© Provided by AFP John Isner is into his first Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon John Isner will face Kevin Anderson in the Wimbledon semi-finals after the American ninth seed won the battle of the big servers against Milos Raonic on Wednesday.
Isner's 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-3 victory in the quarter-finals booked his first appearance in the last four at a Grand Slam.
On Friday, the 33-year-old will play South African eighth seed Anderson, who shocked defending champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals earlier on Wednesday.
Isner holds an impressive 8-3 record against Anderson, winning his last five meetings with the 32-year-old.
Pliskova beats Azarenka to reach third round for first time
Seventh seed Karolina Pliskova won a battle of former world number ones as she beat Victoria Azarenka 6-3 6-3 to reach the third round at Wimbledon for the first time on Wednesday. Big-serving Czech Pliskova reached the top of the rankings a year ago at Wimbledon despite losing in the second round -- the fifth year in succession she had lasted only two matches.From the moment Azarenka dropped serve with a loose error in the third game, Pliskova always looked likely to break that sequence against the Belarussian who is still trying to rediscover her past form after returning from having a baby.
Isner famously played in Wimbledon's longest ever match against Nicolas Mahut in 2010, but he had never been past the third round at the All England Club until this year.
That lack of success on the big stage wasn't just restricted to Wimbledon Isner had only made one Grand Slam quarter-final in his career, and that was seven years ago at the US Open.
But, in his 41st Grand Slam appearance, Isner is finally into the last four at a major.
Easy for Serena as she rolls into quarter-finals
Seven-times champion Serena Williams prevailed in a Centre Court mothers' meeting on Monday, roaring past Russian qualifier Evgeniya Rodina into the Wimbledon quarter-finals.The 36-year-old American was untroubled in a 6-2 6-2 victory -- her 90th singles match win at the All England Club.
The only man ever to make it to the semi-finals of a major after a longer wait is his compatriot Sam Querrey, who needed 42 attempts.
The last American man to reach the Wimbledon final was Andy Roddick in 2009 and the last to win the title was Peter Sampras in 2000.
In a battle of Wimbledon's leading serves -- they went into the match both having hit over 100 aces in their five matches -- it was Raonic who drew first blood as he chased a return to the final two years after losing to Andy Murray.
But the Canadian 13th seed couldn't maintain that momentum in front of a virtually deserted Court One as fans left to watch England's World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
Once Isner hit back to take the second set, Raonic seemed to lose heart and the towering American was soon celebrating the best win of his career.
Related slideshow: Best of 2018 Wimbledon (Provided by photo services)
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Rejoice
Novak Djokovic celebrates during his 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over Kei Nishikori on July 11.
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Dejection
Kei Nishikori reacts during his quarterfinal loss to Novak Djokovic on July 11.
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Splendid serve
Rafael Nadal serves to Juan Martin Del Potro during their quarterfinal match on July 11.
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Eager fans
Roger Federer supporters cheer on the eight-time champion during his quarterfinal loss to Kevin Anderson on July 11.
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In high spirits
Roger Federer in action during his quarterfinal loss to Kevin Anderson on July 11.
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Juan and only
Juan Martin Del Potro in action during his quarterfinal match against Rafael Nadal on July 11.
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Loyal fan
A Rafael Nadal supporter with the word 'Rafa' shaved and dyed into his hair on July 11.
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Strong stance
Kevin Anderson returns against Roger Federer during his 2-6, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4, 13-11 upset win in the quarterfinals on July 11.
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Swiss supporter
Fans of Switzerland's Roger Federer arrive to watch him play Kevin Anderson in the quarterfinals on July 11.
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On a high
Jelena Ostapenko in action during her quarter final match against Dominika Cibulkova on July 10. Ostapenko won, 7-5, 6-4.
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Battling hard
Jamie Murray of Great Britain and Bruno Soares of Brazil compete against Raven Klaasen of South Africa and Michael Venus of New Zealand during their Men's Doubles quarter final match on July 10. Klaasen and Venus won, 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-4.
'This is really happening': Serena reaches Wimbledon semis
There are moments in which nothing at all seems different about Serena Williams, moments such as when she unleashed a 175km/h service winner to even her Wimbledon quarterfinal at a set apiece, leaned forward and yelled, loudly as can be, ''Come on!''Or when, about 10 minutes later, she stretched for a lunging backhand winner to break at love and take control of the third set, then raised a fist, figuring a berth in her 11th semifinal at the All England Club was close at hand.
