Yet more Italian excellence: Cobolli – a favourite of Coach Calv, our resident expert, who thinks he’s got the lot – leads Etcheverry 7-6. That breaker went to 10-8 and I’d not be surprised if we see a few more in a match that has potential to go on for epochs.
And another Italian, Lorenzo Sonego, has just gone in front against Stan Wawrinka – belieeeeve it’s taking a lot for me not to major on that match given we don’t know how many more times we’ll get to lap up the dishevelled Swiss – taking the third set 7-5. Meantime Popyrin finally secures his hold for 1-1 in the first against Moutet, and on Laver, De Minaur and Van de Zandschulp are under way.