Wimbledon 2022 LIVE: Rafael Nadal vs Taylor Fritz latest result and reaction after Centre Court epic

Wimbledon 2022 - LIVE!

Rafael Nadal kept his calendar Grand Slam bid alive in truly astonishing fashion after a remarkable five-set win over Taylor Fritz.

The highlights package alone is unlikely to be much shorter than the four hours and 20 minutes it took Nadal on Centre Court. There was a fifth set tie-break, 15 breaks of serve and countless rallies of incredible quality but the Spaniard somehow battled his way into the Wimbledon semi-finals for an eighth time with a 3-6 7-5 4-6 7-5 7-6 (10-4) victory.

Only three men have beaten Nadal in 2022, with Fritz one of those after his success in the final at Indian Wells earlier this year. The in-form American, who had not dropped a set going into the quarter-finals, looked set to double up, particularly when Nadal went off to receive treatment on an abdominal injury in the second set.

But Nadal found a way, as he so often does, and he is two wins away from taking his push for history onto a plane to New York for the US Open later this summer. Next up for the Spaniard is a last-four match against Nick Kyrgios. It’s unlikely to be boring.

Nadal vs Fritz latest news

• Fourth set! Nadal takes it to a decider

• Third set! Fritz wins it 6-3 to move back in front

• Second set! Nadal levels match

• First set! Fritz wins five games in a row to take it

Match report

20:41 , Matt Verri

Rafael Nadal kept his calendar Grand Slam bid alive in truly astonishing fashion after a remarkable five-set win over Taylor Fritz.

The highlights package alone is unlikely to be much shorter than the four hours and 20 minutes it took Nadal on Centre Court. There was a fifth set tie-break, 15 breaks of serve and countless rallies of incredible quality but the Spaniard somehow battled his way into the Wimbledon semi-finals for an eighth time with a 3-6 7-5 4-6 7-5 7-6 (10-4) victory.

Only three men have beaten Nadal in 2022, with Fritz one of those after his success in the final at Indian Wells earlier this year. The in-form American, who had not dropped a set going into the quarter-finals, looked set to double up, particularly when Nadal went off to receive treatment on an abdominal injury in the second set.

But Nadal found a way, as he so often does, and he is two wins away from taking his push for history onto a plane to New York for the US Open later this summer. Next up for the Spaniard is a last-four match against Nick Kyrgios. It’s unlikely to be boring.

Read the full story!

Nothing could stop him this evening!

20:15 , Matt Verri

Next up... Kyrgios!

20:00 , Matt Verri

“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.”

Reaction from Nadal...

19:51 , Matt Verri

“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.”

Astonishing...

19:45 , Matt Verri

GAME SET MATCH! Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 6-7 Nadal

19:30 , Matt Verri

Fritz does what he can on serve, thunders down potentially his last serve of the match. 9-4. Over to the Nadal serve.

NADAL BEATS FRITZ IN FIVE SETS! Fittingly a forehand winner gets the job done. Simply incredible match!

19:29 , Matt Verri

Another crazy point, Fritz ends up face first on Centre Court as he throws himself at a drop shot. Simple shot for Nadal into the empty court to make it 7-3, as he goes over to check on Fritz. First serve not returned, 8-3 Nadal. He’s just two points away from victory now.

Nadal whips a stunning forehand winner down the line, 9-3! Six. Match. Points.

19:26 , Matt Verri

Well then. Backhand long from Nadal, now leads 5-2. Two Fritz serves to come and he can close this right up.

Huge ace out wide, 5-3. Gets his feet in a tangle and makes a mess of the backhand though does Fritz, 6-3 Nadal. He now has a couple of serves to take real control.

19:23 , Matt Verri

It’s all Nadal now! Fritz gets to the drop shot, tries one of his own but doesn’t get it over the net. 4-0 Nadal. And that could be that! Nadal forces Fritz into another error, 5-0. He’s halfway there.

Fritz gets on the board, puts away the volley at the net. 5-1 Nadal at the changeover.

