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Live Coverage: Wimbledon - Day Three - as it happened

Sports Mole brings you live coverage of the all of the action on day three at Wimbledon.
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Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic were the headliners on day three as the second round started at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The top seeds were both comfortable on the way to earning a spot in the third round as Djokovic eased to victory against Jarko Nieminen before Williams cruised to success in her clash with Timea Babos.

Elsewhere, there were wins for British number one Heather Watson, French Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka and Maria Sharapova on a day which saw a new record set for the hottest day of action at the tournament.

Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.


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Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the third day's play at Wimbledon.

The scorching temperatures have been the main topic of debate ahead of day three of this year's Wimbledon, but fingers crossed, the action on the grass will be just as hot. We've got the likes of Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Stanislas Wawrinka all competing throughout the day, as well as British duo Heather Watson and Liam Broady.

We'll talk more about the weather throughout the day - we could see the 'heat rule' enforced at SW19 for the first time since 2009 if, as expected, we reach record temperatures later this afternoon - but let's preview the match that is about to get underway in just a few minutes between Liam Broady and 16th seed David Goffin. Broady, a former junior finalist at Wimbledon, stormed back from two sets down to record a thrilling win over Marinko Matosevic out on Court 18 on Monday to heighten expectation ahead of his second-round contest, However, Goffin has been superb since losing to Andy Murray at this tournament 12 months ago and he could prove a tough nut to crack.

Grigor Dimitrov is another player getting their second-round campaign underway right about now. The Bulgarian has failed to kick on from his semi-final appearance at SW19 last year, but if he can get past Steve Johnson, he could have a part to play in the latter stages of this tournament.

As usual, the action on Centre Court and Court One begins at 1pm, with main showcourt staging Novak Djokovic's last-64 encounter with Jarkko Nieminen. When the draw was made, there had been hope that today would see a showdown between Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt, but after the Finn dispatched the legendary Australian on Monday, the world number one must attempt to record success over Nieminen for the second successive major.

Talking of Centre Court, the roof has just been opened. It had been closed to protect the surface as temperatures increased over the past few hours, but with just over an hour to go until the arrival of Djokovic, extra preparation can now be made.

Later on on Court One, we will be seeing Heather Watson in action for third successive day. The British number one saw her match with Caroline Garcia suspended late on Monday evening with the score tied at 1-1, but she returned yesterday to save three match points before eventually prevailing 8-6 in the deciding set. This afternoon, Daniela Hantuchova, a former quarter-finalist, provides the opposition with both players knowing that the prize for victory is likely to be a match with Serena Williams.

Of course, that's only if Serena comes through her match with Timea Babos. During the early stages of her match with Margarita Gasparyan, the American looked rattled against an inspired opponent but she eventually showed her class to race to victory. Babos shouldn't pose her too many problems but as she has shown in her previous two visits to London, she can under-perform during the early rounds.

UPDATE! Over on Court Three, Liam Broady has started solidly against David Goffin, with the opening seven games all going with serve, with Broady serving at 3-4 down. They are also on serve over on Court Two, too, but only after Grigor Dimitrov came through a lengthy opening game against Steve Johnson. It's been much easier for Richard Gasquet on Court 16 though. The Frenchman has taken the opening set 6-0 against compatriot Kenny de Schepper.

Before we get further into the day's play, I should point you in the direction of our Wimbledon homepage, where you can catch up with everything from news to results to reaction. That can be located by clicking here.

We told you that every game had gone with serve in Liam Broady's encounter with David Goffin but in the eighth game, that run nearly came to an end. Broady was coasting at 40-0 but Goffin fought back to create a break point. The Brit held on, but he is now serving at 4-5 down. That could be a crucial game as far as the match is concerned.

To expand on the 'heat rule' that we told you about earlier, it should be noted that it only applies in the women's draw, despite matches being played over three sets compared to five in the men's draw. It's something that has understandably been questioned, with Judy Murray leading calls for the rule to be applied to both draws.

Liam Broady is living dangerously against David Goffin. He had to save a break point in game eight, and he's now had to save a set point in game 10. He survived though, just, and we are at 5-5 in the opening set

It looks as though Richard Gasquet has a lunch reservation to get to because he's racing through his match against Kenny de Schepper. The 21st seed is one game away from the second set after just 38 minutes.

