Day 4, Part 2 Wimbledon

Time... Fleeting and precious. For some it flies by, for others it

stands still. I was always joking around when I was a boy, I'm going

to win this! But in this place of splendour in the grass, time has no

meaning. Here, there is only one true king. He is ageist, he defies

the ravages of time and he's the master of all he surveys. Over 20

years he has battled on this field of play. Championship number seven!

His name etched seven times in silver. This King seeks another

crown, but is his time running out? Or is he immortal? No, he just has

impeccable Swiss timing. SUE BARKER: He certainly does, Roger

Federer has become the king of the All-England Club over the last two

decades and everybody wants to see this great champion. Here he is

leaving the practice court today, his adoring fans courtside, and he's

been voted the most popular player on the tour, voted for by the fans,

414 straight years. When you think Rafa has his legion of fans, no one

comes close. When you have a record having played 26 matches, won 24 of

them and in the two he lost he had match point in 2017, you would be

relaxed. Roger keeping an eye on the other courts as well but making his

way back to the clubhouse and we will see him on Centre Court later.

You can watch our comprehensive coverage on BBC television and the

red button. There are six matches. Another lovely day, isn't it? So, we

will see the great man Roger Federer later this afternoon, his third

match on Centre Court, but we have had four British players going

through to the third round and could have another because Kyle Edmund is

on Centre Court and we will be going there shortly but first let's take a

look at who we will be following today. Of course it will be this

man, yes back on Centre Court after his cameo appearance in the first

round, the seven time champion faces Dusan Lajovic. Novak Djokovic also

had an easy ride in his first match, he's playing Adam Pavlasek. For Kyle

Edmund, it is tricky Frenchman Gael Monfils who await the British number

two. Kerber, finding her feet, she plays Flipkens.

So, let's take a look. There confirmation, it is Monfils against

Edmund on Centre Court today. Dominic Thiem, a tough one for the

eighth seed against Gilles Simon. On Court Number Two micro, Radwanska in

action. Martin Del Potro, former US champion. All of those matches, we

will be following. So, I say lovely weather, I came here expecting to

see the odd thunderstorm, we have had nothing but blue skies and hot

sunshine. Let's hope it will last, let's find out with Carol. It should

actually, the showers for the afternoon have diminished. We expect

the temperature to rise to about 30 Celsius as we go through the

afternoon. Into the evening there is only a 10% risk of a thunderstorm

and that will be late evening. The temperature coming down a little

bit, still hot and humid and sticky. Tomorrow there will be a lot of dry

and bright weather to start with, and as we head into the latter part

of the afternoon in early evening, again less than 5% risk of a shower

so it is all looking pretty good at the moment. It is good news all the

way from you, Carol. Before we head to Centre Court, and we will update

you with some results later, just a drop in on the number one court to

show you have Novak Djokovic is going. Pretty well, and that is the

man he is playing, Adam Pavlasek. That will be over on BBC Two in just

a moment, but here we are heading to Centre Court for Kyle Edmund against

Gael Monfils, this very talented Frenchman. There's nothing between

the moment. Five games all. So let's join our Tim Henman, Boris Becker

and Andrew Cotter. -- our commentators.

In conditions like these, the first serve is even more important. You

just want to get your nose in front. There is something at his left

ankle, Monfils. He has been lacing his trainer a lot but he's pulling

at it again. Everyone has got his habits, that's his, I've seen it a

hundred times. He holds and he keeps his nose in front so it will be

Edmund again to serve to stay in it. So who is in the house today? We

have seen Rod Laver, has four Wimbledon titles, 11 Grand Slam

titles in total. At that time it was, to -- amateur era. There's a

lot of famous parents. We have got the Federers, the Middletons...

Tough school. And a good match for them all to watch at the moment. A

couple of people were wondering if he might be overwhelmed, Kyle

Edmonds has the ice in the towel around his neck and his playing well

so far. Yes, I think he will find his comfort zone. He is much more at

ease. UMPIRE: Time. There is the ice, used as it should be in the ice

bucket. Chilling some water at the moment. Trying to cool down, it is

hot out there, the forecast will run to 30 degrees today. They do play in

hotter conditions around the world, you look at Melbourne or wherever

but it is still hard today. They say on the court it is always turn or 15

degrees hotter. This is not one of the days when the sun reflects from

the ground, but it is still too hot to be comfortable.

Again, this forehand really is one of the best out there. Good tactic

to go behind Monfils earlier on, then into the open court.

Monfils unable in this game, against Edmund serving to stay in it, not

been able to exert any real pressure so far. But Kyle is really holding

his ground. When he is serving its into the centre of the court and

he's pushing his opponent way beyond the baseline.

It's the other way round, Monfils was able to dictate, pushing. Tennis

is a lot like boxing, who is pushing who into the corner first.

Did a lot of good defensive work of there bought the final mistake and

Monfils just two points away. Edmund needs to get back to basics now,

first serve, first forehand into the point.

That was aggressive play from Edmund, and Monfils all the way back

behind the baseline started from a very deep second serve.

It's long, it is a tie-break, and good work again by Edmund.

It seems like the right outcome is set to be decided by a tie-break,

both had a couple of opportunities on service, a few break points. Now

it falls down to who will take their chance in the tie-break.

Overhit that one. Tim, you have mentioned a fine line between being

aggressive and being too passive. I think Kyle is treading the waters.

That is the Swedish coach of Gael Monfils.

Just the final touch eludes him. Again did so much well, but Monfils

with the mini-break in this tie-break. Kyle did the right thing,

he played the good approach shot and came forward looking to be

aggressive but a little too long a swing with the volley. Perhaps try

to do too much given the athletic ability of Monfils.

Louis van Gaal watching there. Is he employed at the moment? Manager. I

think he's retired. That's what I hear from my Dutch friends. Monfils

with the stranglehold on this tie-break. Kyle thought he was able

to change after four points. Must be the heat.

That will do nicely for Edmund as he tries to work his way back in. Some

people call that a no-look volley. I know that

from basketball but not from tennis. The mistake has come from Edmund

again. You can see his church plastered to

him in sweat. -- his shirt. It's not impossible but it's a long way back

from 1-5. It always starts with the next point. Tape applied for

Monfils. Done so much good work through the main body of this set,

for Kyle Edmund there's the three break points that came and went.

Monfils does his thing again, lace obsessed.

And the mishits will bring five set points for the number 15 seed, Gael

Monfils. Went for it, and its wide, and Gael

Monfils with the dominant performance in the tie-break takes

the first set. Edmund wilting at the end and he will have to come back

from one set down. SUE BARKER: Nothing between them

during the set but one-way traffic, and Gael Monfils goes one set up. We

will take this opportunity to bring you a few of the results from

earlier today because play got under way at 11:30am on the outside

courts. Grigor Dimitrov wasn't on court for that long. Just take a

look at this point, and marvel at his athleticism. What a way to

finish the match! One of the most talented players ever to play the

game, no wonder he was dubbed the baby Fed when he was coming up. And

another popular player, Marcus Baghdatis. Grigor Dimitrov on form

and the crowd loving that much out on Court two. And Kuznetsova has

come through against Makarova, and these two are good friends of the

court but it is Kuznetsova through to the next round. Vandeweghe, a

good grass court player, has come through in straight sets against

Maria and her coach Pat Cash has been telling us how much she has

been improving on the grass. She's a real threat. There he is, applauding

and happy. So Coco Vandeweghe is also through. Disappointment today

for Steve Darcis of Belgium, he tweaked his back and he's eighth man

to withdraw from this championship. He did win his first match but he

was really struggling and could hardly serve. He made his name here

when he put out Rafael Nadal a few years ago, but he has been forced to

withdraw so David Ferrer goes through. Over on Court number three,

Martindale portrayal of against Gulbis. Both of these players have

had injury problems over the years, it's great to see them on court.

Martindale portrayal has lost the first set and has a real battle on

his hands. That's what's happening elsewhere. Back we go to Centre

Court. COMMENTATOR: Right on cue, Kyle

Edmund is with us, taking his break at the end of the first set. One

thing that won't be questioned as his fitness. He does route all

training blocks in Miami over the winter with Andy Murray and he works

as hard on his fitness as every other part of the game. It will be

not quite a body blow but certainly a dig to the ribs losing the first

set after having had the three break points at 4-4. He has got to regroup

right now. This will be a test of his character and personality. Late

great tennis in the first set -- played great tennis. He has got to

make sure he digs his heels in and regroups. He's got the opportunity

to serve first in the second set so he can get his nose in front and put

some pressure on Monfils and make sure his levels don't drop.

He's looking to get a quick start of the second set, he will have given

himself a little chat when he was away. The first game after losing

the first set is always very important. Emotionally he will be

fragile, has to really hold it together.

