murder and rape of a showjumper he was in an “illicit relationship” with has been found dead before the second day of his trial was set to begin.
Whatever the long-term electoral consequences of the ending of the SNP-Greens agreement, Humza Yousaf has at last seized one of the most important elements in politics: the initiative.
Yahoo Sport 