UPDATE! A hold to love earned Liam Broady a first-set tie-break with David Goffin, but after conceding a 3-0 lead to the Belgian, it was always going to be a tough ask. Goffin won the first three points on Broady's serve to move 5-1 ahead before eventually coming through 7-3. Broady shouldn't be disheartened though. He's playing a class player.

UPDATE! It's also taken a tie-break to decide the first set between Grigor Dimitrov and Steve Johnson. Johnson had a set point at 6-5, but Dimitrov survived a hawkeye challenge to come through 10-8. Richard Gasquet also took the second set against Kenny de Schepper. He's leading 6-0 6-3 1-1 after just 52 minutes.

This was the view above Wimbledon around 55 minutes ago. The sun is yet to peak out fully, but it's certainly warming up at SW19.



Tie-breaks can provide a player with plenty of momentum, and in turn, put the pressure on opponents to start the next set well. That's exactly what has happened with David Goffin and Grigor Dimitrov both breaking their opponents - Liam Broady and Steve Johnson - at the start of the second set. It's a long way back from here for both.

We are just over 10 minutes away from the arrival of Novak Djokovic and Jarkko Nieminen to Centre Court. We will have full game-by-game coverage of that one. The same can be said of Serena Williams's contest with Timea Babos, with that encounter likely to get underway around 5pm.

There's a rumour emerging that Kei Nishikori may be forced to withdraw from his second round match with Santiago Giraldo with the calf problem that has hindered him recently. We'll keep you posted of any developments.

It's just been confirmed that Nishikori has pulled out of his match with Giraldo. The Japanese has shrugged off concerns over the issue after he defeated Simone Bolelli in five sets but it appears as though he has decided to take a few weeks off in order to recover from the American swing.

Liam Broady has managed to break the David Goffin serve over on Court Three, but it's all come too late to influence that set. The British left-hander is 5-1 down to the Belgian and staring a two-set deficit square in the face. Still, that didn't prove to be a problem on Monday.

So then, let's focus on the main man in the men's draw Novak Djokovic. Despite missing out on the French Open, the world number one has enjoyed a dominant few months on the ATP Tour and he is justifiably favourite to win a third Wimbledon crown. Much was made of his draw, but with Hewitt going out and Nishikori having to withdraw, it's all going the way of the Serbian.

As for Nieminen, he has lost more than he has won this year but the victory over Hewitt should provide him with plenty of confidence. He's not expected to win a set against Djokovic, never mind the match, but he can play with freedom on Centre Court, and who knows, he could push his opponent.

BREAK! Wow, I didn't anticipate that start! In the very first game, Nieminen breaks Djokovic to 15, with the game being sealed with a backhand winner that caught the line.

Nieminen is absolutely crushing the ball on Centre Court! At 15-15, he drills another forehand winner into the corner before two game points are created when Djokovic goes wide. However, back comes the world number one, who gets back to deuce but the Finn holds on with a terrific volley at the net.

That's more like it from Djokovic, who holds comfortably to love. He needed that because Nieminen has started like a train.

It appears as though normal service has been resumed when Djokovic brings up a break point, but despite a few questionable first serves, Nieminen records three points in a row to regain a two-game advantage.

At 0-15, Nieminen may have thought that he had an opening for the double-break, but the door was slammed shut as fast as it opened. Djokovic looks in better shape now, but he has still got to find a break to have a chance of winning this opening set.

BREAK! Hmmm. Three Nieminen mistakes give Djokovic a look at three break points, and at the first time of asking, the Serbian strikes to get back on level terms.

Another comfortable hold for Djokovic, who isn't having to extend himself too much now. There are a few doubts over the condition of Nieminen's shoulder after a few first serves that have been considerably below 100mph and now he's just slipped on the baseline. Big game coming up.

It's a strange tactic from Nieminen, but it works effectively in the eighth game. A first serve is sent down at just 73mph, which baffles Djokovic, before the next one reaches 123mph. The Finn holds to 15 after Djokovic goes long with a forehand.

An unforced error from Djokovic gives Nieminen half a look at 30-15 but he soon races to a hold with a blistering backhand winner.

SET! Nieminen looks on course for a comfortable hold when reaching 40-15, but two points later, they are at deuce. The Finn dominates the following two exchanges, but he can't find a way past a patient Djokovic, who is willing to absorb everything the Finn throws at him before the mistake inevitably arrives.