A great game for Kyle Edmund to start the second set, holding to

love. In the first set he was moving around the court pretty well and has

worked on his forehand. Certainly good play to go back behind a guy

who moves as well as Monfils. Go strong to the forehand, open up the

backhand, a tactic that has always worked well for Kyle. He's got to

look to continue to do that with this. 51% going to the forehand. To

then open up the slightly weaker side on the backhand of Monfils. And

that is the strategy employed against Edmund, because he leaves

the forehand side always opened, so you can see the Monfils back on the

line and crosscourt, that's exactly how players want to play against

Kyle. Monfils taking every moment available, trying to cool down.

Takes a bit long, I find, from the changeover. There is something

bothering him. Beautifully done. Monfils exposed at

the net. Edmund in two minds, not doing quite

enough. He is shortening the points now. I wonder if the last couple of

long baseline rally has taken its toll. Monfils living at the net in

this game and it's costing him. There is something different now. Is

that a full road -- furrowed brow. Monfils does do

that but if you are Kyle Edmund you have to sense your opponent is not

entirely comfortable. And that's a very important point because this is

really just about one man against the other, you always have to watch

each other, watch for weakness. Monfils happy to see how that game

though. -- see out that game. We will watch him closely. A reminder

again that Monfils has reached the third round a few times before at

Wimbledon but he's looking to improve a record here. He has been

to the semifinal of the US Open, the semifinal of his home city Paris as

well. Wimbledon has not been a happy hunting ground.

Still good enough for that though, Monfils. The approach was a bit

short. The door open. Beautifully struck back and down the line.

Monfils flapping his arms around as Edmund finds the corner. A key

moment in the match, if Keil can stick with it now.

Break points seen off by that clubbing for and Edmund. -- that

clubbing forehand of Edmund. That is his box. Leon Smith on the left.

Again, Edmund faltering as he came in.

His position is way too high. It's not his comfort zone at all.

Monfils frustrated, because he had an opportunity there. Thought the

point might have been over. You can feel the tension in Centre Court at

the moment. Down a set, early part of the second set, really doesn't

want to pull a break behind. -- doesn't want to fall.

Lovely change-up from Monfils. Just the thing with the top players, they

not only have game eight, but they have game be, depending on the

situation of the opponent. That was a lovely touch.

Can't take it. A shout of frustration from Gael Monfils.

There should be. There was a real opportunity to go up a break. He

could have won the first set already. -- having won the first

set. I'm done by a clip of the net, and

acknowledged by Gael Monfils. A fourth break point. Nobody could

react to this. Gael Monfils has the break at the

start of this second set. Set up, break up, a long road back now for

Kyle Edmund. Sign up to the crucial moments, he couldn't find a first

serve, Kyle Edmund. Gael Monfils in the box seat at the

moment. He has been to the semifinals a couple of times at

Grand Slams, but not here. Looking to equal his best. You'll get a bit

of confidence, having lost in the final to Novak Djokovic. He has done

it all pretty well so far in this match. But the level of Edmund just

dipping in that last service game. Certainly did. We talk about

different game styles and plans, and you wonder what Kyle's plan B can

be. It's not as if he is going to start serving and volleying. Could

he change the pace? Could he bring Monfils in? He should have observed

that his opponent is struggling physically, in some shape or form,

and he has to stay aggressive. I don't think Kyle as any other

possibilities than to play his top game. But there is still a long way

to go, three out of five. Not to be downhearted. Keep doing what he does

best. Keep plugging with the forehand and staying aggressive.

It's a physical as well as a mental battle.

A lovely little casual drop from Monfils. Edmund responded pretty

well, but Monfils is flying at the moment. He holds to love. Some

pretty flamboyant shots from Dustin Brown yesterday. That was pretty

useful as well. You could see both players trying

different things again. Again, the intensity and power hitting from the

baseline isn't there at the moment, because I am sure they are both

feeling it. Monfils mixing things up.

It looks like Monfils is playing very loose. Trying to waste as

little energy as possible. It's all part of the game.

You don't see that too much from Edmund. He plays on a pretty even

keel. But displays of emotion, frustrated at the unforced errors. A

set and a break, it will seem a lot hotter on the court for Edmund than

Monfils. A long way back if he drops there.

Kyle Edmund holds and maintains contact just in this second set.

You can see how much hard work Kyle Edmund is having to put in as well,

sapping the strength of both of these men. Outside, a bit of a

breeze out there on the hill. Henman Hill. Edmund escarpment? It doesn't

have to be alliteration. They are enjoying themselves out there, a

picnic or two, watching Edmund competing, but just drifting a

little bit away from Monfils at the moment. You mentioned maintaining an

even keel, but I think sometimes you have to get the emotions out. You

are down a break and a set, playing in front of 60,000 home fans, give

them something so they can cheer you up. Use the home crowd, get them

into it. Exactly, do something. They want you to win. The home advantage

has certainly gone at the moment, because it's quite a quiet

atmosphere inside Centre Court. Monfils has taken control. It's

interesting, perhaps sometimes you have to do everything you can to use

that home advantage. If you are not naturally that kind of person, it

can be quite difficult, but just a shout here or there. I've seen him

get emotional in the Davis Cup. Yeah. You really need something to

spark a change in momentum in this match. All too comfortable for

Monfils at the moment. A little fist pump or something. And

that is sometimes more important than training on the forehand and

backhand. That is part of the coach's job. Just to send out those

signals, not only to the crowd at your opponent, that you are still in

it. That is awkward for Monfils. He's

OK. He's OK, but he has three break points down. Edmund did the right

thing, just tucking in behind Monfils. The change of direction did

for him. Didn't he take it well! Kyle Edmund

breaks back in this second set, and now Centre Court comes to life.

Will he feed off that? Not quite a Davis Cup crowd yet. It depends on

the player, the relationship between the player and the audience. He's

got to build on it. It is hot out here for the players and the fans,

and if they are getting that engagement, sometimes it can almost

be a bit passive. A bit of a shock to Monfils, the way that pain went

away from him, because he will have felt in his comfort zone and in

control. -- the way that game went away.

Monfils struggling to get to grips with his serve in this game. His

level has just dipped a bit. I think he has got a body blow. He lost his

serve, momentum is switching. He is experienced and he knows what that

means. A rapid game from Gael Monfils, but

a hold to love, what Kyle Edmund wanted, and now he has his nose in

front in this second set. STUDIO: Kyle right back in this

match, and we will return to Centre Court in a moment, but we will

update you with what is happening on a couple of other courts. On Court

Number One, Novak Djokovic is two sets to one up and a break of serve

up against Adam Pavlasek of the Czech Republic, and what a

difference a few weeks makes, when he walked away from the French Open

disappointed, but went down to Eastbourne, build some confidence

and he now has real momentum. The three-time champion going well on

Court Number One. That match is over on BBC Two. Over on Court Number

Two, Agnieszka Radwanska fighting hard against Christina McHale. This

is about the fifth deuce they have had, with Christina McHale serving

to take the first set. They have met five times the poor and she has

never won Chris set, so will this be the first time? That is featured on

the red button. -- they have met five times before and she has never

won a set. Everybody is enjoying the weather. We have had some wonderful

weather in the first few days at Wimbledon, and hopefully more to

come. That's what's happening elsewhere, so lets rejoin Centre

Court. It's not just what you do on the

court, in terms of the shots, but your body language and showing your

opponent as well. Hey, I'm feeling good as well, spring out from your

chair, whatever. Exactly, and Kyle has done well to switch the momentum

briefly. He is a player that likes to walk

around with his head down. You could say that Edmund has good

concentration, but he almost needed that engagement with the crowd, to

look them in the eye. He hung in there well, and Edmund,

having never come back from 2-0 set down, you feel this is a must win

set. Can you remember how many times you

came back from 2-0 down? A couple of times. Can I guess, maybe eight or

nine? Edmund must see that Monfils is

wounded. A correction by the line judge. It

is Monfils, and Edmund not querying it. Good to see.

A reply from Monfils. He knows how important it is for him to keep

momentum going. A strong service came from the Frenchman. He is a

veteran and he knows this type of situations, they changed the outcome

of the whole match. Really engaging with his box now. Something of a

mess in the Edmund corner. A misfire from Edmund. Long once

more. And Monfils now sensing blood. How many big forehands you want to

hit? Three, four, six?! You are bound to make a mistake eventually.

He can't find a first serve just now.

Monfils just punting the ball back, slowing down the pace. Wanting

Edmund to go for even more speed and pace.

The forehand long again. He is putting so much pressure on his

game, you cannot land that first serve just now. Two break points for

Gael Monfils. And now the crowd tries to lift their man.