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Tough challenge
Dominika Cibulkova in action during her quarter final match against Jelena Ostapenko on July 10.
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Winner takes it all
Serena Williams reacts during her quarter final match against Camila Giorgi, on July 10. Serena won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
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Taking to the skies
Daria Kasatkina reacts during her quarter final match against Angelique Kerber, on July 10. Kerber won 6-3, 7-5.
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Flying swing
Camila Giorgi in action during her quarter final match against Serena Williams, on July 10. Serena won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
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Victory scream
Juan Martin Del Potro celebrates after defeating Gilles Simon, on July 10. Del Potro won 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, 7-6.
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Forehand strike
Angelique Kerber plays a forehand against Daria Kasatkina, on July 10. Kerber won 6-3, 7-5.
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Moment of happiness
Julia Goerges celebrates winning her quarter final match against Netherlands' Kiki Bertens on July 10. Julia Goerges won 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.
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Frustration
Gilles Simon of France reacts against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina on July 10.
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Giving it all
Kiki Bertens in action during her quarter final match against Julia Goerges on July 10.
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Ecstatic
Rafael Nadal celebrates his fourth-round win against Jiri Vesely on July 9. Nadal prevailed 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
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Down and out
Stefanos Tsitsipas is injured during his fourth-round match against John Isner on July 9. Isner won 6-4, 7-6(8), 7-6(4).
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No problem for Novak
Novak Djokovic returns a shot against Karen Khachanov on July 9. Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory.
Finished with a hug: Nadal edges del Potro in 5 at Wimbledon
When the 4 hours, 48 minutes of diving across the grass and leaping into the stands, of slipping and sliding, of so many moments of great tension - and, above all, great tennis - were done, when Rafael Nadal had sealed his Wimbledon quarterfinal victory, the man he edged, Juan Martin del Potro, was face-down at a Centre Court baseline. "I wanted to stay there," del Potro said afterward, "all night long."He did hold that pose, a mixture of full-on despair and utter exhaustion, for a bit, which felt appropriate.
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Serving it right
Jamie Murray and Victoria Azarenka compete during their second-round mixed doubles match against Robert Farah and Anna-Lena Groenefeld on July 9. Murray and Azarenka won 7-6(6), 6-7(6), 7-5.
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No room for error
Kei Nishikori hits a shot during his fourth-round match against Ernests Gulbis on July 9. Nishikori prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (12-10), 6-1.
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Masterstroke
Rafael Nadal returns a shot against Jiri Vesely during his straight-sets victory in the fourth round on July 9.
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Letting her emotions out
Julia Goerges celebrates after winning her fourth-round match against Donna Vekic on July 9. Goerges triumphed, 6-3, 6-2.
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Going all out
Gael Monfils returns a shot during his fourth-round match against Kevin Anderson on July 9. Anderson prevailed 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 5-7, 7-6(4).
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Let’s begin
Serena Williams serves against Evgeniya Rodina on July 9. Serena Williams won her fourth-round match 6-2, 6-2.
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High and mighty
Roger Federer serves against Adrian Mannarino on July 9. Federer won 6-0, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the 16th time.
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Baby steps towards the final
Serena Williams in action against Russia's Evgeniya Rodina on July 9.
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Victor
Roger Federer thanks the crowd after winning against Adrian Mannarino on July 9.
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Ground control
Angelique Kerber returns against Belinda Bencic on July 9. Kerber won her fourth-round match 6-3, 7-6 (5).
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Desperate appeal
Dominika Cibulkova reacts during the match against Su-Wei Hsieh in July 9. Cibulkova won her fourth-round match 6-4, 6-1.
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Up and over
Russia plays a forehand against Alison Van Uytvanck oon July 9. Kasatkina won her fourth-round match 6-7, (8), 6-3, 6-2!
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Sweet victory
Julia Goerges celebrates after defeating Donna Vekic in the fourth round on July 9.
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Stretch!
Jelena Ostapenko plays a forehand against Aliaksandra Sasnovich on July 9. Ostapenko won the fourth-round match 7-6(4), 6-0
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Manic victory
Milos Raonic celebrates after defeating Mackenzie McDonald on July 9. Raonic won the fourth-round match 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2.
