“It was a difficult match. It was tough today. I had to find a way somehow, and I managed that,” said Struff on Prime Video. The wait was getting to him. “It was a brutal day. The women’s match lasted so long. I slept in between and drank two espressos.” A “brutally difficult task” awaits him against Medvedev. My record against Daniil is not so optimal.
Struff showed resilience against his opponent, seeded 32nd, and managed a strong comeback after being down a set. Altmaier and Olympic champion Alexander Zverev have the chance to follow Struff with their second win.
Niemeier defeats Swiss Golubic
Struff had clearly won his only previous match against Zhang in Stuttgart in 2023, and at Wimbledon it was the close duel that was expected. Both professionals relied on their strong service and a lot of power from the baseline. Struff adapted better and better to Zhang and deservedly won.
Jule Niemeier is also happy to be in the second round after a long wait due to rain. She was all smiles after her 6:2, 6:1 victory against the dangerous Swiss Viktorija Golubic. After a year to forget in 2023, the hopeful in German tennis is getting better and better. Also because she has prescribed herself a new lightness.
“It’s no secret that the last year was very, very difficult for me. I had lost a bit of the fun in the sport,” said Niemeier. “I think it’s extremely important to enjoy being on the pitch.” And to “give yourself a little smile” after scoring good points, she added. That’s what Carlos Alcaraz does too.
Niemeier confirmed her positive development and is the second German player to clear her opening hurdle after Laura Siegemund, who will face 2022 winner Jelena Rybakina on Thursday. “That was one of the most consistent and best matches I’ve played in recent weeks,” she said on Prime Video. Now the German hopeful is challenging Elina Switolina from Ukraine, who has already reached Grand Slam semifinals several times.