That mistake gives it away again to Gael Monfils, who closes in on this

second set. STUDIO: Monfils will be serving 42-0

lead in a moment. We have seen the crowds, they are fanning themselves

on Centre Court. It is so hot here. It is 28 degrees in the shade, and

it's very humid as well. Out on court number three, the match

between Quang Martin Del Potro and Ernests Gulbis, they have stopped

playing for over 23 minutes, because two spectators have fainted in the

crowd. There is no wind or breeze that gets into these roles shaped

courts. One has been taken from the court, and another spectator is

being treated courtside at the moment. The players are just looting

and warming up. It's been 23 minutes of play since the last point. --

just hitting and warming up. It looks as though maybe they will be

ready to resume play. That's what's been happening on court number three

on this very hot day at Wimbledon. Such frustration for Kyle Edmund,

having broken back a couple of games ago. Now it ebbs away again. How

does he get himself out of trouble here? He had made a good effort to

get that break back. Serving at 4-4, it's important you do a good job

limiting the unforced errors. With his best shot, his forehand, he made

three mistakes in that game and really gifted Monfils the

opportunity to serve 42-0 lead. -- to serve for a 2-0 lead. Given this

kind of heat, that is a long way back.

The Frenchman looks very focused now.

He'll want to keep his focus if he wants to progress in the tournament.

Doesn't want to be wasting unnecessary energy out here on a hot

day. What a game to close it out! Gael

Monfils motoring along. Two sets up and, if Kyle Edmund is going to have

to do it, it will have to be coming from two sets down. A feeling in the

centre could crowd now that they know the way this match is going.

It's by no means a done deal, but it's amazing how quickly that set

slipped away from Kyle Edmund. Ten minutes ago, he was on the verge of

a comeback, he had broken back, and all of a sudden on 4-4, the energy

went away. Three unforced errors on your best shot! That has nothing to

do with the form but his attitude. There is something wrong about how

he does this. Is first serve percentage was dropping all the time

towards the end. The statistics for Gael Monfils are

phenomenal. On that last game, he wasn't exactly just rolling them in.

As you say, did Gael Monfils win that set or did Kyle Edmund lose it?

You feel, at 4-4, the critical point, he really didn't deliver.

There is a first for anything. I know we have spoken about never

coming back from 2-0 sets down, but why don't you start today with

changing the record? He just has to take it one game at a time and try

and build himself back into the match. When Boris asked you about

your comebacks from 2-0 down, so many of them, what were you

thinking, I must do something different? It depends a bit on how

you feel you've been playing and the matchup with your opponent. You have

to take it one set, one game at a time. At 2-0 sets down, it seems a

long way back. You have to have that belief. As you say, something that

Edmund hasn't achieved yet, but there is no better place to start in

on the Centre Court at Wimbledon. A few cries of support and

encouragement for Kyle Edmund. He needs all the support he can get.

And you have nothing to lose so you might as well change your strategy.

Running around your backhand and only hitting forehands got him two

sets to love down so he might as well mix it up. The worst thing that

can happen is you lose. That's better. I mean it is evident

to me that with such a big forehand, Edmund has to get more comfortable

at the net, and he sets up so many opportunities when he can move

forward and finish the point. It's the fourth time he has been to this

net in the match. And that's not enough. It's not enough on any

surface, let alone the grass court. Number four in that unwanted

category for Kyle Edmund. He starts the set well. As Tim was

saying, it's a long way back. You just have to focus on the next game

and take small steps, and eventually see if you can find your way back on

that long journey. And I bet that this gentleman, who won two Grand

Slams, Forshaw came back many times from two sets to love because it's a

different attitude, a different approach. You have to wind -- win

when you're not playing well. You have to dig deep and find something

within you. Monfils takes an awful lot of time on changeovers, it is

within the rules. Just watching Monfils on the replay. I'm going to

use the force, why not! Wide from Edmund. Enjoyed himself

there, Gael Monfils. I thought for all the world he was going to go

crosscourt here, Edmund. Edmund watches the hand of

acknowledgement, knew that he was beaten by the lob. Oh! No one likes

a show off! He's a great entertainer though, and the Centre Court loved

it. How high was that jump! Damn! Michael Jordan like. Michael Jordan

would have got it over the net. Still, don't stop doing that, Gael

Monfils. We love you for it. One of the true characters in the men's

game. The laughter stops now from Monfils.

He's going to challenge this. Maybe a first double fault of the match,

and it is. So the fun and frivolity stops as we move to 30-30.

And that's the problem with it, that you pay the price for losing

concentration. We have the break point here for a game that seemed to

be over 30-0. This time he has the touch and he

has the break. Monfils the great entertainer, but Edmund breakthrough

at the start of this third set. And that very long road back is just a

little bit shorter now. What a game because it has so much, and Monfils

was cruising and smiling and entertaining the crowd and it

suddenly went away from him. It certainly did and I would just like

to see a little bit more of a reaction from Edmund. He's got the

break early in the third and his almost apologetic with the last

volley. Edmund gave Monfils a couple of

donations at 4-40 in the second set and you feel that Monfils returned

the favour in that last service game, 30-0 up.

I'm not totally crazy with the server motion of Kyle Edmund. He's

tall, he has got long arms and I don't feel he's really reaching out

to the ball as some of the other great servers do. It's not the most

natural motion. 40 degrees out there in the sun, we

are told. And very few players go through an

entire match without their levels to ping but Monfils has certainly got

away with it for a moment. -- without their levels dipping.

It's good, so Monfils gets a long look at the line but Edmund backs up

that break. Done well to hold onto his serve

after getting the break opportunity from Monfils, and again it is small

steps, one step at a time to try to work his way through this third set

and get into a fourth set. Then perhaps the pressure will be a

little more on Monfils. Always a fascinating player to watch, this

was a couple of games ago. He just decided to have a little guests at

the way the ball was going. This was the smash which was great to watch.

Basketball is actually his favourite sport, but he was all smiles after

it. Have you ever seen this guy dance? He looks like a professional

dancer. I saw him at a tournament two weeks ago, everyone was circling

around and he put a move on, I tell you. In so many things he's talented

as well as tennis. They had a dance off at Roland Garros and there were

some impressive moves. Were you involved in that? Unfortunately I

couldn't be there. Cleared your diary for it. He did seem to drift

off in the last couple of games, but as you said, Boris, don't ever

change. We like to watch it. You never know what you will get from

Gael Monfils. Yes, and some people criticise him and say he could have

won more tournaments. His very successful tennis player, a wealthy

man so you cannot knock him for doing that.

Suddenly you get a second wind, you start to feel a bit fresher.

And the crowd has certainly perked up as well. The level of play has

picked up a little bit. Who said Kyle Edmund could not hit

that shot aggressively? I didn't! After an hour and 46 minutes, it was

worth the wait. Another good one. UMPIRE: The ball

was called out... It was the line judge, the umpire and effectively

Monfils who thought it was long but Edmund has decided to go to

Hawk-Eye. UMPIRE: Mr Edmund has two challenges

remaining. That one too easy for Kyle Edmund,

Monfils just laid it back in court and he dearly loves a double break.

He knows that one break to be good against Monfils is still fragile

lead. 132 mph. Edmund appreciated that, at my edit

at least and Monfils holds. -- admired it at least. How was your

dancing, Boris? My dancing was exceptional. OK, we will get other

people's verdict. And why was it exceptional? After a new hip should

I continue? That explains it. Finally, what about your dancing,

Cotter? You don't dance, never? That is nonsense for show-offs. Not for a

small fee? Most other players would have really

been and upset after missing such an easy point, and Monfils just turn

around, goes back and keeps his cool in these hot conditions.

I think they are a little bit too reserved, they need to stand up and

cheer for their man, do something. A mistake from Edmund and suddenly

the pressure right back on, two break points for Gael Monfils.

It is wild, loose, gone again for Kyle Edmund and Gael Monfils breaks

back. To and fro of this match goes on. Frustrating for Edmund, when you

are taking chances and going for big forehands, you will miss from time

to time but it seems like when one error comes the second and third

follow in quick succession. And again to drop serve as he did as

well at 4-4 in the second set, three unforced errors.

A very accomplished coach, he's wondering whether Dan can come on

court and give him some advice. A phone call has been put in. Send for

Dan. As far as I know, coaching is not allowed yet. Not even if it's

the head coach at all England? Everybody could ask for Dan, Dan the

man. He wasn't too far away from the double break, Kyle Edmund, and we

suspected he would need that insurance and lo and behold Gael

Monfils breaks back. This isn't a permanent coaching setup, we don't

know yet, but after leaving Ryan Jones recently he hasn't got that

firmly established coaching setup to really roar for him or give him that

encouragement. They might not feel comfortable in that role, if it's a

transitional one. And a nice way for Edmund to start

the Monfils service game. Neither player entirely comfortable

on serve at the moment. Time for a change.

A change of racket required, just puts halt on the flow of Edmund in

this game. I'm not saying that's why he's done it, but... Well spotted!

That racket is working a bit better. 134, the fastest of the match. It

was a magic racket will stop but all within the rules. If you don't like

your racket, you are allowed to change it.