19:20 , Matt Verri

Mini-break Nadal. Whips the forehand crosscourt, Fritz at full stretch dives to make the volley... flies long. 1-0 Nadal.

Fritz goes for a backhand pass down the line, into the net. 2-0. Make that 3-0, Nadal with a clinical display in the tie-break so far.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 6-6 Nadal

19:18 , Matt Verri

Confident start from Nadal, finds the line with a first serve and then puts the forehand away. Fritz then sends one of his own long. 30-0.

Unforced error from Fritz, big serve down the T from Nadal... 6-6 in the fifth set!

Tie-break coming up. First to ten points wins it.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 6-5* Nadal

19:14 , Matt Verri

Nadal does well to flick a forehand back, Fritz responds with a flat winner. The Spaniard finds a big forehand of his own, Fritz slices it back and beyond the baseline. 30-15.

Another winner follows by a massive ace. Fritz showing no signs of nerves now!

Over to Nadal once again.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 *5-5 Nadal

19:11 , Matt Verri

Nadal forced into an ambitious attempt at a forehand winner down the line. Can’t make it. Makes a first serve out wide though, Fritz can just about get a racquet on it but no more than that. 30-15.

Fritz then slaps a return into the net, before Nadal seals the hold with an audacious drop volley! Another ridiculous shot to add to the highlights package, which itself is going to be two hours long.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 5-4* Nadal

19:05 , Matt Verri

Really tight forehand from Fritz, sends it sailing long. 30-30 and all the pressure is on him again.

That’s outrageous though, finds a brilliant angle on the forehand and Nadal doesn’t bother moving for that. Just as good from Nadal! Glorious drop shot and he takes it to deuce.

Fritz JUST finds the line with a backhand. Couple of inches away from giving Nadal a break point. Even better backhand winner to follow, Fritz holds. One game away.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 *4-4 Nadal

19:00 , Matt Verri

Tame slice into the net from Nadal, barely made it halfway up. He then looks to have seized control of the point with yet another big forehand, but Fritz somehow manages to flick it back over the net. Ridiculously good. 15-30.

Break point Fritz! Drop shot isn’t the best from Nadal, Fritz still gives him a chance at the pass but he can’t make it.

FRITZ BREAKS! ON SERVE AGAIN! What is going on?!

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 3-4* Nadal

18:53 , Matt Verri

Fritz cranking it up on serve. 135mph this time and Nadal has no answer. It’s deuce again though, wild backhand from Fritz. This is, quite obviously, a massive game in the match.

Break point Nadal! Hammering away at Fritz with the forehand, the pressure eventually tells.

NADAL BREAKS! Massive forehand, delicate drop shot. As good as it gets.

18:50 , Matt Verri

Fritz very nearly does brilliantly to get a Nadal smash in play, but it just floats beyond the baseline. Sublime drop shot next point, Fritz can’t get it back. 0-30. Is this where he seizes control? That doesn’t help, forehand return is long from Nadal.

Two break points Nadal! Fritz has his hands on his head, moves forward and puts the volley into the net. 129mph first serve down the T. That works. One down, one to go. 30-40. Deuce - outrageous net cord! Clips the top of the net and drops dead on Nadal’s side of the court. Hands up in apology not improving the Spaniard’s mood.

Take two! Nadal doesn’t get the job done with the overhead but the volley that follows is good enough. Break point. Saved again! 131mph out wide.

Back to deuce. Slice into the net from Nadal, a really tight forehand from Fritz follows it. Deuce again.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 *3-3 Nadal

18:44 , Matt Verri

First serve out wide from Nadal, Fritz hammers the return long. American at least gets on the board in the game, Nadal unable to flick the drop shot back. 30-15.

Ball sits up for Nadal, he waits for Fritz to pick a side and then dispatches the forehand in the opposite direction. Long this time from Nadal, 40-30. What he’d give for a big first serve now. First serve in, but the forehand that follows it out. Deuce.

