Wimbledon Shocker: Comesana Defeats Rublev In First-Round Upset

Andrey Rublev faced a surprising early exit at Wimbledon on Tuesday, while several other seeds advanced to the second round. Rublev, a 17-time ATP Tour champion, reached the quarter-finals last year but was defeated in his opener this time by Argentine Francisco Comesana. Comesana won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) on No.2 Court, where play was interrupted by heavy rain. Rublev became the highest-ranked male player to be eliminated so far at the All England Club.

Unlike Rublev, fourth seed Alexander Zverev had an easier time, defeating Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets on No.1 Court. "I want to compete; I want to do well here at Wimbledon. It's the most historic tennis tournament that we have," Zverev said after reaching the second round for the seventh time in eight attempts at this tournament. "I've struggled over the years here on these beautiful courts, unfortunately, but I feel different this year."

Comesana may have anticipated a tough match against Rublev in his first-round encounter, but this was only his second appearance on grass courts at any level. The world number 122 managed to secure a hard-fought victory after a clinical performance, converting four of five break points he earned. "I'm so happy; I don't know what to say," Comesana expressed after upsetting Andrey Rublev.

Hubert Hurcakz also progressed through his first challenge despite conceding the first set before defeating Radu Albot 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Hurcakz smashed 24 aces during the match.

Zverev had no such difficulty in advancing to the second round, delivering 18 aces at an event where he has never reached the quarter-finals. The German is now 12-2 for the year in major action, having reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and the final at the French Open before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

Stefanos Tsitsipas fought off Taro Daniel with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 7-5 in just under two-and-a-half hours as he aims to surpass his personal-best fourth-round appearances from previous years.

No.11 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas fends off a valiant Taro Daniel 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-5 to progress to the second round #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/vo3oN9RVTb

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2024

Draper's Hard-Fought Victory

British number one Jack Draper secured a hard-fought victory over Elias Ymer under Centre Court lights with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, and 6-3. Draper is in excellent form after winning the Stuttgart Open in June and defeating Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club Championship. He will next face fellow British player Cameron Norrie.

Ninth favourite Alex de Minaur lived up to expectations by overcoming fellow Australian James Duckworth with scores of 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-3), and 7-6 (7-4).

Norrie's Smooth Progression

World number 42 Cameron Norrie had little trouble in his first-round match against Facundo Diaz Acosta on No.3 Court, winning in straight sets.

The data shows Comesana's impressive performance as he converted four out of five break points against Rublev. This victory marks only his second appearance on grass courts at any level.

The tournament continues with many players aiming for glory on these historic courts.