Interesting that Kyle Edmund took a moment to himself there, wins the

point, break point once more for Kyle Edmund. Disappears in a flash

of white. The Frenchman plays with a lot of

conviction. Serving wise, and now he really controls now the tempo. More

training in Miami required. When is the point. I don't think

Monfils was expecting that serve to come back. The fastest of the match,

Edmund is still challenging this game, and it's been again where

Monfils has served well. Again, the return of the very

highest quality. The beautiful exchange now. Both players are

rising to the occasion. Good tennis. Not quite. A bit of running for no

return. So the hold for Gael Monfils and the

break point disappears for Edmund. A good game, one of the more

entertaining ones in the match. The crowd enjoying it. It is 2-0 to Gael

Monfils, but it's been a close match.

Gael used the whole court, and again interacting with the crowd. They

liked it. So in a straight sprint, Boris, who do you think is the

fastest guy on the tour? Monfils has got to be in there, hasn't he?

Certainly. Young from America, I watched him yesterday with Nadal

playing, he's very quick as well. Brilliant, Monfils, every inch of

the Centre Court used, and Edmund in trouble again.

Did not move his legs at all. Did you say he was a good dancer?

Because that was awful. There was no music playing!

Challenge from Kyle Edmund, sort of half a challenge, half a frustrated

wave of the arm. I think the coaching box of Gael Monfils know

that this is good. I think perhaps Edmund does as well. Just points

like that where Monfils shows he's got an extra gear. He celebrates

before the ball lands, and Gael Monfils is closing in on a place in

the third round. SUE BARKER: four games in a row for

Gael Monfils. We will be back on centre in just a moment but we will

tell you what's happening elsewhere, and this was just a short time ago

over on Court Number One with Novak Djokovic cruising through in an hour

and a half against Adam Pavlasek. If anyone was worried about the form of

Novak Djokovic, have no fears any more. He looked right back to his

best. He started building his confidence last week in Eastbourne

and seemed to be hitting the ball very sweetly indeed. The three-time

champion is into the next round here at Wimbledon. And Zverev has come

through a real battle against his opponent. They both were struggling,

with the trainer on court. No wonder that took a while, look at the

length of the rallies they were having. So Zverev is through. And we

can update you on progress of Radwanska, she lost the first set to

the unseeded Christina McHale. She such a tough competitor, she will be

fighting her way back into this. That match is currently over on BBC

Two. And over on Court three, look at this, this man in real trouble.

Martin Del porte trop two sets to love and a break of serve Gulbis.

Down to -- a break of serve down to Gulbis.

The winner of that match goes through to face Novak Djokovic. That

is what is happening elsewhere. Back we go.

A couple of aces to start this game for Gael Monfils. Edmund has broken

the Frenchman a couple of times, but he'll have to do so again.

There is no way over Monfils, with a shot of that height.

Nothing at all for Edmund. Monfils romps through a service game.

A cloud over Centre Court now, befitting. I think everybody senses

the end is nigh, Doris. Whenever the top guys see the finish line, they

increase the level, pushing a bit more.

It is because he wanted to do that. A bit casual from Monfils, but

beautifully put away. That's a thing of beauty in slow motion. A

different player and he was in the first set. The first couple of

games, both players were tentative, and all of a sudden, he shows his

true colours. He doesn't want his stay on Centre

Court to be over just yet. Monfils again sort of abandoning

things towards the end. Edmund still fighting.

He looks a broken man, Monfils, but it is an illusion.

At the very least, Edmund can force Monfils to serve for this match.

Absolutely. It's a whole other ball game.

And so he does. He asked a further question of Gael Monfils. Kyle

Edmund holds. So, if Monfils is to go through,

what do we make of him for a contender for deeper in the

tournament? He is always entertaining to watch. Perhaps

doesn't quite have the level of consistency of the very best? That's

right. He's worked hard in that area to be more consistent and, where you

see him in the draw, to play Mannarino, that's a pretty good

opportunity. He could potentially play Djokovic in the fourth round. I

see him winning the next one, if he comes through this, but I'm not

necessarily sure he's going to progress much further. He is 15 in

the world, after all. His ranking says he's supposed to go to the

fourth round. He will meet one of the highest seeds in that case,

Novak. Their head-to-head record is a bit one-sided, if I may say so.

But it's good to see the Frenchman playing like this, with a lot of

passion and enthusiasm. Obviously, he still has to serve it

out. Rod Laver watching on with the rest

from the royal box, and perhaps about to watch the final game in

this match, as Gael Monfils, the number 15 seed, serves for a place

in the next round. UMPIRE: Mr Edmonds is challenging

the call. The ball was called out. Couldn't criticise Edmund for

holding back. Perhaps not much time for Kyle

Edmund. And it's good. A great forehand

brings up three match points. To the net it goes, and into the

third round goes Gael Monfils. He has entertained again, and he has

entered the dreams on Centre Court of Kyle Edmund. -- he has ended.

It's Gael Monfils who moves through to round three with a straight sets

win over the British number two. And most of the crowd will have wanted

Kyle Edmund to win, but I am sure plenty will be delighted to see Gael

Monfils go through, because he is one of the most popular characters,

and that was a comfortable win in the end. In the context of the

match, the first set was crucial. They both played some good tennis

but, at the important moments, Monfils had the extra gear to go up

to, and he was a deserving straight sets win over. You talk about

learning processes and things to experience and take for Kyle Edmund,

to move on, what can he take from this? It's an experience. He has won

a round at Wimbledon. The first time he's been out on Centre Court. But I

think he can improve. He is 50 in the world but I think, with the

weapons he's got, he needs to be more comfortable moving forward and

continue to improve his defensive skills. Probably, mentally, he needs

more belief in himself. Wood he doesn't want to leave for now but,

trainers in hand, he does that fostered a gift for somebody. I am

sure he will return to this place, but Gael Monfils, loving presence to

the crowd as well, and such a popular figure. Kyle Edmund

desperately wanted to be in the third round, but not to be. He

competed well and had his chances and breaks, but ultimately

outclassed by the better man. So on goes Gael Monfils to play either

Yuichi Sugita of Japan or Adrian Mannarino, another Frenchman.

Possibly a lost 16 meeting with Novak Djokovic, which would be a

different matter entirely. But he has done what was required for him

today. The number 15 seed is safely through in straight sets. Things

might have been different if Edmund had come through the tie-break in

the first set, but Monfils goes through. Congratulations. What

worked and hard-fought points. You must be delighted to have got that

done in straight sets. I think I played a good match today. I went

straight in and the first set was a tough battle and that was a big

moment in the match. Kyle tried to come back, but did you always feel

in control? I think I was pretty solid. He was playing at home, and

never easy to give up, but I think he could up a great fight. I was a

bit better than him. We were all a bit concerned about you in the first

set and you looked concerned about your need. I still have... But I fix

it with my team. I have heard you say in the past you haven't

previously been a big fan of grass, but surely the way you have been

playing in the run-up to this, you must be becoming more of a fan. Iron

I am just playing a bit better and I just try to understand a bit better

the game on grass. But I do what I can.

STUDIO: Very honest, but we are huge fans of years. One of the most

entertaining players. He plays shots that don't exist in the textbook, he

doesn't like grass, he doesn't like the movement on grass, but he is

certainly playing well at these championships and very well over the

last nine months. Gael Monfils winning on Centre Court. Lets get

some further reaction to it from Boris and Tim in the commentary box.

Tim, not a fan of the grass. You couldn't believe it, could you! He

looked so good out there. That's right, and his performances are

getting better. He won four matches at Eastbourne and now he is through

to the third round here. That has to help his feelings on grass. With the

way that he plays, he has big weapons. He can be very explosive

but he likes to defend a lot. He gets deep in the baseline. That

isn't easy on grass. Fingers crossed, he can enjoy himself,

because he did well today. It was hot out there. The first set was

crucial, and he was able to raise his level and come out on top. He is

wonderful to watch, but how difficult must it be in his mind

when he has so many different shots he can use to make the right choice

at the right time must remark it's always a struggle for everybody. He

likes to play a full game. He not only plays to win the point but it

have to be beautiful. He is famous for his smashes. Most of he picked

the right choices. That was so casual, that little one. He makes it

look so easy, and it isn't an easy game. That is part of his character.