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A cool customer
Camila Giorgi in action against Ekaterina Makarova on July 9. Camila Giorgi won the fourth-round match 6-3, 6-4.
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David vs. Goliath
Kiki Bertens celebrates after upsetting Karolina Pliskova on July 9. Bertens advanced to the quarterfinals with the 6-3, 7-6 (1) victory.
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Whatever it takes
Novak Djokovic in action against Kyle Edmund on July 7. Djokovic won 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4.
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Under lights and shadow
Germany's Alexander Zverev serves against Latvia's Ernests Gulbis on July 7. Ernests Gulbis won 7-6(2) 4-6 5-7 6-3 6-0
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Moment of pride
Germany's Angelique Kerber celebrates winning the third round match against Japan's Naomi Osaka on July 7. Angelique Kerber won 6-2 6-4.
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Just not happening
Australia's Nick Kyrgios reacts during his third round match against Japan's Kei Nishikori on July 7. Kei Nishikori won 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-4
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All stretched out
Britain's Kyle Edmund in action against Serbia's Novak on July 7. Novak Djokovic won 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4.
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Out loud
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the third round match against Britain's Kyle Edmund on July 7. Novak Djokovic won 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4.
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Hurrah!
Japan's Kei Nishikori celebrates winning his third round match against Australia's Nick Kyrgios on July 7. Kei Nishikori won 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-4.
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Nadal cruises through
Spain's Rafael Nadal to play a shot against Australia's Alex De Minaur on July 7. Rafa Nadal won 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
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Top seed weeded out
Simona Halep of Romania loses a point to Su-Wei Hsieh of Taiwan on July 7. Su-Wei Hsieh won 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
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Serving up a storm
Ashleigh Barty of Australia serves to Daria Kasatkina of Russia during on July 7. Daria Kasatkina won 7-5, 6-3.
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Helping hand
France's Benoit Paire is helped up by Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro on July 7. Juan Martin del Potro won 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.
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Returning the favor
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro returns to France's Benoit Paire on July 7. Juan Martin del Potro won 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.
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Touch and go
Gilles Simon of France in action against Matthew Ebden of Australia on July 7. Gilles Simon won 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6.
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Power play
Belgium's Alison Van Uytvanck in action against Estonia's Anett Kontaveit on July 7. Alison van Uytvanck won 6-2, 6-3.
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Joy of victory
France's Adrian Mannarino celebrates winning his third round match against Russia's Daniil Medvedev on July 6. Mannarino won 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3.
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Pushed to the limits
Switzerland's Roger Federer plays a shot during his third round match against Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff on July 6. Federer won 6-3, 7-5, 6-2.
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All stretched out
Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu in action during the third round match against Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova on July 6. Pliskova won 3-6, 7-6(7-3), 6-1.
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That's how you do it
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates a point against Italy's Thomas Fabbiano on July 6. Tsitsipas won 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
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Intense concentration
Milos Raonic of Canada returns a shot against Dennis Novak of Austria on July 6.
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Agony of defeat
Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic reacts during her third round match against Italy's Camila Giorgi on July 6. Giorgi won 3-6, 7-6(8-6), 6-2.
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Ecstatic
Serena Williams celebrates defeating France's Kristina Mladenovic, on the fifth day of the Wimbledon Championships in London, on July 6. Serena won 7-5, 7-6(7-2).
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Feeling proud
Alexis Ohanian gestures during Serena Williams' match on July 6.
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Her best is not enough
Madison Keys of the United States in action against Evgeniya Rodina of Russia on July 6. Keys lost the match 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
Serena to face Kerber in Wimbledon final
Former world No.1s Angelique Kerber and seven-times champion Serena Williams will face off on the Wimbledon final in a repeat of their 2016 title match.Serena Williams can't believe she's poised to crown her mother of all tennis comebacks with an eighth Wimbledon title after blasting her way into a 10th final at The All England Club.
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The journey comes to an end
Venus Williams walks back after losing her third-round match 2-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-8 to Kiki Bertens of Netherlands on July 6.
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Lemme put on my glasses
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron and his mother Mary Cameron sit in the Royal Box on Centre Court on July 6.
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Power mode on
Serena Williams hits a return during her match against Kristina Mladenovic of France on July 6.
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Emotions getting the better of her
Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands celebrates defeating Venus Williams on July 6. Bertens won 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 8-6.
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Teamwork
US players Jack Sock, left, and Mike Bryan return against Dutch players Sander Arends and Matwe Middelkoop during their men's doubles second round match on July 6. Team USA won 6-7(2-7), 6-1, 7-6(7-3), 7-6(7-4).
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Full support
Fans cheer on Venus Williams on court one during her match on July 6.
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Ending on a high note
Taylor Fritz of the United States returns a shot against Alexander Zverev of Germany on July 6. Fritz lost 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(7-0), 1-6, 2-6.
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Ground celebration
Germany's Julia Goerges celebrates her win against Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic on July 6. Goerges won 7-6(7-3), 3-6, 10-8.
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Handling the hawk
Rufus the Harris hawk is held by handler Imogen Davies as she is interviewed by the media on July 6. Rufus the Hawk is used at the All England Club to keep pigeons away from the venue.
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On a high note
Gael Monfils breaks serve and celebrates during his match against Sam Querrey of the USA on July 6. Monfils won 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
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Watching the action
Venus Williams returns to Kiki Bertens of Netherlands on July 6.
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Down and out
Sam Querrey of the United States goes down during his match against Gael Monfils of France on July 6.
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Roaring for victory
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after defeating Taylor Fritz of the United States on July 6.
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Made it!
France's Gael Monfils hits a shot during his third round match against Sam Querrey of the U.S on July 6.
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Let the games begin
Spectators are led into the grounds at the start of day five of the Wimbledon Championships on July 6.
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Frozen in time
Spain's Garbine Muguruza throws the ball to serve against Belgium's Alison Van Uytvanck on July 5. Alison Van Uytvanck won 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.
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Floored
Germany's Alexander Zverev reacts afer falling during the second round match against Taylor Fritz of the U.S. on July 5.
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Eyes wide open
Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko in action during the second round match against Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens on July 5. Ostapenko won 6-1, 6-3.
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Frustration
France's Benoit Paire reacts during his second round match against Canada's Denis Shapovalov on July 5. Paire won 0-6, 6-2, 6-4, 7(7)-6(3).
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Maximum effort
Fabio Fognini of Italy returns a shot against Simone Bolelli of Italy on July 5. Fognini won 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.
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Thank you lord
Romania's Simona Halep celebrates winning her second round match against China's Saisai Zheng on July 5. Halep won 7-5, 6-0.
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Prodigy in action
Japan's Naomi Osaka plays a shot during her second round match against Britain's Katie Boulter on July 5. Osaka won 6-3,6-4.
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Celebration time
Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro celebrates winning the second round match against Spain's Feliciano Lopez on July 5. Del Potro won 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
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Swung hard
Jennifer Brady of the United States during her match against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia on July 5. Kontaveit won 6-2, 7(7)-6(4).
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Sweet victory
England's Kyle Edmund celebrates winning the second round match against Bradley Klahn of the United States on July 5. Edmund won 6-4, 7(7)-6(0), 6-2.
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Giving it all
Sofia Kenin of the United States plays a shot during her second round match against Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia on July 5. Kenin lost 4-6, 1-6.
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Striking a pose
Alex De Minaur of Australia returns a shot against Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France on July 5. De Minaur won 6-2, 6(8)-7(10), 7-5, 6-3.
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Full stride
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan on July 5. Nadal won 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
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Power play
Angelique Kerber of Germany in action against Claire Liu of the US on July 5. Kerber won 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Nadal-Djokovic match suspended at Wimbledon after 3rd set
It was the kind of tennis that Wimbledon's Centre Court crowd would gladly have watched all night long. The show being put on by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was so good it could have been an instant classic had they been able to finish their semifinal before the tournament's 11 p.m. curfew.Instead, the two players — and a disappointed audience — were sent home after the third set on Friday with Djokovic leading 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9) following a tense tiebreaker that had more entertaining rallies than some entire matches.The two players didn't even get onto the court until after 8 p.m.
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Stretched to the limits
Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action against Argentina's Horacio Zeballos on July 5. Djokovic won 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
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Bowing out
Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka waves after losing to Italy's Thomas Fabbiano on July. Fabbiano won 7-6 (7), 6-3, 7-6 (6).
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Party Tricks
Australia's Nick Kyrgios plays a shot between his legs to Netherland's Robin Haase on July 5. Kyrgios won 6-3 6-4 7-5.
