Qualifiers eye more shocks after causing Wimbledon upsets

Image: BBC Sport

Safiullin’s fifth-set win was a 7-5 thriller that left the crowd gasping for air. The qualifier’s victory marked a major upset in the men’s singles draw, with Safiullin sending 5th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas packing in the second round.

Wimbledon has a long history of producing shocking upsets, but this one has all the makings of something special. Tsitsipas, a two-time ATP 500 champion, entered the tournament as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. But Safiullin had other plans, using his precise groundstrokes and clever tactics to keep the Greek star on his toes.

For Safiullin, the win was a moment of vindication after a grueling qualifying campaign. ‘It was a rollercoaster ride out there,’ Safiullin said in a post-match interview. ‘I just tried to stay focused and use my experience to my advantage.’

Now, Safiullin’s sights are set on an even more imposing target: 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The Serbian ace is yet to drop a set in the tournament, but Safiullin is undaunted. ‘I know it’s a big ask, but I believe I can beat anyone on my day,’ he said with a confident smile.

Safiullin’s win has also sparked memories of Shintaro Mochizuki’s own second-round upset over 20th seed Karen Khachanov. The Japanese qualifier’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 victory set the stage for Safiullin’s thrilling win over Tsitsipas.

With Safiullin and Mochizuki pushing the pace, Wimbledon is bracing for more shocks in the men’s singles draw.

Image: BBC Sport

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