He likes to have fun on the court. Most of it, it goes well. Sometimes,

it's borderline. In the third set, he lost his serve because he did a

short smash, but overall he stuck to his game plan paid a pretty solid

match. Bessbrook played a pretty solid match. What positive elements

can Kyle take from the match? I just want more from him. He is a good

player. I don't think he should be ranked 50. He should be knocking on

the door of the top 30 and then top 20, but there are still areas he can

add. He has such a big forehand, but if you can look to move forward and

finish points occasionally at the net, it will give them an extra

dimension and put a bit more about into his opponent's mind. Mentally,

his character on the court, I think he needs to express himself a bit

better, and I think that will help him with his overall belief, because

he is a very good player. I'd like to see him back at the champions

next year, definitely seeded and in the second week. I asked you what

positives he could take, not what he could improve! That is positive. If

I said he was out there and he had maximised his potential, that's as

good as he's got, that would be a little bit more disappointing. But,

for me, he is still scratching the surface. But I think he needs to

sort out his coaching situation. He needs a coaching team around him. He

has a couple of witnesses. He's only 22, a great guy, but he needs to

improve the quality of his tennis. -- a couple of witnesses. What would

a country doing, watching the horror of the first set tie-break? That is

what changed the match. -- what would a coach be doing. Whoever gets

ahead has the momentum, but with that first set, we thought whoever

won it would be in the driver seat, that's what happened. Kyle came back

in the third set, a break up, but he put everything into the first three

or four games and, afterwards, Gael Monfils got into fifth and sixth

gear. That is what great players do, they see the finish line and play a

bit and play even better. To be fair, Kyle Edmund is normally put in

that situation. That's right. I felt, when he made unforced errors,

there was a second and a third that followed. When you are in a

tie-break and every point is crucial, that's going to be

expensive. But he played a poor tie-break and I don't think we can

read into it any more. The conditions today, very hot out

there. You want to get your nose in front and be up a set. When Monfils

won the first set, you felt that was crucial. He is looming up towards

Novak Djokovic. Doesn't have a great head-to-head against Novak, but he

still got to get there. He is looking good on grass, even he's not

a fan. He mentioned earlier that he doesn't like grass, but he certainly

liked the last couple of games. He needs to be a bit more aggressive

and take more chances. He is a beast of an athlete, a freak of nature. I

want to see more of that. We all do! Thank you. Lets take a look at what

is happening around the grounds here on another very busy day of the

All-England championships. Agnieszka Radwanska, wow, she is in trouble.

This could be a big upset, the number nine seed, to Christina

McHale, who has never beaten her before. She is up in a second set

tie-break, but she is fighting hard, Radwanska. She has won that point.

Still a long way to go. That is on BBC Two. He was in real trouble when

we last looked in, Juan Martin Del Potro, and he is still two sets to

lob down and a break of serve down. You can see that match on the red

button and the BBC sport website. It's a warm day, 28 degrees in the

shade, around 40 degrees in the sun on some of the courts, and no wonder

some spectators are suffering and many people still on the hill

enjoying the tennis. No British victory on Centre Court today, but

there were many magnificent victories yesterday, including that

of Heather Watson, who was out on court. She put at the 18th seed,

Sevastova, 6-0, 6-4. Heather Watson, who did so well against Serena

Williams two years ago, is back in the third round yet again. She was

really in the doldrums a couple of months ago, but she got new coaches

and they have certainly restored some confidence. A big smile from

Heather yesterday and after the match she spoke to Claire.

Congratulations. Was that first set is close to perfect tennis as you

have played at Wimbledon? I'm not sure. I felt my first match was

similar. I got out of the blocks quickly in both and ran my bit. I

thought today I was pretty flawless in the first set and I felt great.

As the second set started, I expected her to raise the level,

which she did, and to chuck something different at me, so I was

pleased with how I stayed calm and kept my focus and didn't let that

affect me. Did you feel a different player? Do you feel you have taken a

step forward? I feel great within my game the last few weeks and months.

I've been putting in the work. I've got a new coaching team on board.

I'm in a good place and I'm happy and enjoying just working hard and

being on the practice court. Sue Barker, Sam Smith, Joe Drury,

everybody is saying you should be top 20. You have been top 40.

Obviously there is a big climb to make back. Do you feel it is

possible? Absolutely. I have beaten a lot of top 20 players in the last

couple weeks. I am playing really well. I've been on for a long time

now and I know how I'm playing. -- I've been on tour. I feel confident

and more experienced at a moment and like I know how take advantage of

playing well. Would it be fair to say you've never prepared for

Wimbledon as thoroughly as this year? I remember coming to Wimbledon

a couple of years ago and I was also in the semifinals of Eastbourne but,

like I said, I feel more experienced this time and I've played some

really tough opponents coming in, so I think that's prepared me as best

as I could be. You are in the third round, and you've been there before.

Victoria Azarenka awaits. What's your plan? That's a secret! But

also, I haven't made a plan yet! But she's a great player, very tough

opponent. With myself, I'm going to continue doing what I do with my

game and remain aggressive, but I'll be doing my research on her and

watching how she's been playing recently to come up with some good

tactics. If you made the fourth round, is there anything that you

said to your team that he would want them to do? Actually, one of my

coaches told me he said, Heather, I've got a good feeling, this was a

few days ago, if you make the fourth round, I'll shave my head. I said,

my goodness, Morgan, your girlfriend is going to kill you! You can shave

your legs. Finally the second week, he'll shave his legs. I love that!

And no celebrations planned at all until you get to a point that is the

furthest possible? Oh yeah, I'm in tournament mood right now. I haven't

even thought of celebrating anything. In my mind, there's

nothing to celebrate because I'm still in the tournament and I still

have another match the play. My focus is on getting through that

one. Good luck and well done. Every player need some motivation and to

get your coach to save his legs, yes, that'll do it! She takes on

Victoria Azarenka tomorrow. Back on Centre Court, we now await the

favourite for the ladies title, after the defeat of Petra Kvitova

yesterday, Karolina Pliskova. She has really been the player of 2017.

She's coming out to face Magdalena Rybarikova Slovakia. Most of the

crowd probably taken in a bit of shade, as it is so warm and humid at

Wimbledon, but they will be coming back to see this young lady, who has

been playing so well, especially on grass, winning at Eastbourne. She

had a new coach at the end of last year, Petra Kvitova's former coach,

and she has changed her serve and she has a better percentage as well.

Lets hear from the new favourite. Tell me how pleased you were with

your start to this year's Wimbledon tournament. I think I started pretty

solid, especially with my second appearance here. Amazing to play but

I was expecting a bit worse for me for the first round, but I held my

nerves pretty well. And the number three seed uses her way into the

second round. Has something turned in your game on grass? I've been

working on a few things but nothing specific. I'm hoping my game can be

good on the grass, especially with my serve and aggressive style, from

the baseline. Is it as much of a surprise to you as the experts that

you haven't been at the as you would have liked at Wimbledon in the past?

A little bit, but hopefully I have a good chance this year. I'm feeling

great and I believe I can go far. Looking at this year's tournament, a

lot of people are talking about how open it is. What is your view? I

think it's pretty open. There are few grass court specialists on this

tournament, so some of the girls are tough to play on grass, so every

tournament is different. I believe everybody has the chance to win. I'm

going to do my best to win. Another thing people are talking about is

the number one spot in the world. Is that in your thoughts or do you put

that out of your mind during the tournament? I'm not trying to focus

on these things because it would destroy my game. I just want to play

well on the court and what happens after, we'll see. We are all still

in the game, so it's going to be tough, but I believe if I go find

play well, I have a chance to be world number one. -- if I go far and

play well. Karolina Pliskova, she may well be a future world number

one. Dudi Sela on court number 12 has defeated John Isner, who threw

down 45 aces in the match. It wasn't enough. Dudi Sela 18 6-3 in the

final set. -- Dudi Sela 18. Five foot nine, defeating the sixth at

ten John Isner in three hours and 51 minutes. What a story. He is through

to face Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, the number 13 seed. What a match

they had out there. Huge drama on court 12. That's just happened we

are going straight to Centre Court. The match is just underway, so lets

join Tracy Austin and Andrew Castle. A boiling hot Centre Court. 20 of

humidity. The grass, I'm told by the man who looks after this court, he

says it's very, very stressed at the moment. It won't die, but it could

certainly will. It is playing fast and hard. -- it could certainly

wilt. Not quite. Karolina Pliskova, number three in the world in the

rankings, but this year, based on performances, this 25-year-old is

number one in the world. Stunning player. Recently a winner in

Eastbourne. And, when it comes to serving aces,

there is nobody better. 95 aces on tour this year. That is a leading

tour number, in the absence of Serena Williams. She is expecting

her first child. It's a wonderful, natural service motion.

This is a very difficult first round draw for the higher ranked player.

Magdalena Rybarikova, on the comeback trail. That was after two

separate sets of surgery that could have ended her career. She is also

very effective on grass. A bit of a treat for the women's draw,

second-round match. Pliskova versus Rybarikova, as

everybody starts to come back into Centre Court at the first sit down

after three games. Rybarikova from Slovakia, 87 in the world, but

really that's a triumph. She was 31 in 2013 but, earlier this year, she

was 453. Surgery kept her out of the game and she came out without any

expectations of getting anywhere near tentacled or winning

tournaments, and she has already won at Ilkley and Surbiton. -- anywhere

near Centre Court. This is a dangerous match for Pliskova.

For a couple of reasons. Rybarikova's game is suited to this

surface. The backhand is flat as well. Slice on herself. She's very

comfortable in the forecourt, throws in some drop shots, take the player

out of their rhythm. Like that. Pliskova likes the ball

right at the waist level time and time again. Rybarikova can get that

slice down low, hit one hard, then hit short, mix it up beautifully.

