Novak Djokovic snubbed by SW19 as commentator breaks into tears

Highlights from day nine at Wimbledon

Wimbledon has once again captured the imagination of tennis fans across the world since getting underway last Monday. And the tournament has now reached its business end. The ladies’ semi-finals take place on Centre Court on Thursday, with Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina going head-to-head with Czech ace Marketa Vondrousova in the first match before Ons Jabeur battles with Aryna Sabalenka.

Wimbledon commentator Chris Evert was unable to fight back the tears as she witnessed Svitolina’s emotional victory over world No 1 Iga Swiatek on Tuesday in the quarter-finals as she told ESPN viewers: “I think this was one of the most touching matches I’ve ever seen on Centre Court. Just with everything Elina has gone through.”

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz illustrated his title credentials on Wednesday courtesy of a straight sets quarter-final victory over Holger Rune, while Daniil Medvedev eventually knocked out world No 43 Christopher Eubanks in a five-set thriller in their last eight showdown.

Novak Djokovic is the overwhelming favourite to win this year’s men’s title at the All England Club after winning the last four editions of the tournament and overcoming Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. But the Serbian is set to been snubbed by SW19 chiefs after calling for Centre Court matches to start early in future to avoid players being called off mid-match as the 11pm curfew approaches.

There is sure to be plenty of Wimbledon drama throughout the day – so scroll down for LIVE Wimbledon updates from Express Sport.

Evert breaks into tears

Wimbledon commentator Chris Evert failed to hold back the tears as she witnessed Elina Svitolina’s 7-5, 6-7, 6-2 win over world No 1 Iga Swiatek on Tuesday. The Ukrainian despatched the current US and French Open champion to continue her stunning run at SW19 as she has captured the hearts of those at the tournament.

She is aiming to reach her first Wimbledon final and her journey has been made even more incredible having given birth to her first child in October and only returning to the tour in April.

“I think this was one of the most touching matches I’ve ever seen on Centre Court,” Evert said live on ESPN. “Just with everything Elina has gone through. She’s very inspired. She had a baby and her husband has been so supportive of her but she’s been going through a very sad time with what’s happening back in Ukraine with her family. To see her so inspired by this and playing so well is just very touching for me.”

Djokovic snubbed by SW19 chiefs

Novak Djokovic is set to be snubbed by Wimbledon chiefs as his calls for an early Centre Court start time will be resisted, according to the Daily Mail. The Serbian has called for tournament organisers to start the day’s play on Centre Court much earlier than the current time of 1.30pm to avoid later encounters being halted mid-match due to the 11pm curfew.

Wimbledon chiefs have the ultimate say about when matches get underway each day. But the current start time is enshrined in some of the tournament’s most lucrative TV agreements, including the one with the BBC, and there are concerns broadcast partners would demand multi-million pound rebates should Centre Court play begin too early.

Good morning!

Good morning and welcome to Thursday’s coverage of Wimbledon. We’re at the business end of the tournament now, with the ladies’ final taking place on Saturday and the men’s final following on Sunday. So stay with us throughout the day for all the latest news from SW19.

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