Let's take a quick look around the courts and see what's going on elsewhere. Milos Raonic is currently racing through his match with Tommy Haas having opened up a 6-0 2-1 lead, while Bernard Tomic has overcome Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The Australian will play the winner of the Djokovic and Nieminen match. It was bad news for Liam Broady I'm afraid, with the Brit falling to a 7-6 6-1 6-1 defeat to David Goffin.

Djokovic starts the second set with a routine hold to 15 and you feel as though Nieminen needs a hold of his own here to stay competitive in this contest.

Credit to Nieminen, he's not taking a backwards step here. It works, too, as he holds to 30 with a forehand winner that just catches the line.

As impressive as Nieminen has been, it's done nothing to rattle Djokovic. He's calmness personified as he breezes to another love hold.

While we are at the change of ends, let me bring you news of a story that emerged earlier today regarding a tree falling on a car close to where spectators line up to gain entrance to Wimbledon. Thankfully, no-one appears to have been hurt. You can read the full story by clicking here.

BREAK! Djokovic races to three break points, but Nieminen shows superb resolve to get back to deuce. It takes a lot out of the Finn though, and a forehand winner from Djokovic helps the world number one steal a march on his opponent in this second set.

For the first time in a while, Nieminen gets into a Djokovic service game, reaching 0-15, 30-30 and deuce respectively. The left-hander gets a look at a backhand down the line, but he is about an inch wide. A big first serve from Djokovic gets the job done and he is well on his way to the second set.

RESULT! 11th seed Grigor Dimitrov has booked his place in the third round with victory over American Steve Johnson. You can read our report here.

Nieminen powers through to a love hold with four first serves that aren't returned by Djokovic. In this heat, those kind of games are very much welcomed.

It's Djokovic's turn to ease his way through a service game, holding to 15 with minimal fuss. It's all looking rather routine now, even though Nieminen is still attempting to find a way back into this contest.

SET! Well, Nieminen was fighting hard to remain in this match. Two unforced error contribute to him handing Djokovic three set points, but he fires back at his opponent to save the first two. However, the world number one takes control of the next rally, forcing Nieminen to make the mistake out wide.

An ace - his sixth of the match - helps Djokovic to a hold to 15. I think Nieminen's best hope is trying to force a tie-break because he isn't getting near the Serbian's serve now.

He's not giving up without a fight, though, and on what is likely to be his final match at SW19, you wouldn't expect him too. A cross-court backhand winner seals a hold to 15 to ensure that Djokovic doesn't steam-roller his way into another significant advantage.

It's as you were for a third game in a row. Another hold to 15 for the server - Djokovic - and we are rattling through the games at a fair old rate now. We've only been going for 69 minutes.

Over on Court One, Milos Raonic has just recorded a serve of 145mph - the third fastest ever recorded at Wimbledon! These conditions will suit the big servers.

Nieminen looks on course for another hold to 15, but Djokovic stops him in his track by catching the baseline which distracts the Finn. A sliced passing shot gets Djokovic to deuce, before Nieminen hands him a break point by dumping a backhand into the net. Somehow, Nieminen withstands everything that Djokovic throws at him to come through a lengthy game, but will that effort have a lasting effect on him...

Nieminen pulls off two thunderous forehand winners down the line to reach 0-30, and although Djokovic responds by reaching game point, his opponent, the world number 92, crunches another forehand that leaves Djokovic floundering. Nieminen finally wilts though, and Djokovic regains his lead in the third.

BREAK! After falling 0-30 down, Nieminen flexes his knees. Is he beginning to feel the strain? A double fault suggests that he is, but two big first serves keep him in the game. Djokovic strikes on third though, prevailing from a brutal exchange to secure the break. He's just two games away from the last 32.

A hold to love takes Djokovic to within one game of a date with Bernard Tomic. Can Nieminen delay what appears to be the inevitable?

He's given a helping hand with a couple of rash shots from Djokovic, but Nieminen remains in the match with a hold to 15.

MATCH! Djokovic has the ball on a string and quickly gets to 40-0. It's three match points for the world number one, but he only needs the first one as Nieminen hits a return wide. That's two of a potential seven matches safely in the bag for the Serbian.