Her serve is missing by Miles at the moment. Evidence of nerves. Why not?

You're on Centre Court. Nicely done. The other reason

Rybarikova is dangerous is because she's playing with a lot of

confidence, she won four of those ITFs. Three on grass. 14 and one

already in this grass court season, that is a lot of grass court wins.

She only lost two Jo Konta in the semifinal at Nottingham.

These early stages are so difficult for those who haven't been on the

bigger stages. I'm thinking that Pliskova might not have played on

Centre Court, looking at all the people she's played, she's lost in

the second round the past four years here at Wimbledon, she's never

passed the second round. She was on Court One the other day. The first

round, only the second time she was on Court One. You're right, she has

much more experience deeper in slams. This Centre Court can be

awfully daunting when you come onto it.

Absolutely stunning, so few feel comfortable with the serve-volley on

the women's side. Rybarikova will mix that in sparingly.

Pliskova well aware of the variety that's going to come off the

Rybarikova's racket, so she was quick to that drop shots.

The world number one player this year, Karolina Pliskova, you very

rarely see her rushed, the production of her shot is

technically so sound. She never panics. We mentioned her Grand Slam

record. Until recently, last year's US Open, had been pretty average,

she never been beyond the third round of a Grand Slam event. She

made the final of that. Venus and Serena along the way, she had match

point against Venus in the fourth round.

I was there that day in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Venus Williams was playing

well, the crowd were completely fired up, such is the heroic status

of the Williams sisters, of course, in United States. And Pliskova took

it all, nobody had ever heard of her, not in New York City.

Rybarikova having to work awfully hard to hold the first service game,

serving three break points already. Pliskova has that great ability with

a first strike. Huge first serve. So effortless on the return as well.

Wouldn't it be nice to play tennis like this? I mean, there's just

never any drama. She just moves around the court with such control,

with poise. Reminds me of Martina Hingis, the way she nonchalantly

goes around picking the perfect shot.

Suite. So crafty. Phenomenal hands, well disguised. Heavy slice under

it. At the last second. What great movement! Both players.

The best match out here on Centre Court yesterday, despite the fact

Andy Murray was there, and Rafa Nadal field everybody in the

evening, the best match by far, in fact I think the best match, centre

all week was the women's match between Jo Konta and Donna Vekic.

It's possible this one will be the best match of today. Federer next.

If Rybarikova can keep it close. She's going to be thoroughly

exhausted, how long has this game been? Must be ten minutes. Six

deuce, break point said. Ten minutes and over, just to begin with. She

has to make Pliskova comfortable, that she is so easily in the

Rybarikova service games. Evidence of the matches she has

played. Reading the play. This is super stuff, isn't it? It'll please

her coach. Tremendous movement and anticipation. It was the right knee

that was surgically repaired last year along with the right wrist. For

seven months at the end of 2016, first month of year as well.

And it goes on! It's becoming absolutely vital, particularly for

the server, this first game. Absolutely vital that Rybarikova

wins it for her chances that's fine, anything up

there is good for Rybarikova. His coach has seen a lot of matches. In

Surbiton, just down the a three from here, just ten or 15 minutes away,

if the traffic is OK at the right time of day. Ilkley must be four or

five hours away, beautiful part of the world, Ilkley up in Yorkshire.

Eastbourne as well. And that absolutely wonderful, that is an

excellent first game to demonstrate what we could be in for here. Match

two on Centre Court. Nottingham, of course, the other event people could

have enjoyed. So much tennis leading up to this point. Centre Court for

Rybarikova, nothing that she could possibly have imagined when she came

back in February, so great to see her in this arena. There was really

nothing to lose in this match. Just needs to keep her hand drive.

There was an awful lot of work in that second game, had to serve 20

points. That is a career, that is a training session.

Rybarikova uses the whole court, I love watching someone always

thinking out there, different spins, different different paces. --

different lengths, different paces. A real contrast in styles. Pliskova

likes to hit very linear, through the court, but what she is added to

her game in the last 18 months, a nifty backhand slice that can get

her out of a bit of trouble on the backhand on the run.

Beautiful on the move. Great racket head speed from Rybarikova.

Second match on Centre Court. It's 4pm. The height of the temperature

expected today. No sign of the thunderstorms we had. This court has

to be prepared for 13 days of play for the Championships. Grant canton

is in charge of this. The surface temperature was taken between the

first match, Edmund and Monfils. It was 43 and a half degrees Celsius,

which is not really good progress. Without it taking a lot of water, it

would die within two or three days. And will wilt through the course of

today. The effect of it is to make this a very quick court, very high

bouncing. But the graph itself tonight will get an absolute soaking

and tomorrow morning the cover is going to come over, the roof will go

over the top and they will have the air conditioning on and try to save

the grass. So it'll play slightly different each day according to how

Grant treats his baby. Believe me, this is his baby, it's just a

beautiful, beautiful arena. Grass temperature 43.6 Celsius. The

hottest summer since 1976. 76, Tracey, that's right! High bouncing

grass, and the faster grass, the faster surface, will please Karolina

Pliskova. Six foot one for thing. The crowd coming back in here onto

Centre Court after the first match, taking refreshments. A big buzz in

the arena as people head back in. Federer after this. It is a

wonderful day here at the Championships. The crowd is being

called to order. You wouldn't exactly call them rowdy.

Perfect grass court shot. Heavy slice backhand approach. It stays so

low. Then moving forward. So tough to hit an accurate passing shot of

that. How much easier was that service

game? Exactly what she needed after the first contest that took over ten

minutes. Lovely hands, great control of the racket face. This is why I'm

so glad this match was put on Centre Court, it is really a testing match

for the woman who will serve now, Karolina Pliskova. 24 minutes played

and 2-2, this is certainly not going to be a one-sided contest. Looking

at these early stages. I think Rybarikova's forehand could

be smoother, as she goes to hit it she yanks up and muscle is it a bit.

-- muscles. Phil Brooke, the chairman. No rest

for the chairman, straight back out to watch the tennis. Just a little

bit of space between him and Jill, his wife. I'm sure their guests will

be back out. To watch the tennis in a few minutes time. This is one of

those tournaments where you don't miss whole swathes of matches, like

at the French Open, and I guess some of the other ones, the Tribune box

at the French was so empty for so much of the time this year.

Not many miscues this day from Pliskova, that is where her game has

shored up as well. The game is so much more contained. Consistent,

more accurate. She says the biggest improvement is more experience her

movement. Wonderful ball striking. It's what

we've seen all year. In fact for a couple of years from Karolina

Pliskova. There is a lot more to come from this second-round match.

STUDIO: She's in front but we always thought this would be a difficult

match for her because Rybarikova has certainly committed herself to the

grass court having won at Surbiton and Ilkley. So she's very used to

this surface by now. We'll be back on Centre Court in just a moment. A

lot to update you on. And upset another seed is out, Juan Martin Del

Potro has lost to Ernests Gulbis, who reinvented his game under the

watchful eye of his new coach. Another seed is out and Gulbis faces

Novak Djokovic in the next round, who won in straight sets as well.

Over on Court Number One another seed is in trouble, the eighth seed.

No great surprise the Dominic Thiem, because jewels seem on -- Gilles

Simon has taken the first set 7-5. He's in some trouble, though he has

a break point in the second set. That is the featured match on

button. On Court Two Radwanska is a break of serve in front in this

marathon battle against Christina McHale. That is on BBC Two. That is

what's happening elsewhere. Back we go.

COMMENTATOR: Day four of the championship and a second-round

match on Centre Court, the second of the day. Roger Federer is coming up

later on. We've had no thunderstorms and perhaps not expecting any at

this point. It's very, very hot. No breaks here, too- three.

Rybarikova seems to be looking for opportunities to move forward. Very

comfortable in the forecourt. I'm so enjoying this tennis, this is

leading up to what we thought it could be. -- this is living up. The

art of manoeuvring a ball around a court, not just teeing off on it.

The art of controlling your opponent by controlling the ball, it's all in

this match. The whole court. Pliskova made a lot of doubles last

year as well. At the finals in Singapore, I think that also added a

secondary shot, she feels more comfortable with half volleys, with

the overheads around the net. She actually missed one! Bridge

defence. Did you actually see Rybarikova sliding on the forehand

side? This was really great work. On the 15th shop, oddly enough,

Pliskova missed one. She never appears to be stressed or hurried on

that forehand. Such is her respect for the opponent, I think. She might

not be going for the line too much. Very good, interesting match.

Rybarikova, who's beaten Angelique Kerber in the past, who's beaten

Marion Bartoli and Simona Halep... She's not used to sharing the court

and beating the biggest names. After those two surgeries Tracy Austin was

telling you about, this is her on the comeback trail.

