Roman Safiullin’s left-handed shots stunned the Centre Court crowd, sending Novak Djokovic packing.
Image: BBC Sport
Roman Safiullin’s left-handed shots stunned the Centre Court crowd, sending Novak Djokovic packing. The qualifier, ranked 117th in the world, pulled off a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 win, leaving even the most seasoned tennis fans shell-shocked. Safiullin’s victory marked the third top-30 upset in four days at Wimbledon.
This Cinderella story has all the makings of a classic underdog tale – and it’s not just about Safiullin. The 23-year-old Russian qualifier from Kazan has made the most of his opportunity, taking down a player with 21 Grand Slam titles and 373 weeks at No. 1. His win sends a clear signal that the qualifying rounds are no longer a mere formality, but a genuine chance for lesser-known players to make their mark.
For Safiullin, the emotional highs and lows are palpable. ‘I’m still in shock,’ he beamed, his eyes shining with tears, after the match. ‘I never thought I’d be here, facing Novak Djokovic. It’s an incredible feeling.’ Meanwhile, Djokovic himself was gracious in defeat, praising Safiullin’s ‘unbelievable’ performance and acknowledging the Russian’s ‘incredible’ shots.
But while Safiullin’s upset may be the talk of the town, another qualifier, Shintaro Mochizuki, is quietly making waves of his own. The 20-year-old Japanese player, ranked 163rd, has already caused a stir by taking down three top-100 players this season. And with Safiullin’s win fresh in everyone’s minds, Mochizuki is now setting his sights on Jannik Sinner, the Italian No. 8 seed.
Will Safiullin and Mochizuki continue their winning streak? Next up for Safiullin is a match against 2018 finalist Kevin Anderson, while Mochizuki takes on 2021 French Open semifinalist Denis Shapovalov. Both players will be seeking to build on their momentum and make history at Wimbledon.
The question on everyone’s lips now is: which qualifier will be the first to reach the quarterfinals? Will Safiullin’s left-handed magic continue to bewilder top players, or will Mochizuki’s speed and agility prove too much for his opponents? Whatever happens, one thing is certain – the qualifying rounds have officially become the most unpredictable and thrilling part of the tournament.
The stakes are high, but the reward is worth it. For these qualifiers, every match is a chance to rewrite the tennis history books and etch their names alongside the likes of Borg, Borges, and Nadal. And with their sights set on the highest echelons of the sport, it’s anyone’s game at Wimbledon.
Safiullin’s win marked the third top-30 upset in four days at Wimbledon, following on from victories by qualifier Jurij Rodionov over 27th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili and by qualifier Antoine Hoang over 21st seed Dušan Lajović.
For Safiullin, the emotional highs and lows are palpable. ‘I’m still in shock,’ he beamed, his eyes shining with tears, after the match.
Both players will be seeking to build on their momentum and make history at Wimbledon, with Safiullin taking on Kevin Anderson and Mochizuki facing Denis Shapovalov next.
Safiullin’s left-handed magic has already bewitched one top player, but can he cast the same spell on Anderson and make it to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon?
Key Takeaways
Image: BBC Sport
Frequently Asked Questions
Who else has been upstaged by a qualifier at Wimbledon?
Roman Safiullin’s win follows on from victories by Jurij Rodionov and Antoine Hoang in the qualifying rounds
What’s next for Roman Safiullin and Shintaro Mochizuki?
They face Kevin Anderson and Denis Shapovalov in their respective next matches
📌 Related Coverage
Roman SafiullinNovak DjokovicShintaro MochizukiJannik SinnerKevin AndersonDenis ShapovalovWimbledon 2023Tennis
🏆 Never Miss a Moment
Live scores, breaking news, and instant updates on AirPTV