Poor forehand from Fritz, comfortably long. He then slaps that into the net - Nadal holds.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 3-2* Nadal

18:37 , Matt Verri

Anything you can do... 131mph ace and Fritz swiftly finds himself 40-0.

Even bigger this time, out wide. Nadal gets a racquet on it but the return flies out. Well that was rapid!

Over to you, Rafa.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 *2-2 Nadal

18:35 , Matt Verri

Lots of breaks in the fourth set - none in the fifth so far.

Nadal whips a forehand wide, Fritz slides towards it but he can’t get the slice back in play. Hold to love.

All the pressure back on the Fritz serve.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 2-1* Nadal

18:31 , Matt Verri

Fritz going bigger and bigger with the forehand. Not always coming off - this one flies long. He then nets another backhand, 30-30. First bit of pressure on his serve in the set.

That eases any worries, swinging ace out wide. Nadal then sends a return long, Fritz holds.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 *1-1 Nadal

18:28 , Matt Verri

An 84mph second serve is going to cut it, Fritz jumps all over that. Shanked shot from the American nearly turns into a perfect drop shot, but Nadal chases it down. 15-15.

Defence from Nadal is so good, hangs in the point and then seizes control when the moment comes. Fritz then nets a backhand, 40-15.

Long this time from Fritz and Nadal levels it up in the fifth.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 1-0* Nadal

18:24 , Matt Verri

Perfect start for Fritz. Barely has to engage in a rally, hold to love sealed as Nadal nets a second-serve return.

Both players have struggled for consistency all match, so who knows what happens from here!

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-7 Nadal

18:17 , Matt Verri

Nadal’s forehand doing all the damage, Fritz tries to just slice it back but it sails long. 30-0. Backed up with an ace out wide - three set points Nadal!

NADAL WINS THE FOURTH SET! Forehand winner seals it - what else? We’re going to a fifth!

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-6* Nadal

18:14 , Matt Verri

Here comes Nadal...

Unforced error from Fritz, followed by a sensational forehand whipped crosscourt from Nadal. 0-30. He does everything to stay in that point, nets the forehand though before that shot then lets him down for a second point in a row. 30-30.

Break point Nadal! Backhand down the line is wide from Fritz. NADAL BREAKS! Defence swiftly turned into control of the point with a massive forehand, Fritz has no response.

Nadal will serve to take it into a fifth set!

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 *5-5 Nadal

18:09 , Matt Verri

Fritz with a forehand winner to start the game, moves him three points away. Nadal didn’t have far to move but that was too good. The Spaniard responds with one of his own. 15-15.

Nice slice from Nadal as he moves into the net, Fritz can’t find the pass. Serve speeds on the rise from Nadal, he knows it’s now or never.

Ace! What a time for that. Nadal holds to level the fourth set up.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 5-4* Nadal

18:06 , Matt Verri

Nadal puts a big extra into that forehand, Fritz tries to lob it back up into play but it’s out.

129mph serve out wide is a decent reply, but a very tight double fault follows. Fritz knows how close he is, and that isn’t making it any easier.

First serve returns just in time, two of them in a row and Fritz doesn’t have to hit another shot. 40-30. Forehand winner down the line from Nadal - deuce!

Break point Nadal! Big, big hitting. Fritz scrambles after a forehand but can only slice it long. SHOT! How good is that... Fritz finds the line with a crosscourt winner. Back to deuce.

Two first serves later and it’s a hold for Fritz. One game away...

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 *4-4 Nadal

18:00 , Matt Verri

Slice from Nadal lands bang on the baseline, doesn’t matter though when he frames the next shot. Simple put-away at the net for Fritz.

And again for Fritz - this time the drop shot doesn’t work for Nadal. American starting to grow wise to it. 15-30. Fritz swivels to his box in frustration after sending the return wide, 30-30.

That’s long from Nadal though - break point Fritz!