At Indian Wells she got all the way to the quarterfinals, that's when

she knew she had to do something about the pain in her wrist, she was

playing all year at tremendous pace every time she hit the two handed

backhand. It was the left wrist. The best serve in the women's game

in the absence of Serena Williams, who is off and expecting her first

child. This delivery very rarely breaks down. The most aces for the

third year in a row. It might be a little skewed, because

Serena doesn't play as much. Last year, Serena only played eight

tournaments. Let's just say that Pliskova's server is a real weapon,

as well as pace, she can hit to the different positions, different

spins. She can use the slider well. UMPIRE: New balls, please.

Interesting that Pliskova has never been beyond round two at Wimbledon.

In six appearances. She is one of eight Czech players in the draw, you

would have expected her to have had more success than she has had but

some people just come to it at a slightly different time. She is only

25 years of age and perhaps in the women's game, just as in the men's's

you don't have to be, as you work, 16 years old when you win your first

major championship. Is that what you wear when you won the US Open? When

you look back, visit crazy? My youngest child now 16 years old! It

seems like a different time to deal with all of the pressures and

expectations. But I think it was a benefit, because I was so young, I

was naive, I didn't know what was on the line. Just playing the ball.

Play the ball and execute the game plan. But then the light changes

that came after it for a young woman of 16, tough to handle? The injuries

came, I was able to win the US Open again at 18. You are supposed to go

to college first and then win majors, not the other way around. It

is amazing. Pliskova has certainly figured it out, in the last 18

months, her career has completely turned around. Better fitness,

better thinker on court. Mum and dad Federer in the Royal box, taking

their place after a little break from the first match. Gael Monfils

against Kyle Edmund. Roger is in action.

No. The new tennis ball flying a little bit and in these sorts of

conditions, hot and humid, the ball will fly even more, more difficult

to control. I wouldn't be surprised if they tighten up their string

tension in these hot conditions. Looking to make a few tweaks.

Thank you very much. Wow. Dismisses this 86 mph second serve right in

the wheelhouse. Such a clean ball striker, Pliskova. Beautiful pop.

Rybarikova, just 49% of her first serves in. She needs to get those

up. Pliskova getting a real read on the second serves.

That is good fortune indeed. Apologises, but takes the break

point. 40-30, an opportunity here. Plenty of opportunities already, of

course, in that first game, the marathon that Rybarikova served. She

saved four break points. Hit to a nice length, as well, and

it is the first break of serve, it has taken a while. The third seed,

the world number one player this year, takes the first set.

She is a magnificent player. Mind you, so can Rybarikova be, but what

a succession of hits. This rhythm, it is metronomic and it is right out

of the middle. Of course, the number one Czech

player for so long, Petra Kvitova, and she may be again, but Pliskova

very much the story. Of the coach who was with Petra

Kvitova and the journey that got there, now with Pliskova. Seems nice

and chirpy at the moment. He said he wasn't interested in coaching again

when he split with Petra and in December, when Pliskova split with

her former coach, she called him immediately and he said it was too

good an opportunity to pass up. That is away on the back and side,

as we take a good look at Karolina Pliskova in this third-round match,

the potential number one in this tournament. A lot of statistical

hoops to jump through to get her to the top spot in the world rankings.

In fact, I don't think she has to win the event of the world number

one but we will deal with that as we get there in the second week. Here

is a question for you, if she was to become world number one, women's

tennis would certainly like to see her win a major championship the

forehand. It would seem to be the right thing. When Caroline

Wozniacki, through consistency and wonderful play, got to world number

one, when Janka vitch do the same thing, the ranking system was

accused of being faulty because they hadn't won major championships. Can

you be world number one without being a major question -- without

winning a major? They tried to skew it. If you win a major now, you get

2,000 ranking points, so they tried to fix that but of course, we have

Serena Williams out on maternity leave and so many extenuating

circumstances and you have Angelique Kerber, who is number one in the

world this year, winning a tournament and she is in off. That

is why it is so interesting that we are talking about Karolina Pliskova

as the possible tournament favourite and yet she has never been past the

second round at Wimbledon. I can't remember Wimbledon, in the 40 years

I have been coming, where the woman's game is this wide open. That

is why we had the number 47 in the world win at the French Open, her

first title ever on tour. Victoria Azarenka is back and playing rather

well at the moment. That is a box office third-round match up with

Heather Watson that we are looking forward to. Pliskova, I must say,

has been the most consistent all year. She has won three titles,

Svitolina has won four, but they haven't been quite as big. She got

to the quarterfinals at the Australian, the semifinals at the

French, on her worst surface, on clay. She wouldn't like that surface

because her power get diffused. Magdalena Rybarikova has just hopped

out and has hopped back in. Always great to see Rod Laver. Now, this

man, as an amateur first, then as a professional, won all four Grand

Slam championships, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the

US in the same year. He did it twice, once as an amateur and once

as a professional and if you have never seen him play, I urge you,

whichever search engine you use, just stick in Rod Laver and it is

wonderful to watch and there is some lovely footage on their of him

playing byorn Borg. They were never at their height together but

watching them play and another few legends, there is footage, but

people will talk about him as one of the greatest or the greatest for

very good reason, he was a magnificent ball striker and his

backhand was beautiful. And he graced this court so many times, he

was the man. He was the Rafa, the Roger, the Novak and and a of his

day. And Ken Rosewall. They played 250 times. Rocket Rod Laver was able

to minute lead the racket, even though it was a heavy wooden racket,

he had some top-spin on his forehand, beautiful slice, great

Court coverage. And while we are talking Australian players, 30 years

ago, Pete Doolin beat Boris Becker, who was defending champion, on the

old number one court, who got to know very well college tennis and as

a professional and after the match, Boris said it wasn't a war, it was

just a tennis match. Pete Doohan has had his health issues recently and

he may be listening in in Australia, certainly his friends will be, but

his health hasn't been great and in the tennis family, we send our love

from Wimbledon down to Doohan in Australia.

So, settling in for set number two of match number two on day four of

Wimbledon. You see very little emotion from

Pliskova, you never really know what is going on in her mind.

Your first coach and the coach of many great champions, would

certainly appreciate the timing of this woman Pliskova. She has the

sort of swings of a pendulum. He would have approved. Absolutely,

just very clean strokes. Repeatable. Great balance, good

spacing. Spacing. It is critical, not too far away, not too closely.

Good footwork needed to make that adjustment, so you can hit it

cleanly. So Ribeiro Kerber, who brings this

great form on grass into this event -- Rybarikova. She won in Surbiton,

in Ilkley and she also bit Madison Brengle, who beat covet -- Petra

Kvitova. She brings great form onto this against Pliskova, who is by two

minutes the younger of twins, her sister is also a fine player inside

the top 40. I believe they have tattoos, but they are not matching.

She won't explain these once, she just had it done, I think. Just like

them. Just liked them, simple. I think their father has one as well.

I'd like to know who the coach was that taught them their serves. That

is someone that should be a coach. I want to know who did the inking.

Up-and-coming juniors, it is very simple.

I think that is what you want in technique, simple, so they don't

break down and if there are any extra hitches, that will cause a

problem, particularly in pressure situations, a tendency to get

nervous. A very repeatable swing path.

First double fault, right after you were talking about how marvellous

the action is. You are absolutely right, it is.

A little extra time before that serve.

Pliskova was asked about the possibility of becoming number one

and she won't talk about it, which I think is so smart. There is a long

way to go, just focusing on one match at a time. Said she doesn't

want to talk about her tatties, doesn't want to talk about her world

11 possibilities. -- her tattooeds. Just gets on with the job, drama

free and plays big matches so well. It is so refreshing.

There are so many women that have these great results and then they

have a hard time repeating them, living up to those expectations.

Pliskova hasn't changed and she got the US Open final and seems to be

handling it well. Still struggling with her first

service percentage, down to 42%. Look at this, though, wrong sport.

Just an overall good athlete. Trying to think of the finest Slovakian

footballer. Marek Hamsik of Napoli, I am told,

is the finest footballer from Slovakia. I'm not sure about the

source of that. Pliskova just looking so comfortable

out here on Centre Court, playing on this surface. At Eastbourne last

week as well. The elite level is still pretty new to her.

Very well controlled. Rybarikova down the line because she was pushed

on that backhand, she had to maintain racket head control and

this is why you train physically, just to maintain your base and come

through the ball. Pliskova ran around that second serve, really had

to be a winner and unreturnable. The job I Rybarikova. -- good job by

Rybarikova. It is fun to see a little variety.

The last time I can remember serve-volley on a consistent basis,

Mauresmo and Justine Henin in the final.

Honestly, this wonderful way she just rolls the ball around as if it

is easy to put pace on a ball which is kicking, because this second

serve had some work on it. Bit short, but she had is well within

the lines as well, so the whole effect is just to contain the

opposition the whole time. Plays the right shot.

