Day Two at Wimbledon served up a cocktail of upsets, comebacks, and commanding performances as top seeds tumbled and underdogs roared on a sun-soaked Tuesday in SW19.
Lorenzo Musetti, last year’s semi-finalist, became the third Top 10 casualty of this year’s Championships, falling 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 to Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili. Still recovering from a leg injury sustained at Roland Garros, Musetti looked off rhythm and admitted, “I was really losing focus, today seems like I never played on this surface.”
It was another forgettable outing for the Italian, who’s now lost in the first round at Wimbledon three times, each to opponents ranked outside the top 125. Basilashvili, a former Top 20 player, now meets Lorenzo Sonego in the second round.
Elsewhere, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech stunned World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in five grueling sets. Returning after Monday night’s curfew suspension, Rinderknech sealed a landmark 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4 win with a sublime backhand. “It’s my first Top 5 win, and in the biggest stadium in the world,” he said, barely believing the moment.
Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, wasted no time. The top seed cruised past Luca Nardi in straight sets, showing no hangover from his Roland Garros heartbreak. “It’s a new tournament. New chances, new challenges,” said the composed Italian, who has now beaten every fellow Italian he’s faced on tour.
Taylor Fritz also completed his comeback against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, surviving 33 aces to win in five sets. Jack Draper progressed after Sebastian Baez retired injured, keeping British hopes alive.
With Medvedev, Rune, Musetti, and Zverev all out before the second round, Wimbledon’s top half is wide open and the dark horses are galloping in.