He may have started slowly, but that was a class display from Djokovic. Nieminen threw everything at him, especially in the opening stages, but he soon nullified the threat coming from the Finn to race to an emphatic win. He will now play Bernard Tomic on Friday.

I had been hoping to tell you that we could move straight onto the match involving Heather Watson and Daniela Hantuchova, but it appears as though Tommy Haas is going to put a spanner in the works. He's 2-0 down to Milos Raonic, but he is 4-2 up in a third-set tie-break.

Yep, that's the third set for Tommy Haas. It took him his sixth set point to get over the line, but he finally halved the deficit when Milos Raonic sent a forehand return wide. We will get back to that match once we've brought you updates from around the courts.

UPDATE! Maria Sharapova, who defeated GB's Johanna Konta in the first round, is currently 6-3 2-0 ahead against Richel Hogenkamp. She's looking in fine form as she looks to win her second Wimbledon crown.

UPDATE! John Isner and Nick Kyrgios are well on their way to the last 32 too. Isner is 6-2 7-6 up against Matthew Ebden, while Kyrgios is just about to take a two-set lead over Juan Monaco. Earlier in the day, David Goffin, Grigor Dimitrov, Bernard Tomic and Richard Gasquet also advanced through to the third round.

UPDATE! As far as the women's draw is concerned, we have seen 11th seed Karolina Pliskova fall to defeat at the hands of Coco Vandeweghe. That's four of the top 12 seeds out of the tournament, with Simona Halep, Eugenie Bouchard and Carla Suarez Navarro all bowing out in the first round.

Right then, let's get back to Court One where Milos Raonic has a fight on his hands against Tommy Haas, who is rolling back the years at the age of 37.

Haas struggled during the opening two sets but he is matching seventh seed Raonic blow for blow now. He holds to love to continue the run of service holds 16 games.

Raonic replies in kind with a hold to love of his own. The Canadian has fired down 22 aces during this match so far.

Raonic has a look in at 0-30, but he inexplicitly makes three successive mistakes off the ground to hand Haas a game point. Raonic reaches deuce with a backhand return winner, but Haas takes the next two points to seal the game.

RESULT! Maria Sharapova has completed her win over Richel Hogenkamp. The 2004 champion will now play either Irina-Camelia Begu or Lesia Tsurenko. You can read the report of the Russian's win by clicking here.

Haas gets animated in a game of ups and downs for the German, but he can't prevent Raonic sealing another hold of serve. The pressure is going to be on Haas during these next couple of service games.

A flicked forehand winner sees Haas reach two game points, but he allows Raonic the chance to remain in the game by throwing in a double fault. However, the Canadian can't do anything with a return and Haas levels the set for a fourth time.

Raonic shows that he is possesses more than just power with a deft touch at the net but he fails to capitalise after producing an error from the baseline. at 30-15, Haas unleashes a breathtaking backhand return winner to give himself an opening, but Raonic holds on to force Haas to have to serve to stay in the match.

Impressive stuff from Haas, who fires down a succession of first serves to create some breathing space between himself and Raonic before sealing a love hold with a forehand winner.

After the opening two points are shared, Raonic finds two big first serves but Haas is getting a read on some of his flatter deliveries, and he connects with a backhand return down the line to remain in the game. He can't do anything with the next serve though, which flies past him at 131mph.

There's danger for Haas when he makes a unforced error from the baseline to gift Raonic a 0-30 advantage, before another concedes three match points to the seventh seed. The first is saved with a serve that catches the line, as his the second when Raonic frames a forehand. The Canadian gets a look at a second serve, but it's drilled into the net. That's poor. We are at deuce, which soon becomes game point when Raonic fails to return again, which occurs once more on the next point as Haas completes a miraculous hold. He has all of the momentum for this tie-break too!

Raonic stops the rot by taking the first point behind his first serve before he steals the mini-break when Haas sends a shot long from the baseline. Haas gets on the board when his opponent slices a backhand into the net, but Raonic opens up a 4-1 lead when Haas miscues a backhand before a big first serve. The German needs to take this next point, realistically, and he does so when Raonic goes long.

MATCH! Given he's the seventh seed at this tournament, it's alarming how many balls Raonic sends into the net, but he re-opens a two-point cushion with an ace. It's 5-3, which becomes 6-3 with another first serve that can't be returned. It's three more match points to the Canadian, but the first is saved when he sends a return marginally wide. He takes the match on the next point though, passing Haas with a backhand to finally earn his place in round three.

