All fourth round matches are traditionally played on the second Monday of the tournament, called Manic Monday. And as often in the women’s draw, upsets followed upsets as the three highest seeds left lost.
First, world number one Ashleigh Barty fell to Alison Riske. The unseeded American who’s enjoying a superb grass court season (wins in Surbiton and ‘S-Hertogenbosch) rallied from a set down to win 3-6 6-2 6-3. Barty had won her last 15 matches.
Then, Karolina Pliskova, winner in Eastbourne, lost to Karolina Muchova after a marathon match 6-4 5-7 11-13.
And finally, Johanna Konta prevailed over two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 4-6 6-2 6-4. She will face Barbora Strycova for a place in the semi-finals.
Simona Halep who ended Cori Gauff’s fantastic run in straight sets will face Shuai Zhang who had never won a match in her previous 5 appearances in London. This year she defeated Caroline Garcia and Caroline Wozniacki on her way to the quarter-finals.
Elina Svitolina and Serena Williams made a quick work of Petra Martic and Carla Suarez Navarro.
Ladies quarter-finals:
Alison Riske vs Serena Williams (11)
Barbora Strycova vs Johanna Konta (19)
Elina Svitolina (8) vs Karolina Muchova
Simona Halep (7) vs Shuai Zhang
Djokovic and Nadal made their way to the quarters dispatching Ugo Humbert and Joao Sousa respectively.
No problem either for Federer who ousted Matteo Berrettini, recent winner in Stuttgart, 6-1 6-2 6-2.
Kei Nishikori booked his place in the last eight with a four-set win over Kukushkin 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Mens quarter-finals:
Novak Djokovic (1) vs David Goffin (21)
Guillermo Pella (26) vs Roberto Bautista Agut (23)
Sam Querrey vs Rafael Nadal (3)
Kei Nishikori (8) vs Roger Federer (2)
More to follow…
The traditional tennis player? Quiet. Respectful. Conservative. But Elina Svitolina? Sheʼs outspoken. Defiant. Rebellious. Traditionally, she doesn’t fit in. And thatʼs what makes her stand out.
“The traditional player? Maybe a little boring.”
After Jelena Ostapenko‘s loss in the first round, and even bigger upset in the women’s draw: Elina Svitolina surprising loss to Mihaela Buzarnescu, who had never won a Grand Slam match before this week!
“Today, really, I was off and couldn’t find my rhythm, my game. I was really struggling. On the other hand, she was playing great tennis. She was really, really on the ball.”
It’s another Grand Slam disappointment for the world number 4, beaten by Elise Mertens in the quaterfinals in Australia earlier this year.
Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev on the men’s side, Simona Halep, Elina Svitolina and Kristina Mladenovic on the women’s side have dominated the clay court season; while world number ones Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber appeared in big trouble. Here’s our recap of who won what.
Men
Marrakech: Borna Coric
Runner-up in Marrakech last year, Borna Coric came back from the brink, saved 5 match points to overcome Philip Kohlschreiber and capture his maiden ATP title.
Monte Carlo: Rafael Nadal
Rafa‘s reign in Monte Carlo continues: he defeated fellow Spaniard Ramos-Vinolas, who stunned Andy Murray en route to his maiden Masters 1000 final. With that victory, Nadal became the first man in the Open Era to win 10 titles at a tournament, and the first to win 50 clay-court titless, surpassing Guillermo Vilas (49).
A few players signed new clothing deals during the off season, the most notable is Tomas Berdych who switched from H&M to adidas. Does that mean no more wacky outfits for Tomas? I’m eager to know if the Swedish brand will sign another player or stop the experiment there.
New year new gear. Looking forward to a partnership with one of the greatest sports companies of all time – Adidas pic.twitter.com/jDj2dphAEz
— Tomáš Berdych (@tomasberdych) January 5, 2016
Lacoste has lost 3 top players: John Isner signed with Fila, David Goffin joined asics, and although nothing has been announced yet, it seems Timea Bacsinszky moved to asics too.
Welcome to the FILA family, @JohnIsner! https://t.co/SPSjyl0v2p #TeamFila pic.twitter.com/NqxH2F2lBD
— Fila Tennis (@FilaTennis) January 5, 2016
New year, new partner on the court. ASICS. Ready for new challenges. #asicstennis @ASICSTennis pic.twitter.com/DM7L7MlPcT
— David Goffin (@David__Goffin) January 2, 2016
Another new asics recruit is Julia Goerges, who left Fila.
I am very happy to announce my new partnership with @ASICSTennis @ASICSeurope @ASICSamerica #teamjule pic.twitter.com/F1NqPiBZtv
— Jule Goerges (@juliagoerges) January 3, 2016
And Elina Svitolina – a previous ellesse ambassador – announced her signing with Nike on Instagram: