The Japan Times - Wimbledon champion Krejcikova crashes out in tears, Sinner into last 16

Krejcikova appeared to be struggling with injury as she wept in the closing stages of the third-round clash on Court One.

Navarro took advantage to cause the latest upset in the women's tournament following the exits of five of the top six seeds.

Krejcikova had to fight back from a set down to beat rising star Alexandra Eala in the first round before another tense three-set win over Caroline Dolehide in the second round.

There would be no dramatic escape for Krejcikova this time, with the 17th seed's fitness problems finally catching up with her against American 10th seed Navarro.

Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion, has endured a difficult time since defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final last year, having played just six matches this season prior to returning to the All England Club this week.

She was out of action until May after suffering a back injury and lost in the second round of the French Open.

Krejcikova also pulled out of the recent Eastbourne Open before the quarter-finals with a thigh problem.

"It was really tough out here today. Probably neither of us played our best tennis. I know she was dealing with some injuries at times," Navarro said.

Earlier, Sinner took just one hour and 55 minutes to demolish 52nd-ranked Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in a Centre Court masterclass, though the Spaniard was struggling with a shoulder issue.

The 23-year-old will face Bulgarian 19th seed Grigor Dimitrov, a straight-sets winner over Austria's Sebastian Ofner, in the fourth round.

Sinner has lost just 17 games across his first three matches at this year's tournament, in contrast to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who has shown patchy form en route to the last 16.

The Italian returned from a doping ban in May, losing the Italian Open final to Alcaraz and squandering three championship points against the Spaniard in the French Open final last month.

His best performance at Wimbledon was a run to the semi-finals in 2023 and he reached the quarter-finals last year.

"Every time you reach the second week of a Grand Slam it's a very special occasion," Sinner said.

- Djokovic targets century -

Later on Centre Court, Novak Djokovic will resume his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam crown as he eyes a 100th Wimbledon win.

The seven-time champion, locked with the long-retired Margaret Court on 24 majors, is aiming to reach the fourth round for the 17th time in his 20th appearance at Wimbledon.

A third-round clash against Serbian Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic will hold few fears for the sixth seed, who has not lost against his 49th-ranked compatriot in three previous meetings.

If Djokovic beats Kecmanovic he will reach a century of victories at the All England Club, a feat only surpassed by eight-time champion Roger Federer, who won 105 times, and Martina Navratilova, who chalked up 120 victories.

Djokovic's first Wimbledon win came against Argentinian Juan Monaco 20 years ago, when Kecmanovic was aged just five.

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina made a surprise exit, losing to Denmark's Clara Tauson 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.

Rybakina, the Kazakh 11th seed, won her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022 and reached the semi-finals last year.

But the 26-year-old's hopes of another strong run were ended by 23rd-seeded Tauson in the third round.

Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, reached the fourth round with a 6-2, 6-3 rout of American Danielle Collins.

The Polish eighth seed, who reached her first final since last year's French Open in Bad Homburg last weekend, is getting more comfortable on the lawns of south-west London.

"I was just in the zone. I knew how I wanted to play and I knew I needed to be brave," she said.

Teenage Russian seventh seed Mirra Andreeva thrashed American world number 55 Hailey Baptiste 6-1, 6-3 in just 78 minutes.

T.Kobayashi--JT