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Follow through
Eugenie Bouchard of Canada returns a ball to Ashleigh Barty of Australia on July 5. Barty won 6-4 7-5.
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Time to celebrate
John Isner of the U.S. celebrates winning his match against Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans. Isner won 6-1, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-7 (3), 7-5.
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Over the top
Frances Tiafoe of the United States serves to France's Julien Benneteau on July 5. Tiafoe won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
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Slippery Slope
Yulia Patintseva of Kazakhstan slips during her match against Daria Kasatkina of Russia. Kasatkina won 6-2, 6-3.
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Unbelievable
Argentina's Guido Pella celebrates winning the match against Croatia's Marin Cilic. Pella won 3-6 1-6 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 7-5.
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Royal patron
Pippa Matthews and James Middleton arrive on Centre Court on July 5.
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Lines up the shot
Marin Cilic of Croatia serves against Guido Pella of Argentina on July 4.
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Streak continues
Serena Williams of the united States during her match against Bulgaria's Viktoriya Tomova on July 4. Williams won 6-1, 6-4.
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Rain Rain Go Away
Ground staff remove the rain covers from Centre court so play can resume between Croatia's Marin Cilic and Argentina's Guido Pella on July 4.
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Team meeting
Scott Clayton and Liam Broady of England talk during their Men's Doubles first round match against Frances Tiafoe and Jackson Withrow of the United States on July 4. Clayton and Broady won 7-5, 6-3, 7-5.
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Doin' it in style
Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans in action during the second round match against John Isner of the U.S.
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The long walk back
Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki reacts as she walks off court after losing her second round match against Russia's Ekaterina Makarova on July 4. Makarova won 6-4, 1-5, 7-5.
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Desperate attempt
Sam Querrey of the United States returns to Ukraine's Sergiy Stakhovsky on July 4. Querrey won 7(7)-6(4), 6-3, 6-3.
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Taking a break
Ryan Harrison of the United States uses a towel during a break in play against France's Adrian Mannarino on July 4. Mannarino won 7-5, 7-5, 7(7)-6(4).
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Take that
Madison Brengle of the United States returns against Camila Giorgi of Italy on July 4. Giorgi won 6-4, 6-4.
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Aiming high
Luxembourg's Gilles Muller serves against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber on July 4.
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Wawrinka Scores
Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka reacts after taking the third set to 6-5 against Italy's Thomas Fabbiano on July 4.
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Mighty return
South Africa's Kevin Anderson returns to Italy's Andreas Seppi on July 4.
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Making it count
Switzerland's Roger Federer in action during the second round match against Slovakia's Lukas Lacko on July 4.
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Eyes on the prize
Britain's Katie Swan returns the ball to Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu during their women's singles match on July 4. Buzarnescu won 6-0 6-3.
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Eager fans
Spectators before the start of play on July 4.
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On the run
Venus Williams of the U.S. runs during her second round match against Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru on July 4. Williams won 4-6 6-0 6-1.
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Rolling in action
Gael Monfils in action against Paolo Lorenzi on July 4.
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Take it easy girl
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka reacts during the second round match against Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova on July 4. Pliskova won 6-3 6-3.
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Another day fellas
Ground staff put up today's date on the Order of Play on day three of the Wimbledon Championships on July 4.
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Gotcha!
Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu reacts against Britain's Katie Swan during their women's singles second round match on July 4. Buzarnescu won 6-0 6-3.
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Under the shade
Venus Williams of the U.S. sits during a break in her second round match against Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru on July 4. Williams won 4-6 6-0 6-1.
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Winning the crowd
Karolina Pliskova acknowledges the crowd after beating against Victoria Azarenka on July 4. Pliskova won 6-3 6-3.
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Lined up
Line judges watch play as Venus Williams of the U.S. plays her second round match against Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru on July 4.
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Touch and go
Milos Raonic during his match against John Millman on July 4.
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An intruder
A bird walks accross court 1 on July 4.
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That amazing feeling called victory
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his match against Tennys Sandgren of the US on July 3. Djokovic won 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.
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Pain and sorrow
Russia's Maria Sharapova reacts during the first round match against Russia's Vitalia Diatchenko on July 3. Sharapova lost 7(7)-6(3), 6(3)-7(7), 4-6.