Wimbledon’s third day delivered drama, defiance and a healthy dose of British momentum as Centre Court roared to life with performances that mixed grit, glamour and unexpected breakthroughs. From Carlos Alcaraz absorbing a spirited challenge from a wildcard hero, to Emma Raducanu dismantling a former champion, Day 3 set a new tone for the 2025 Championships.
Alcaraz halts Tarvet’s fairytale—but not the applause
Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion and world No. 2, moved safely into the third round with a 6‑1, 6‑4, 6‑4 win over British qualifier Oliver Tarvet. But the scoreline masked the real story. Tarvet, ranked outside the top 700 and juggling a degree in communications, broke the Spaniard’s serve and fought through long rallies that drew standing ovations from a captivated Centre Court.
Alcaraz, while rarely troubled on serve, was forced to fend off eight break points in the opening set alone. Tarvet’s fearless approach and composed shotmaking made it a debut to remember. It was the kind of performance that transcends rankings—proof that belief and home support can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
Raducanu rediscovers her spark
Emma Raducanu played her cleanest match of the season to dispatch 2023 Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová in straight sets, 6‑3, 6‑3. From the first ball, Raducanu looked sharp, aggressive, and in command—showcasing a freedom and confidence reminiscent of her US Open breakthrough.
The British No. 1 fired 18 winners and converted three of five break points, setting up a tantalising third-round showdown with top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who came through her own test against Marie Bouzková 7‑6(4), 6‑4. With most of the top five women’s seeds already eliminated, Raducanu’s path suddenly looks much more navigable.
Norrie knocks out Tiafoe in four
Cameron Norrie added to the British charge with a come-from-behind victory over No. 12 seed Frances Tiafoe, winning 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑3, 7‑5. The match swung on Norrie’s return game and relentless baseline pressure, which wore down the American across three hours of high-octane tennis. Tiafoe’s 33 unforced errors proved costly, as Norrie closed out with a final-set break in front of a buzzing Court 1 crowd.
It was a win that put Norrie in elite company—becoming one of the few Brits since the 1970s to defeat top-20 opponents at all four Slams. And crucially, it injected further belief into a home contingent already enjoying a standout day.
Sierra stuns Boulter, Kartal cruises
In a surprising upset, lucky loser Solana Sierra recovered from a tight opening-set tiebreak to defeat Katie Boulter 6‑7(7), 6‑2, 6‑1. Boulter struggled to find rhythm after the first set, and Sierra’s composed baseline play steadily dismantled the Brit’s resistance.
Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal gave home fans another reason to cheer, dismantling Viktoriya Tomova 6‑2, 6‑2 in less than an hour. Playing with poise and precision, Kartal moves into round three for the first time in her Wimbledon career.
Fritz survives five-set epic, Rublev battles through
Elsewhere, fifth seed Taylor Fritz survived a scare from Canadian Gabriel Diallo in a five-set marathon, eventually prevailing 3‑6, 6‑2, 7‑6(0), 4‑6, 6‑3. The American had to dig deep after losing the fourth set, but steadied himself behind a dominant first serve to avoid a major upset.
Andrey Rublev also needed four sets to edge out Lloyd Harris, overcoming a sluggish start to win 6‑7(1), 6‑4, 7‑6(5), 6‑3. With several high seeds already eliminated, Rublev’s path could open up—if he can maintain composure in the next round.
Chaos in the seeds, calm in the skies—sort of
After two days of searing heat, Day 3 brought a sudden weather shift with passing rain showers briefly interrupting play. While the retractable roofs kept the show rolling, the real storm continued in the draw: 13 men’s seeds and 10 women’s seeds have now exited the tournament by the close of Wednesday’s play.
Among the fallen: Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Zverev, and Madison Keys, all leaving gaps that unseeded players and qualifiers will look to exploit.
Looking ahead
With British players surging, the women’s draw wide open, and younger stars stepping up, Day 3 felt like a hinge point in the tournament. For Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Raducanu and Norrie, momentum is building. For others, the groundswell of upsets is both a warning and an invitation.
Wimbledon 2025 has found its pulse—and it’s beating loud and unpredictable.