Rain Postpones Play as Norrie, Kartal Lead British Charge on Day Three
A morning drizzle delayed the start of day three at Wimbledon 2025, but play finally began just after 1:00 p.m. BST as British contenders Sonay Kartal and Cameron Norrie opened proceedings. The rain cleared over the All England Club shortly before noon, allowing ground crews to remove the covers and prepare courts for action.
Kartal, who upset former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in round one, returned to Court 3 to face Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria. The 22-year-old Brit is aiming to reach the third round at Wimbledon for the second time in her career. Tomova advanced after Ons Jabeur retired in her opening match.
On Court One, former British No.1 Cameron Norrie began his second-round match against 12th seed Frances Tiafoe. Norrie reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2022 but has failed to progress past the third round since. The 28-year-old is chasing his first ATP title since winning in Rio in early 2023.
Tarvet takes the spotlight against Alcaraz
The day’s marquee match features defending champion Carlos Alcaraz facing British qualifier Ollie Tarvet on Centre Court. Tarvet, ranked 733rd, steps into the global spotlight against the three-time Grand Slam winner. Alcaraz needed five sets to edge past Fabio Fognini in the first round, raising questions about his form on grass.
Alcaraz practiced early on Court 7, attracting large crowds. Despite a short delay while the net was re-installed, the Spaniard appeared relaxed and in rhythm ahead of the match. “He was all smiles when he finished practice,” onlookers noted, as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the reigning champion.
Raducanu faces 2023 Champion Vondrousova
Emma Raducanu returns to Centre Court later in the day to face 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. Raducanu advanced with a strong win over fellow Brit Mimi Xu, but Vondrousova enters in top form, having claimed the Berlin title last week with wins over top-tier opponents including Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys.
“Vondrousova grew up on indoor hard courts,” said a tennis analyst, explaining how her game translates well to grass. “She plays with angles and control that really test movement and positioning.”
Raducanu has played down expectations but looks physically ready for the challenge. She has never reached beyond the second round at Wimbledon.
British momentum grows
Katie Boulter and Dan Evans are also scheduled to compete today. Boulter faces American Gabriella Sierra on Court One, coming off a solid first-round win. Evans, who recently snapped a four-year winless streak at Wimbledon, will face Novak Djokovic in the second round.
Fans continue to pack the grounds despite the early weather setback. Court conditions remain under scrutiny. Wimbledon’s grounds staff confirmed the high heat earlier in the week dried the grass, slightly affecting bounce and speed.
“The surface might feel slower to players due to how the ball grips the grass,” explained Wimbledon’s lead groundskeeper. “It’s subtle, but elite players can feel that difference.”
As play unfolds across 18 courts, 23 seeds have already exited the tournament setting a Grand Slam record for most top-10 player losses across the first two days. Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Alexander Zverev are among the highest-profile early exits.
The chaos has opened the draw wide for dark horses and underdogs, giving players like Kartal, Tarvet, and Raducanu a chance to make deep runs as the tournament enters its next stage.
Wimbledon continues through July 13.