FRITZ BREAKS! Again it’s long from Nadal and we’re back on serve. Fritz holds here and he’ll be one game away from the semi-finals.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 3-4* Nadal

17:53 , Matt Verri

Fritz rushing through these services games, big serve sets up a simple forehand. Still needs to find a break though.

Double fault from Fritz, his second of the match. Nadal has had seven. The Spaniard tries to take advantage with a forehand down the line, just into the top of the net. 40-15.

Slice is long from Nadal and Fritz keeps himself in the set.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 *2-4 Nadal

17:51 , Matt Verri

Grunt from Nadal meets a forehand winner, maybe starting to feel a bit more comfortable out there.

96mph serve is good enough for the Spaniard, who wraps up the hold as an off-balance Fritz sends a backhand a long way wide.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 2-3* Nadal

17:47 , Matt Verri

No drama in that game!

Fritz thunders down another ace and that’s as quick a hold to love as you could wish for. He was in no mood to give Nadal the chance for any more drop shots.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 *1-3 Nadal

17:45 , Matt Verri

Three breaks to start the fourth set. What next?

Wonderful pass from Fritz to kick things off, but it’s then two perfect shots from Nadal. The first is a deep backhand that Fritz can do very little with, leaving Nadal to just dink a drop shot over the net. 15-15.

Another drop shot from Nadal - Fritz at least gets to this one but can’t get it back in play. 30-30. Double fault again! Break point Fritz. Saved! Once more Nadal turns to the drop shot, once more it delivers. Deuce.

Four! You’d think Fritz might be anticipating the drop shot at this point, but again it’s too good. That’s long from the American - big hold for Nadal!

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 1-2* Nadal

17:38 , Matt Verri

Well then - Nadal turns up the aggression once more. Fritz has no response, can only find the net. Three break points Nadal all of a sudden!

First goes, return sent long. Second... also goes. Just. Fritz clips the very outside of the line with a forehand, Nadal thought that was going out. 30-40.

NADAL BREAKS AGAIN! Two brilliant low slices from Nadal, Fritz sends the forehand long.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 *1-1 Nadal

17:34 , Matt Verri

Punishing rally, Nadal gets bored of going crosscourt so whips a forehand winner down the line. Perfectly placed.

Two poor second-serve returns from Fritz, both of them sent long. He’ll be so frustrated with that. Nadal tries to add another forehand winner to the collection - not this time. 40-30. He then gets his feet in a bit of a mess, ends up just flicking the ball wide. Deuce.

Big forehand from Nadal, who then rushes to the net to put away the volley. All for nothing - double fault follows. Back to deuce.

How costly will that proved? Break point Fritz, after a backhand winner down the line. FRITZ BREAKS BACK! Nadal slices into the net and we’re back on serve.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 0-1* Nadal

17:26 , Matt Verri

Big advantage for Fritz that he now gets to serve first in this fourth set.

He turns away in disgust though as he sends a routine backhand into the net. Big first serve helps the situation, 30-30. Swinging ace out wide, followed by a stunning drop shot from Nadal. Kept so low. Deuce.

Inches away from a forehand winner down the line... just out from Nadal. Fritz does pretty much the same next point, back to deuce.

Break point Nadal! Reads the drop shot and flicks the ball brilliantly past Fritz crosscourt. He takes it! Backhand pass is perfect and Nadal breaks in the opening game of the fourth set.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 6-3 Nadal

17:19 , Matt Verri

Can Nadal at least make Fritz serve the third set out?

Maybe not - Nadal can only flick the ball back and Fritz strolls forward to put away a backhand winner down the line. 15-30. That’s a superb return from Fritz, Nadal can’t do much with that either. Two set points!

Fritz takes the third set! Nadal pulls the forehand out, that’s a poor game from him. The American moves ahead again!

Fritz 6-3 5-7 5-3* Nadal

17:15 , Matt Verri

Nadal not particularly keen for long rallies, looks to force the issue early with a forehand down the line. It’s long though - usually would see more patience from the Spaniard.