It's taken him longer than he probably anticipated, but Milos Raonic finally has his place in the lst 32. It's not going to get any easier for him, however, with Nick Kyrgios standing in his way on Friday. The pair played each other at the quarter-final stage last year.

The conclusion of that match means that we can finally start anticipating the match between Daniela Hantuchova and British number two Heather Watson. The pair have only met once- with Hantuchova prevailing in three sets at last year's Australian Open - but this should be a quality contest between two players who should relish the big stage on Court One.

Before they arrive on court, let's take a look at what else has happened over the course of the last hour. First of all, Marin Cilic is currently 6-3 3-4 ahead against Ricardas Berankis on Centre Court, while 32nd seed Dominic Thiem and Fernando Verdasco are locked at a set apiece.

As far as results are concerned, both John Isner and Nick Kyrgios have used the conditions to their advantage to book their place in the third round. Isner came through in straight sets against Matthew Ebden, who impressed on the Challenger Tour in the lead-up to Wimbledon, while Kyrgios needed just 99 minutes to see off Juan Monaco.

Back to the Watson and Hantuchova match, and it will be interesting to see if we reach a point where the 'heat rule' is applied, which could see a 10-minute break between sets two and three. Unless there's an increase in temperature over the next hour, it won't take place, but the BBC are reporting that a temperature of 36.7C has been recorded at Heathrow so it's still a possibility.

The two players are ready to get started on Court One. It will be Hantuchova to serve first.

Hantuchova eases into a 30-0 lead after two forehand errors from Watson, but the British number one gets her first point with a sharp return. The Slovakian eventually holds to 15 in what ended up being a pretty uneventful game.

Watson begins her first service game with two first serves that aren't returned by Hantuchova, before Watson creates three game points with a backhand volley into the open court. A love hold is sealed with an ace and that's a super start from the Brit behind her serve.

Hantuchova opens with a double fault, but some big serving sees her regain control. Watson isn't discouraged though, and she reaches 30-30 with a forehand winner down the line. Tremendous response from Hantuchova, however, who shows that her serve and forehand could prove to be destructive weapons in the hot conditions.

BREAK! We are just three games in, but this has all the makings of an entertaining contest. Hantuchova finds a cross-court backhand winner either side of efforts from Watson, who earns two game points with a big first serve. However, both are squandered through double faults, but she battles her way to advantage after Hantuchova unleashed a couple of meaty shots off the ground. The Slovakian is showing all of her class in these early stages and after finding the line with a forehand winner, two mistakes from Watson hand her the first break of the match.

BREAK! After losing the opening point, Watson comes out on top in two lengthy exchanges to reach 15-30 but she goes for too much with a return and Hantuchova is back level. Watson earns a break point when her opponent goes wide with a backhand, which she takes by finding some great length off the ground.

According to the Met Office, we have a record temperature for Wimbledon!



After the shaky end to her last service game, Watson could do with an easier one here, and it starts well as she takes the opening two points. Back comes Hantuchova though, who drills a forehand winner from the baseline to reach 30-30, before Watson is overpowered again with a backhand winner from inside the court. It's saved in emphatic style with a forehand winner into the corner before she powers down an ace. The game is sealed when Hantuchova hooks a backhand miles wide of the line and we are back on level terms.

BREAK! The two are becoming embroiled in some enthralling rallies with is seeing both players come up with powerful winners. However, in this game, it's Watson who holds firm, remaining patient until Hantuchova makes the error to seal her second successive break, much to the delight of the Court One crowd.

Like her previous service game, Watson starts confidently to move 30-0 ahead but Hantuchova hits back with a stunning forehand winner. A third ace of the match gets Watson to two game points before she executes a drop shot to perfection to move to within touching distance of the set.

Hantuchova begins a must-win game with the cheekiest of drop shots but Watson soon levels up. The Brit just misses out with a fiercely-struck return to hand the lead back to Hantuchova, who races through the remainder of the game.

SET! Watson takes the opening point, but a huge return from Hantuchova gets her back to 15-15. The Brit replies with a first serve that catches the line for 30-15, but a second serve is given the treatment by her opponent. It's 30-30 - will it be set point or break point? It will be set point after Watson wrong-foots Hantuchova with a forehand, and it's taken when Hantuchova blasts long!

