Rafael Jodar produced the biggest upset of this year's Wimbledon championships by defeating world number three Alexander Zverev 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in the second round on Thursday. The Spanish qualifier, ranked 143rd in the world, showcased remarkable composure on Centre Court to dispatch the German in two hours and 47 minutes.
Jodar's Breakthrough Performance
Jodar, 22, had never won a Grand Slam match before this tournament but now finds himself in the third round after beating a top-five player for the first time. He broke Zverev's serve five times and saved 11 of 16 break points against him. "I have no words. This is the best day of my life," Jodar said on court. "I believed I could win, but to do it here on Centre Court against such a champion is incredible."
Zverev, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, struggled with his first-serve percentage (58%) and committed 42 unforced errors. The German had been considered a strong contender for the title after winning the French Open last month.
De Minaur Continues Strong Form
Australian Alex de Minaur, seeded 14th, advanced to the third round with a comfortable 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Argentine qualifier Francisco Comesana. De Minaur won 86% of his first-serve points and broke Comesana four times. The 26-year-old Australian has now reached the third round at Wimbledon for the third consecutive year. "I'm feeling really good on the grass," de Minaur said. "I'm moving well and my return game is working nicely."
Other Results from Day Four
In other matches, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz beat American Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third-round clash with Jodar. Women's top seed Iga Swiatek defeated Czech Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4, while Novak Djokovic overcame a slow start to beat Australian qualifier Max Purcell 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Jodar will now face Alcaraz on Saturday in what promises to be another stern test for the Spanish qualifier. De Minaur will play either American Sebastian Korda or Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