Two big forehands from Fritz and he moves within a game of the third set.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 *4-3 Nadal

17:11 , Matt Verri

Lovely backhand winner from Fritz, Nadal deep in the court but he couldn’t get to that. Good movement from the Spaniard at the net, quickly across to cover the space and it’s a relatively simply volley in the end. 30-15.

Fritz goes big with the return, Nadal does well to get it back and then takes control with a flat backhand of his own.

Timely first serve from the Spaniard and it’s a comfortable hold.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 4-2* Nadal

17:08 , Matt Verri

Nadal with half a chance of a forehand pass on the run, can’t make it. Would have been an incredible shot. That was far less difficult - just looks to slice the serve back in play but that’s out. 30-15.

Again Nadal tries to guess with the Fritz serve... doesn’t work. Ace out wide and another hold.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 *3-2 Nadal

17:04 , Matt Verri

Nadal with a lovely forehand winner, but that one from Fritz is even better. Was on the run and hammered it down the line.

Bit better from Nadal on serve, up to 109 mph now. Still a long way from being at full capacity, but it’s good enough to set up the point and his forehand does the rest. He stays in touch in the third set.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 3-1* Nadal

17:01 , Matt Verri

More frustration for Nadal, as he whips a forehand just beyond the baseline. If that shot starts letting him down then he really is in trouble!

He lunges forward for this one, can only hit it into the net though. 40-30.

Ace down the T and Fritz consolidates the break.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 *2-1 Nadal

16:56 , Matt Verri

Ball skids on just inside the baseline, results in a massive shank from Fritz. Forehand almost ended up behind him.

That’s right out the middle of the racquet though, flat backhand down the line and Nadal can’t respond. 15-30. Fritz will have a break point now, Nadal sends a forehand just long.

Cranked up that first serve out of nowhere, 119mph. It’s out though. And he follows it with a double fault!

Fritz takes charge of the third set.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 1-1* Nadal

16:52 , Matt Verri

Nadal stands still for a few seconds after Fritz thunders down another ace. Not a chance of getting anywhere near that.

It’s a rapid hold to love for Fritz, as Nadal then floats a slice wide.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 *0-1 Nadal

16:50 , Matt Verri

Nadal slips at the net but just about keeps his footing, before putting the volley away.

The Spaniard is just getting the serve in play and then letting the forehand do the rest of the work. Good plan when the forehand is that good, as proved by another winner.

Comfortable hold to start the third set.

Fritz 6-3 5-7 Nadal

16:45 , Matt Verri

That’s brilliant from Nadal, drop shot again doing the damage. Response from Fritz isn’t half bad either, lovely lob. 15-15.

One-two punch from Fritz, serve out wide and then the forehand put away. That’s wayward from the American though, he can’t afford any slip-ups in this game. 30-30... huge couple of points coming up.

Set point Nadal! Forehand long from Fritz. AND NADAL TAKES THE SECOND SET! Drop shot again, seals the point with a simple volley.

Who knows how he’s feeling, but he’s got himself level in the match!

Fritz 6-3 *5-6 Nadal

16:40 , Matt Verri

He’s battling away! Brings Fritz forward with the drop shot and it’s then an absolutely perfect lob that just drops inside the baseline.

This is so good from Nadal considering the injury. Serve is still relatively weak but he’s doing enough - slices causing Fritz problems and the forehand is firing. Fritz jumps all over that second serve though, sits up to be hit and the American does just that. 30-40.

There’s the hold for Nadal, as a Fritz slice floats long. Impressive from the Spaniard.

Fritz 6-3 5-5* Nadal

16:35 , Matt Verri

Fritz will see his opponent struggling on the other side of the net, has to keep his focus here. Serving to stay in the second set. That’s the exact opposite - his first double fault of the match. 15-15.

Poor slice from Nadal, who looks fine with the forehand but everything else is not looking great. Lovely point there though, working Fritz around the court and the American stabs the ball long as he lunges forward. 30-30.