While the two players take a well-earned breather, let's bring you up-to-date with everything else that has been going on over the past hour. On Centre Court, Marin Cilic and Ricardas Berankis are currently at one-set all and are in a third-set tie-break, while Kevin Anderson has dropped the opening set against Marsel Ilhan. Dominic Thiem is two-sets-to-one up against Fernando Verdasco, while former semi-finalist Marcos Baghdatis has fought back from two sets down to lead by a break in a deciding set against John Millman.

BREAK! Watson immediately brings up three break points, but the first is saved with a drop shot. However, despite a miscue, Watson breaks through when Hantuchova can't get a return of serve from Watson back into court and the Brit has stolen a march in this match. Can she build on it?

BREAK! Hantuchova is aware that she needs to continue to be aggressive, despite the setback, and that approach pays off as she breaks to 15.

BREAK! Watson starts the game with a stunning return winner down the line and it's soon 0-30 before an unforced error from each player hands the Brit break point. Hantuchova can only find the net with a lazy stroke and it's three breaks in a row!

The crowd on court one senses this is a crucial game for Watson, who is left frustrated as she allows her rival to battle to 30-30. Hantuchova attacks the second serve but it's a poor choice and Watson then manages to secure the hold.

At 15-15, Hantuchova commits a silly error with a poorly timed drop shot and Watson is quick enough to chase the ball down and nudge it past the Slovak. The pace is on show again as Watson plays some excellent defence on the baseline to force Hantuchova into another shot, and she is rewarded when a backhand from her opponent strikes the net. Hantuchova saves the first break point before dictating the tempo of the next rally to get to deuce with a forehand winner. A 17-stroke rally then ends with Watson just missing the line with a powerful backhand. Watson uses a challenge wisely when her shot clips the baseline later in the game and deuce is replayed before Hantuchova goes long to gift another break to the British number one. No mistake this time as Watson goes a double break up when Hantuchova finds the net.


Excellent from Watson, whose serving relieves any kind of pressure on the game as she holds to love. Hantuchova will now serve to stay in the match.

Hantuchova is aware she needs to attack, but the rhythm isn't there on serve or at the back of the court. A strange line call is followed by a challenge from Watson, who is left laughing when the technology proves her right. Hantuchova takes the point when it is replayed before volleying powerfully for 30-15. An unforced error brings Watson back level and match point arrives when Hantuchova miscues a volley into the net. The Slovak responds with an excellent serve down the middle before escaping with the hold.

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Watson has done it. A superb performance from the British number one is completed with a hold to 30 and Hantuchova, who extended the game with a successful challenge on the first of two match points, can have no complaints about this result. The second set, in particular, was fantastic from Watson, who could now face Serena Williams in the third round.

Heather Watson of Great Britain celebrates a point during her Ladies Singles Second Round match against Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia during day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 1, 2© Getty Images


Watson really should take so much confidence from that result. After a nervy start she produced some excellent tennis against an experienced opponent and she will be delighted to have reached the third round at Wimbledone for just the second time.

Watson will also be relieved that she didn't have to play three sets in this heat. Bernard Tomic won his second-round match against Hughes Herbert 7-6 6-4 7-6 earlier today, but he admitted that the conditions were causing him problems.

"I just haven't been sleeping well here. It's been too hot," the Australian told reporters. "I was fatigued and starting to get dizzy out there with the heat hitting me."


Are we finished? Of course not! There's plenty more action to come this evening and we'll be bringing you shot-by-shot coverage of Serena Williams vs. Timea Babos once Marin Cilic is finished on centre court. The US Open is 2-1 up bet a break behind to Ricardas Berankis in the fourth.

Williams might not have beaten Babos yet, but Watson is already relishing the prospect of taking on the world number one.

"I'm really looking forward to playing Serena," the Brit told BBC Sport. "Obviously she's an amazing athlete, champion, competitor, everything, so it won't be easy."


SET! Berankis has taken the fourth set 6-4 against Cilic, and it will all come down to a decider before Serena Williams is allowed to take to the court.

Kevin Anderson is currently level at 1-1 with Marsel Ilhan, while Stanislas Wawrinka is almost ready to start his second-round clash against Victor Estrella. Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic will also be in action soon, too.


