Casper Ruud faced a stunning second-round elimination at Wimbledon as wildcard Liam Broady triumphed in a thrilling five-set showdown on Thursday. Despite initially showing promise by claiming two of the first three sets, the World No.4 ultimately succumbed to a 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 defeat against the inspired British player, who rallied the crowd with his exceptional performance.
While Ruud has reached the finals of three significant tournaments since 2022, including a recent appearance in the French Open final against Novak Djokovic, he has struggled to find success at Wimbledon throughout his career. Notably, the Norwegian player chose not to participate in any warm-up tournaments on grass prior to this year’s edition.
In contrast, Broady showcased relentless shot-making prowess, securing his first-ever victory over a top-five player. Although this win marks only his fourth Tour-level victory of the season, he has achieved notable success on the Challenger circuit, winning the Vilnius Open and reaching the final in Lugano.
In a captivating display on Center Court, Liam Broady showcased his exceptional skills for over three and a half hours. Previously ranked as high as No. 116 in the world, Broady demonstrated his dominance by breaking Casper Ruud six times and delivering an impressive 56 winners. Notably, this remarkable victory secures his second consecutive appearance in the third round at Wimbledon, solidifying his prowess on the grass courts.
On the other hand, Ruud’s performance experienced a rapid decline in the final set, leading to a comprehensive defeat. With only two wins out of six matches played over four Wimbledon appearances, the Norwegian player continues to face ongoing challenges at this prestigious tournament. However, it’s worth highlighting his proficiency on clay, as he has achieved 19 wins at the French Open.
Looking ahead, Broady’s next challenge awaits him in the form of Denis Shapovalov, the sole remaining seeded player in that quarter of the draw. This upcoming clash promises to be an exciting test for Broady as he seeks to extend his impressive run at Wimbledon.