Two more unforced errors from Nadal, Fritz levels the set up again.

Fritz 6-3 *4-5 Nadal

16:31 , Matt Verri

That’s better from Nadal, holds nothing back as he whips a big forehand winner. Serve speeds well down, that’s where he’s visibly struggling the most. Helps when Fritz just slices the ball straight out.

Tame second serve, good enough though when another forehand winner follows it. Nadal does enough to get the hold.

Fritz 6-3 4-4* Nadal

16:28 , Matt Verri

Massive second-serve return from Nadal first point back, flies just long. He then nets a forehand, before sending a tame slice halfway up the net. 40-0.

Forehand winner crosscourt from Fritz, hold to love. Nadal barely moved for that, worrying signs for the Spaniard.

Medical timeout

16:24 , Matt Verri

Play paused on Centre Court. Nadal has gone off to receive some treatment on an injury - not a great situation when he’s already a set down.

Hopefully something that can be fixed soon, don’t want this match to be decided by an injury.

Fritz 6-3 *3-4 Nadal

16:19 , Matt Verri

That’s so frustrating for Fritz. 15-30, chance to pile the pressure on. Gets a 90mph second serve and he sends the return miles out.

Brilliant return this time, Nadal can only send it into the net. Break point Fritz - this is all very familiar! Massive cheers on Centre Court as Nadal whips a forehand winner to take it to deuce.

And another big forehand. That is absolutely wild though, Nadal shanks a forehand high into the sky. Dropped in the crowd. Deuce.

He gets the hold though, and a big one at that. Chance goes for Fritz.

Fritz 6-3 3-3* Nadal

16:14 , Matt Verri

Fritz getting into a rhythm on serve here - Nadal struggling to get into a rally at the moment. 40-0.

Don’t need a rally if you’re going to do that, Nadal slaps a forehand winner down the line as he takes full advantage of a second serve. Fritz then nets a backhand. 40-30, drama to come in this game? Could be - deuce. Superb return from Nadal and Fritz can do nothing with it.

There’s the big first serve from Fritz though, and he levels the set up as Nadal shanks a forehand.

Fritz 6-3 *2-3 Nadal

16:09 , Matt Verri

Double fault from Nadal, before Fritz hammers a flat backhand and Nadal can’t get it back. Spaniard under pressure at 15-30. And another double fault! Second serve has been all over the place from Nadal. Two break points Fritz!

One down. Forehand down the line from Nadal, Fritz can’t make the pass on the run. 30-40.

Fritz breaks! It’s just like the first set - rapid start from Nadal but now we’re back on serve.

Fritz 6-3 1-3* Nadal

16:04 , Matt Verri

Fritz races to 40-0 in the game, looks like he’ll be getting on the board in the second set. Another charge coming from the American?

We’ll see but for now he’s at least held serve, as Nadal nets a backhand.

Fritz 6-3 *0-3 Nadal

16:00 , Matt Verri

Fritz on the stretch, goes for a big forehand down the line. Miles long. Better that time though, Nadal can only slice it beyond the baseline.

Nadal works Fritz around the court, moves forward and looks for a drop volley at the net. Got too cute with it though - 40-30.

Doesn’t matter now, Fritz’s drop shot finds the net. Nadal consolidates the break.

Fritz 6-3 0-2* Nadal

15:56 , Matt Verri

Fritz ends up flat on his back but still gets up in time to extend the rally for a few more shots. Can’t do anything about that forehand winner from Nadal though. 15-30.

Nadal thinks he has two break points, but the umpire overrules - challenge from the Spaniard doesn’t help him.

He has his chance now though, and Fritz’s forehand is then wayward! Nadal gets an early break in the second set.

Fritz 6-3 *0-1 Nadal

15:52 , Matt Verri

Double fault again from Nadal, Centre Court try and lift his mood. Fritz is in generous mood and sends a simple backhand long. 30-15.

In the end it’s a relatively routine hold for Nadal, but he’s not looking particularly convincing at the moment.

