cinch Championships 2023: DAY THREE!
What a line up we had on Centre Court today. Brits Cam Norrie and Ryan Peniston in action, as well as rising star Ben Shelton and second seed Holger Rune.
Up first saw the 20-year-old American, Ben Shelton take on sixth seed, Lorenzo Musetti. Fantastic to see such young talent at Queen’s and from the get-go it looked to be a fiery match. Point for point in the first set with Musetti just edging it 6-4. Shelton wasn’t going to give up that easy though, and fought back hard to level the score to a set each, 6-4. Anyone’s game going into the final, deciding set and whilst the Italian was pushed all the way with some huge serves delivered by Shelton, he held his nerve, acing his final serve to book his place in round 3.
With the crowd nicely warmed up for Day Three, it was time to welcome British No.1 Cameron Norrie to Centre Court, who faced Australian star Jordan Thompson. Perhaps unexpectedly, it was the Australian who came out the blocks quickest, taking the first set 6-4. Could Norrie win two sets in a row to keep his tournament hopes alive? With the home crowd advantage, and six quarter finals under his belt already this year, he would give it a good go. The Brit displayed some fine grass court tennis to take the second 6-3 and level the score. Carrying this momentum, and the majority of the crowd’s, with him Norrie charged ahead and dispatched Jordan Thompson 6-2 in the final set. More of Norrie to come this year’s at Queen’s and we can’t wait!
British wild card Ryan Peniston was up on court next against second seed Holger Rune. No mean feat for the Brit, despite the home crowd support, as he faced an in-form Dane who only looks to be getting better. 6-3 Rune in the first set and Peniston had some work to do. That he did, but Rune proved too strong for Peniston and took the second set 6-4 to book his place in the next round. Peniston is becoming somewhat of a fan favourite here at Queen’s and we look forward to seeing him in future.
To close off the day’s action on Centre Court, we were treated to an all-American showcase. Frances Tiafoe against Sebastian Korda. They had waited patiently all day for their chance, and both looked hungry. Game for game in the opening set and we went to a tie break. Korda wanted it more and he clinched the first set 7-6 (7-2). Despite the majority of the crowd rallying for Tiafoe, the fourth seed couldn’t string together a run of points. Korda capitalised and charged on. 6-3 in the final set to Sebastian Korda, who books his place in the quarters. A fantastic display of tennis for the crowd as the day’s play came to a close.
See you tomorrow for Day Four!