Second round: Ruud and Shelton deliver
After overcoming Rafael Jodar and Cameron Norrie respectively, Casper Ruud and Ben Shelton became the first players to book their places in the round of 16.
Thank You, Gael!
Before turning to the results from Tuesday evening, the day was also marked by a special tribute ceremony for Gael Monfils.
A video looking back at some of his greatest moments, touching words for his family and loved ones, the appearance of the Mousquetaires and his friends on court, and a giant display bearing his image in the Centre Court stands: “La Monf” received the celebration his career deserved this Tuesday.
A little earlier, Ben Shelton (No.3) got the better of Cameron Norrie. In their first meeting since 2022, the American moved ahead at 3-1 in the opening set before taking it 6-3. Although the Briton fought back to level at 4-4 in the second, the tournament’s No.3 seed did not let any doubts creep in, breaking again at the perfect moment to seal victory (6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 11 minutes).
A few hours later, Casper Ruud and Rafael Jodar (No.9) finished with exactly the same scoreline, although this time it was the lower-ranked player who came out on top. The former world No.2 surprised the rising Spanish star, wrapping up the opening set with a love game and the second with an ace (6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 18 minutes).
Thanks to Ruud’s victory, Flavio Cobolli, currently sixth in the Race, is guaranteed a place at the ATP Finals in Turin later this month. Just three spots remain at the prestigious season-ending event, with plenty of contenders still in the running…