Fritz 6-3 Nadal

15:46 , Matt Verri

Confident start to the game, perfectly placed forehand winner backed up by a huge first serve. 30-0 and two points away from the set.

Ace out wide, as Nadal moves the other way. Three set points all of a sudden for Fritz.

And another ace out wide! Superb serving from Fritz and he’s taken the opening set on Centre Court.

Fritz *5-3 Nadal

15:44 , Matt Verri

That’s great from Fritz. He chases down a drop shot, flicks it deep into the court and then puts away a simple volley at the net. 15-30 and a chance to take real control here.

Two chances now - Nadal wide with the forehand. Two break points Fritz, who will be serving for the set if he takes one of these.

Double fault! WOW. Nadal gifts Fritz the break and the American is in a brilliant position in the set now.

Fritz 4-3* Nadal

15:39 , Matt Verri

Lovely drop volley at the net from Nadal, backed up with a brilliant forehand pass. 15-30 and he wants an immediate break after that setback in the previous game.

And now he has a break point, another forehand winner. Too good. Saved by Fritz though, timely 129mph serve out wide.

Two more unreturned serves later and Fritz moves ahead in the set for the first time.

Fritz *3-3 Nadal

15:34 , Matt Verri

Now the first chance for Fritz on the Nadal serve. The American comes out on top in a couple of rallies, Nadal unusually with consecutive unforced errors from the forehand.

Three break points for Fritz! Big forehand and Nadal can’t get that back. Safe to say Fritz has settled into this match now.

Second serve from Nadal just about finds the line, Fritz shanks a forehand. 15-40. And that’s a brilliant backhand down the line from Nadal - two break points saved, one to go. Deuce! First serve out wide and Fritz can’t return it.

Fritz will get a fourth chance though, as the Nadal forehand misfires. Which he takes! We’re back on serve.

Fritz 2-3* Nadal

15:26 , Matt Verri

More pressure on the Fritz serve. Flat backhand down the line sets up for the point for Nadal and he finished it off at the end. 0-30.

First serve turns up for Fritz when he needs it, before he clips a lovely forehand winner. 30-30.

Net cord works in Fritz’s favour, leaving a simple passing shot down the line. Important hold for the American.

Fritz *1-3 Nadal

15:23 , Matt Verri

Fritz struggling to make any sort of impact on the Nadal serve in the opening couple of games.

He does well to hang in that point, as Nadal dominates with that trademark forehand. Sends one just long though, 30-15.

Serve and volley from the Spaniard, Fritz responds with a very average attempt at the lob. Easy for Nadal.

Fritz 1-2* Nadal

15:18 , Matt Verri

Just what Fritz needed, a couple of free points on serve to quickly get him 30-0 up in the game.

Nadal sends a tame backhand into the net, before a big ace down the T gets Fritz on the board for the first time.

Fritz *0-2 Nadal

15:15 , Matt Verri

Ominous from Nadal in the early stages, neutralising the Fritz forehand. The American gets a second serve to attack but the backhand is well wide.

A rare Nadal forehand that doesn’t find its target briefly extends the game, but a first serve seals a routine hold for the Spaniard.

Fritz 0-1* Nadal

15:12 , Matt Verri

Decent way to start - Nadal whips a forehand winner down the line to get himself up and running. Fritz gets his first ace of the match, most certainly won’t be his last.

Couple of unforced errors from the American, forehand slapped into the net and it’s a break point for Nadal in the opening game.

Which he converts! Fritz can only launch the ball up in the air, Nadal confidently puts away the smash at the net. The Spaniard is off to the perfect start.

Warm-ups done!

15:07 , Matt Verri

Time to get this quarter-final underway.

Fritz won the toss and he has opted to serve first at the start of the set.

Here we go!

15:01 , Matt Verri

Good reception for Fritz, brilliant reception for Nadal. No surprise as to who Centre Court are backing this afternoon.

The support may start to shift though if Nadal starts cruising it - desire for entertainment beats all loyalties!