In case you missed it, Milos Raonic survived a spirited performance from the veteran Tommy Haas to win his second-round match in four sets earlier on. The Canadian was clearly happy with his display and he had a warning for the top seeds.

"Tommy started playing more aggressive and I'm fortunate I played well in that fourth set. My game has a way to come but I'm improving every match," Raonic, who will meet Nick Kyrgios in round three, told BBC Sport.


SET! After the opening two sets were decided on tie-breaks, Kevin Anderson has pulled ahead of Marsel Ilhan by taking the third 6-4. Can the South African avoid a potentially exhausting fifth against a tricky opponent?

Fernando Verdasco may not be seeded for this year's Wimbledon, but the Spaniard remains a dangerous opponent when he is at his best and he has just beaten 32nd seed Dominic Thiem 5-7 6-4 5-7 6-3 6-4 to reach the next round. He'll meet Wawrinka or Estrella Burgos next.

SET! So far, so good for the French Open champion as Wawrinka takes the first set 6-4 against Estrella Burgos. The fourth seed has only reached the third round in four of his 10 appearances at SW19.

Liam Broady was no match for David Goffin earlier in the day, but the Brit has taken to Twitter to thank his supporters.


Cilic and Berankis are still going in the fifth set. It's currently 5-5. Who will make the breakthrough?

Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates a point in his Gentlemens Singles Second Round match against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania during day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 1, 2015© Getty Images


SET! Ana Ivanovic may be one of the most frustrating players around. We just never seem to know what to expect from the Serbian, who has just lost the first set 6-3 against Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

RESULT! It's Cilic who wins an incredible match on centre court. Ricardas Berankis has won plenty of fans today, but a double fault hands the ninth seed a 6-3 4-6 7-6 4-6 7-5 victory. A big name survives and Cilic will face John Isner next.

Cilic's victory means our focus now turns to Serena Williams, who will be on court shortly to take on Timea Babos.

Serena Williams of the United States hits a backhand in her Ladies’s Singles first round match against Margarita Gasparyan of Russia during day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 29, © Getty Images


SET! There's just one men's match still playing this evening, and Wawrinka is looking comfortable after taking the second set to lead Estrella Burgos 6-3 6-4.

RESULT! Kevin Anderson, who will always be a threat on grass with that dangerous serve, is through to round three after beating Marsel Ilhan 6-7 7-6 6-4 6-4.

Serena Williams didn't look at her best in the first round, but she was still far too strong for Margarita Gasparyan. It's quite common for the world number one to look short of top form early in Grand Slams as she attempts to find her rhythm. The fact is though. When the American is on top of her game, no one comes close. She's on centre court with Babos now.

BREAK! It's the perfect start for the world number one as she punishes her Hungarian opponent with some incredible power hitting in the opening game. Babos has no answer and the match begins with a break.

Babos manages to make it to 15-30 on the Williams serve, but the American delivers a big serve out wide and unleashes a backhand winner to get back level. An ace down the middle is then followed by a lazy forehand from Babos as Williams holds.

She might not be Williams, but Babos certainly has plenty of power on serve and she starts the game with an ace. Williams misses the mark with a couple of forehands before Babos calms the nerves by getting on the scoreboard.

The early signs suggest that Babos will be aggressive when she can play a part in the longer rallies, but a wayward forehand from the back of the court allows her opponent to go 30-15 up. The hold is secured when Williams delivers a superb second serve down the middle. She then produces the first "Come on!" of the evening.

Oh dear. Williams takes control of the second rally to force her rival out wide, but she is unable to beat the net with what looks like a routine forehand as Babos wins the first two points before sending a forehand wide. The Hungarian needs to get her first serves in, too. Williams treats the second serve with disdain as she steps in with a superb return winner. Babos escapes a tricky game with a hold.

Williams starts with two huge serves, before unsuccessfully challenging when she thinks the third clips the line. Babos has no response for the power. Three aces included in a comfortable hold.

RESULT! There will be no Ana Ivanovic in the third round of Wimbledon. Bethanie Mattek-Sands has just caused a shock with a superb 6-3 6-4 triumph. Another big name crashes out of the women's draw.

Babos is aware of the need to attack as much as possible, but errors are common with that approach as a big second serve ends with a double fault. Williams sends a forehand a few inches long to make it 40-15 before Babos combines power with speed as she comes to the net to finish off a perfect rally.

