Wimbledon: Zverev and Fritz in the third round, Sonego arri…
Wimbledon: Zverev flies to the third round, Fritz awaits Sonego
Zverev finishes easily, Fritz qualifies for a high-voltage round of 16 match against his compatriot Sonego. Berrettini, Cobolli and Paolini still running for Italy. The tournament gets tougher: analysis is needed to understand who can
Alexander Zverev eliminated Marcelo Royer in three clear sets (6-2 6-3 6-1) to reach the third round of Wimbledon, where he will face Marcos Jodar. The German, number 4 in the seeding, showed all his class, hitting 18 winners and only 11 unforced errors in the first set. The victory comes after the bye in the first round and strengthens Zverev's belief that he is among the favorites for the final victory.
Zverev hasn't lost a set since entering the main draw and now prepares for a match against an opponent who, despite not being a top player, has shown he can handle pressure in key moments. His ability to maintain a high pace without drops in intensity makes him a serious candidate for the title, especially after recent performances in Halle and Rome, where he defeated players like Alcaraz and Rublev. Taylor Fritz closed the match with another American, Michael Mmoh, with a score of 6-4 6-2 6-3, earning access to the third round and the certainty of a round of 16 final against Lorenzo Sonego.
The match between Fritz and Sonego, both fresh from victories in two sets, is expected to be one of the most intense of the first week: the German, number 9 in the world, is looking for precious points to climb the rankings, while the Italian aims to repeat the success obtained in 2023 at Wimbledon. The match between the two compatriots is not just a derby, but also a test to understand which of the two will be able to aspire to a place in the quarterfinals. Fritz, who has already beaten Sonego on two out of three occasions, starts with a slight psychological advantage, but Sonego has shown that he can put him in difficulty, especially on grass, where his aggressive game and his ability to move quickly can make the difference.
The attention in the Italian home remains high: Matteo Berrettini came from behind to beat the local wild card Henry Searle (4-6 6-3 6-2 6-3), while Flavio Cobolli beat the French Arthur Cazaux (6-3 7-6 6-2). Jasmine Paolini, however, prevailed over Kamilla Rakhimova (6-2 6-4) and now awaits her next opponent for a potential all-Italian clash in the next round. Berrettini, after a difficult start, found the key to closing the match, confirming his ability to adapt to playing conditions and recover under pressure.
Cobolli, however, showed impressive solidity, especially in the third set, where he closed 6-2 with a series of winners that put Cazaux in difficulty. Finally, Paolini confirmed her physical form, finishing the match in less than two hours and demonstrating that she is ready for an even more demanding challenge. The first week of Wimbledon 2025 is already outlining a scenario in which performance continuity is more important than a single performance.
Zverev, with his uneventful victory, positions himself as the main favourite, but the grass tournament is unforgiving: even the top seeds can be put in difficulty by less popular but determined opponents. Fritz and Sonego, on the other hand, represent the new generation of players trying to emerge in an increasingly competitive circuit. Their derby is not just a question of ranking, but also of mentality: whoever can better manage the pressure in an environment like that of Wimbledon, where the grass rewards precision and speed, will have a decisive advantage.
For Italy, the presence of three representatives in the top 32 is reassuring, but the real challenge begins now. Berrettini, Cobolli and Paolini will have to face superior opponents, where the ability to vary the game and exploit the weaknesses of others will be fundamental. In particular, Paolini, who finished his match in less than two hours, could have an advantage in terms of physical freshness compared to those who struggled more in the previous rounds.
Cobolli, however, has demonstrated a tactical maturity that could make the difference in the next rounds, while Berrettini will have to confirm his ability to comeback under pressure if he really wants to aspire to a significant result. "Zverev was simply too strong today. I couldn't find solutions against his aggressive play," declared Royer at the end of the match.
Fritz, however, underlined the importance of the match against Sonego: "Sonego is a tough nut to crack, but I know I can stay in it all the way. It's a match that can give me a lot of confidence for the rest of the tournament". Sonego's coach, Simone Vagnozzi, added: "Lorenzo has worked a lot on grass this year.
" What will happen next: Zverev aims to consolidate the seeding leadership with another step forward, while Fritz and Sonego prepare for a derby that could redefine the balance at the top of the draw. For Italy, Berrettini, Cobolli and Paolini try to keep alive the hope of an exploit in a tournament that becomes more complicated every day. The match between Fritz and Sonego, in particular, could prove to be the real watershed of the first week: whoever wins will have the chance to face a less difficult opponent in the quarterfinals, while the loser will have to deal with an even more insidious path.
Grass, as we know, rewards those who adapt better, and this duel will be the first real test for both. The third round promises to be a crucial step: whoever manages to maintain concentration and clarity will have a decisive advantage in the title race. Read at Sky Sport Italia
Why this matters
Wimbledon 2025 confirms itself as a transition tournament: on the one hand, Zverev proves to be unstoppable, on the other Fritz and Sonego are preparing to write an important page of the tournament. For Italy, the presence of three athletes in the top 32 is a positive sign, but the road to the quarterfinals becomes narrower every day. The Fritz-Sonego duel could prove to be the real watershed of the first week, with direct implications on the top of the scoreboard. In this context, the ability to manage pressure and adapt to playing conditions will be crucial for those who really want to aspire to the title. The grass tournament, then, adds a further level of unpredictability: even the favorites can be put into crisis by less popular but determined opponents, as demonstrated by the recent surprises in other Slams.
Frequently asked
Who won the match between Zverev and Royer?
Alexander Zverev defeated Marcelo Royer 6-2 6-3 6-1 in the second round of Wimbledon 2025.
Who will Taylor Fritz face in the third round?
Taylor Fritz will face Lorenzo Sonego in the third round of Wimbledon 2025.
Which Italians are still in the running for Wimbledon 2025?
Matteo Berrettini, Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini are the Italians still competing after the second round.
How many sets did Berrettini lose against Searle?
Matteo Berrettini lost the first set against Henry Searle (4-6), but recovered by winning the next three (6-3 6-2 6-3).
Where can I follow the Italians' next matches?
The next matches of Berrettini, Cobolli and Paolini will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, the main broadcaster of the tournament.
Who is Zverev's next opponent in the third round?
Alexander Zverev will face Marcos Jodar in the third round of Wimbledon 2025.