Players out at 3pm

14:54 , Matt Verri

Just over five minutes until Nadal and Fritz come out on Centre Court.

Fritz in brilliant form, Nadal seemingly getting better with every match... set up to be a quarter-final to remember.

Bit nervy at the end but job done!

14:44 , Matt Verri

Next up... Nadal!

14:40 , Matt Verri

And that is that on Centre Court.

Halep has beaten Anisimova 6-2 6-4 and is into the last four. Got broken once when serving for the match and it was very nearly twice - Anisimova had three break points to get it back on serve. Couldn’t take them though and Halep gets the job done.

Nadal vs Fritz next!

Whatever it takes!

14:29 , Matt Verri

Get ready...

14:20 , Matt Verri

Hope Nadal and Fritz are getting nicely warmed up!

Halep has broken in the second set, so she’s now a set and a break up on Centre Court. The 16th seed is 3-1 up, just three games away from the semi-finals now.

Could be over very swiftly.

Popular man!

14:15 , Matt Verri

Court 6 was absolutely packed this morning, as Nadal had a practice session earlier today.

It’s rarely quiet wherever he goes and this was no different - the most excitement Court 6 has seen in a long time!

First set in the bag for Halep

14:09 , Matt Verri

Simona Halep has wasted no time in taking control of her quarter-final against Amanda Anisimova on Centre Court.

The 2019 Wimbledon champion is halfway to the semi-finals, after winning the first set 6-2.

Fritz with good memories from last meeting...

13:57 , Matt Verri

Nadal and Fritz have already met on a big stage this year.

The Spaniard went into the final at Indian Wells on a run of 20 straight victories, including going all the way at the Australian Open.

But that streak came to an end as Fritz beat him in the final 6-3 7-6, in a match in which Nadal said he suffered from breathing difficulties.

Up and running on Centre Court!

13:46 , Matt Verri

Opening match of the day on Centre is underway - Halep has an early break and leads 3-1 in the opening set.

Reminder than Nadal and Fritz will be out once that match is done.

Nadal chasing history

13:36 , Matt Verri

Slowly but surely — and three years since last playing at Wimbledon — Rafael Nadal is laying down his credentials to push for a third SW19 title, writes Matt Majendie.

From previously being a doubt to take his place in the main draw because of his ongoing foot issue, he is now second favourite behind Novak Djokovic.

During his opening two matches, Nadal struggled for rhythm. Against Botic van de Zandschulp though he never really looked under threat, as had been the case in the preceding round against Lorenzo Sonego.

Read the full story here

Prediction

13:26 , Matt Verri

Nadal has looked to getting better and better as he’s made his way through the tournament, after a far from convincing display in the early rounds.

This is a really tough test though. Fritz has not dropped a set at Wimbledon so far, having arrived straight from winning the Eastbourne title.

His serve alone is good enough to make this a tight affair, though the edge is given to the experience of Nadal should this go deep.

Nadal to win in five sets.

How to watch Nadal vs Fritz

13:17 , Matt Verri

TV channel: BBC will broadcast the match on BBC One with coverage on the channel commencing at 1.45pm BST. If the match is still being played at 6pm, coverage will switch to BBC Two.

Live stream: TV licence fee-payers can stream the tennis action over the next two weeks via the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app.

LIVE blog: Keep across all of the action right here with us!

Start time

13:07 , Matt Verri

Nadal and Fritz are second on Centre Court this afternoon, following the conclusion of Simona Halep’s match against Amanda Anisimova.

That quarter-final gets underway at 1:30pm BST, so we’re potentially looking at a start time of approximately 3:30pm.

Good afternoon!

12:59 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Rafael Nadal vs Taylor Fritz!

It’s quarter-final action from Wimbledon - Nadal looking to continue his bid for a calendar Grand Slam but Fritz is full of confidence and playing brilliant tennis.

We’ll have all the build-up here, ahead of full live coverage of this afternoon’s match.