RESULT! Wawrinka never looked likely to become a shock loser today and he has just completed a 6-3 6-4 7-5 triumph over Estrella Burgos.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Williams serve this evening. The world number one reaches 123mph with the last of four unreturned serves. Perfect.

You've got to give credit to Babos. A nervy opening service game could prove costly in the first set, but she has performed very well and looked comfortable since then as she responds with a love game of her own.

Much better from Babos, who adopts a slightly smarter approach to returning the serve and it's enough to get her to 30-30. How does Williams respond? A big first serve out wide to bring up set point, of course. Another unreturned serve hands the top seed the opener.

A couple of loose strokes gets Babos in trouble at 0-30, but she sends Williams the wrong way with a brilliant forehand moments later to reduce the deficit before coming to the net to leave her opponent twisting and turning with the perfect volley. No one hears a call from a line judge when a second serve is called out, but the umpire steps in a few seconds later to make it 30-40. Williams capitalises to break at the start of the second set.

Too good from Williams at 15-15 as she sends Babos one way before stepping forward to deliver a powerful forehand winner. Babos continues to battle impressively from the back of the court but Williams comfortably holds.

Babos appears to be telling herself to be more positive in the longer rallies, and it works as Williams is forced into a couple of uncomfortable shots. The Hungarian then gets on the board in the second set with an ace as she hold to 15.

Lovely from Babos as she steps in to meet a second serve with the perfect backhand winner and the door is suddenly open when a couple of errors from Williams gift the Hungarian two break points. She goes too hard at the first point as a backhand drifts long and wide, before Williams reaches deuce with an ace. Two more aces dig the world number one out of trouble.

BREAK! Babos makes a disastrous start to her latest service game as she follows a double fault with a lazy backhand into the net, and Williams capitalises by coming forward to find the line with a forehand to bring up three break points. Another unforced error gifts Williams the game. That could be the beginning of the end.

Williams is just starting to come forward more often and she wisely decides to leave the ball as Babos sends a backhand wide of the line. A rare double fault levels the game at 30-30 before Williams finds her stroke to follow a forehand winner with an ace. Babos will serve to stay in the match.

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Babos makes a disappointing start as Williams takes the first two points, before giving her opponent no chance of returning a powerful forehand at the toes. The world number one only needs one match point as Babos sends a backhand long.

Incredibly, Babos really didn't play a bad match. Williams was just too good as her impressive start to the tournament continues with another comfortable victory inside an hour. Heather Watson, are you ready for the challenge? Williams and Watson will meet in the third round on Friday.


If you've missed any of the action today, check out the live scores box on the right of the page and read all of our match reports from day three at Wimbledon. Both world number ones, including the man below, were in dominant mood.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning his Gentlemen’s Singles first round match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 29, 2015© Getty Images


Serena's sister, Venus Williams, is one of only four women left out on court and she's in control of her second-round clash against Yulia Putintseva after winning the first set on a tie-break.

Check out the order of play for tomorrow as the second round continues at SW19.

CENTRE COURT:
Christina McHale v Sabine Lisicki
Sam Querrey vs. Roger Federer
Dustin Brown vs. Rafael Nadal

NO.1 COURT:
Robin Haase vs. Andy Murray
Kurumi Nara vs. Petra Kvitova
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Albert Ramos-Vinolas


Looking ahead to her third-round test, Serena Williams made it clear to BBC Sport that she believes Heather Watson will be a very tough opponent.

"I hope I'm not playing my best. I'd like to believe I have a lot of room to improve and keep trying to do well," she revealed after the win over Babos.

"Wow, she plays so well on the grass and she loves playing at home. I never like playing the Brits at home so once again I have my work cut out. for me."


Another long day of tennis is almost over and it will certainly be remembered. It's never been hotter at Wimbledon and it was not an ideal day to be forced into long matches. It should be slightly cooler tomorrow, but the conditions will be tough for the next few days.

RESULT! Venus Williams follows her sister through to the third round by beating Yulia Putintseva 7-6 6-4. Can the 16th seed roll back the years with a long run in the tournament?

Well, that's all from our live coverage today. Make sure you return tomorrow for all of the action from day four. Goodbye everyone!

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Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a forehand return during his Gentlemen's Singles third round match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain on day five of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 27,
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