SUE BARKER: We will be right back on Centre Court when play resumes but

we will just show you what is happening elsewhere and this is

Radwanska, who has come back, saving two match points against Christina

McHale in the second set to come through and when it 6-3 in the final

set. That is what she is famous for, such a tough competitor. Not the

best of years but maybe this is the start of something special. The

former finalist is through in three sets. On court at the moment,

Dominic Thiem is just preparing himself to come out and the serve

for the second set, having lost the first two Gilles Simon. That match

is currently over on BBC Two. Over on Court three, Muguruza, the

French Open champion last year, former finalist here, is 4-1 up in

her match against Wickmayer of Belgium. That matches on the red

button if you want to watch it. Wickmayer, coached by Kim Clijsters.

And over on Court number 12, Tomas Berdych. Seven years ago it was when

he was in the final. He is up against the American Ryan Harrison

and it is going the Czech's way. That match is on the BBC sport

website. We will keep you up-to-date with how they progress, but let's go

back to Centre Court right now. ANDREW CASTLE: Are nice and full

crowd here, everybody after the first match disappearing, perhaps

having a little look around, taking a break and having a drink and back

in and intently watching this one now.

TRACY AUSTIN: That last shot has improved because she has played more

doubles, Pliskova. She made it look so easy, swinging so freely with her

arms. That is a line all. She had to face

one of her own at the other end. She just faced it so well, she kept the

face parallel and just lifted it back up, then turned the rally round

and hit the baseline herself. And it stopped. That subtle, but it demands

great hands. It goes without saying that the

players are treated beautifully at this Championships. There is an area

that only the players can go into. Not telling you any state secrets

when I say they have a hairdresser in there, Novak Djokovic is often

seen in there. They have a nail bar, may land hairdresser. I went and had

a little clip myself. It's really amazing what is provided by this

tournament now. It is. Several Wooding on the player 's desk does a

fantastic job. There was a kid 's outing to an animal farm today.

Players children. How about the food? The food is

excellent, it really is! Gluten-free for those who need that. That

completely died. Pliskova was there, then all of a sudden... It's amazing

there's just been one break this entire match. That eighth game

Pliskova was able to break through. Rybarikova, 87 in the world. She's

held her own very well. Tremendous patience from Pliskova to

build point. Second or third shot of the rally she could have come in and

taken the ball out of the air. Think how ominous it would be if she

started doing that more often. More trouble for Rybarikova. Break point

down after a long rally. Still puffing.

That is away. That is pressure telling. Pliskova has broken

through. STUDIO: And we'll be right back on Centre Court in a moment,

couple of match points to bring you. Another seed has gone, the 12th seed

of France has lost 6-4 in the third and final set. The American had

never beaten her opponent until today, what a tournament to do it

in. There were concerns about the court in the opening few games, both

players slipping. They were told by the umpire to carry on. I wouldn't

dare say it is a bit risky out there. But Alison Rybarikova has

gone through! Upset in yet another seed at this tournament. Mannarino

ever France has come through in his match against Sugita of Japan.

Controversy here because he was docked a point earlier for pushing

past a ball boy at the change of ends. He argued his case but the

umpire said, no. He was docked a point for that incident. Anyway,

he's still gone through and will face Gael Monfils in the next round.

That is the story is elsewhere. On this boiling hot Centre Court

where the grass was measured by the Centre Court boss, the supervisor

for this court, at 43 Celsius. We carry on a set and a break.

The effect on the grass of these temperatures is to make it wilt.

Left to its own devices and these temperatures over two or three days,

the grass can die. Bearing in mind there are 13 days of play out of 14,

Grant is going to soak this court tonight. Some American golf

tournament when it gets too hot and the Greens get baked and the grass

starts dying, they can water it, but they can't water a grass court

because it's going to make it too slippery for the players in the next

match. Little bit of her own medicine, the

backhand slice stays low and just stops. Rybarikova needed one more

step. She's played a lot of matches and

been in a lot of close situations in Ilkley and in Surbiton. In

Nottingham as well. All those matches where she is having to fight

so hard here. Taking that opportunity to get to break point.

First time today. And that's away. She has broken

back. And that is courageous stuff. Back on serve. All this talk of

stressed grass courts needing water, which they are going to get tonight

and tomorrow morning, the Canoe Lake people at Southsea have treated me,

any mention the Southsea Trophy played last week? We had women

ranked in the top 70 playing in a refurbished public car park. OK,

I've done that. Played down at Southsea many times, in fact, the

Maureen Connolly cup, I don't know if you are involved in that, it was

played last week under the under 18 's. I think it under 20 ones.

America won. Emily Appleton beat the world number two and three. That was

all down in Southsea. At least when I was involved, as a player and a

coach one time as well. Rybarikova hanging around

beautifully. She lost that first set, just one break. So close here.

Such small margins on grass. Matches can turn very quickly.

Beautifully done by Rybarikova. Gets up to this ball inside the baseline

and hits it on the rise. Beautiful angle.

She's done very well to win two games in a row, it could easily have

gone away. When you've played as many matches as she has done, you

are match tough and there's no substitute for it. Absolutely,

believe in yourself, that you have problem solved in the past different

situations, you've been down in matches, you didn't feel as

comfortable as you would have liked on certain strokes. Just kept

plugging away. And that is where there's so much more instinct in

certain situations, because you have no doubt about what shots to play at

certain times. If you bring a play forward, they come back from injury,

just play matches. If you want to learn about your game to strength,

your weakness, how to get the job done, you have to play. Practice.

Practice is one thing, but playing is irreplaceable. There are players

like even Heather Watson, they play some challengers, start to win

groups of matches, four, five, six, it's so helpful for the confidence.

There is only one winner every week. It's a lot of losers.

No thunderstorms today, as predicted. Roger Federer coming up

on this Centre Court, as we enjoyed match to come back on serve, second

set. Ace number five to match her opponent. Karolina Pliskova. Number

three in the world. Number one this year. No one has had a better year

than her points wise. Just exquisite from Rybarikova. I

recognised the situation she was in, couldn't hit the ball with a lot of

pace, so dumps its low and Pliskova makes her move. Finishes with the

volley. Grass court execution. Rybarikova very far back for this

return. Gave herself more time. Really tough for Rybarikova to know

which serve to defend, look at the direction of service and it's just

about even. Up the T and out wide. Some respite from the bright

sunshine, particularly for those in the East stand. As we stretch past

five o'clock this afternoon. Louise saying it's too late because

she feels like Rybarikova got the signal from the support camp as to

whether to challenge or not. Really? I like that. I'm not sure umpires

are firm enough with that. It should be an immediate challenge without

help. The first meeting between these two

surprisingly enough. The 28-year-old serve Rybarikova and the 25-year-old

Karolina Pliskova. -- 28-year-old Serb.

Also a little surprising because it's Rybarikova's tenth main draw

appearance here at Wimbledon, she's only got past the first round once

here, back in 2015. She made it to the third round. An odd lack of

return for somebody who looks very well-suited to the grass.

She's a wonderful player, Rybarikova, which is why we're very

pleased to see her on this stage against one of the stars of the

tournament. A great big towel full of ice, by the way, to keep the body

temperature down. She comes into this match with very little to lose,

really. Surgery on her left wrist and right knee. Sound advice coming

from the screen. The busiest part of Wimbledon today are the bottle

filling stations, the queues are snaking around as people fill up

with free water. Free water! I object to paying for water anyway,

frankly, Tracy. Your Californian so you probably don't. You're all

healthy. I like the stuff that comes out of the tap, London water is

brilliant. I think it's just fine. You don't bother, you will drink out

of a tap? Absolutely, no problem with it whatsoever. With a drought

in California we had big problems with our water situation. There will

be no problem here tonight, this court will be getting an absolute

soaking this evening and tomorrow morning. They'll put the cover back

on the air conditioning back on, and give the grass a chance. It is a

living tennis court, which is why they are so silly and so expensive

to look after, but they're just so beautiful to play on.

So accurate with the serve, within six inches off the lines. Again, if

you have a tendency to hit up the T all the time, you probably can sit

on that. Pliskova can hit all the corners.

Rybarikova has done a lot of roadwork today.

It's a slicing ball, it's deep, it's going away on the forehand side.

Rybarikova was right to come in. Look at this, no great drama there.

It's a simple stroke. That is beautiful. Balance all the way

through. If you drew a picture, or a line where the head was, it would

stay the same. The head level would not drop, she

doesn't dip into her ground strokes, she doesn't pull out of ground

strokes. How about the way she keeps her head

up on her serve? Really extends up. Never worked with her as a young

junior. -- whoever worked with her as a young junior should be

applauded, it's so important to get technique right from the beginning.

Rather than trying to fix things. After an hour and a half just under

an Centre Court, the least Rybarikova is going to get out of

this is a tie-break, which is no more than she deserves because she

was a set and a break down and bravely broke back. I'm desperately

trying to find out who Pliskova's first coach was and I cannot find

out who it is, otherwise I would, they would tell you, I would

certainly name them and give them credit. The point you made about

learning technique young and playing matches, learning technique

particularly underserved, such a technical aspect, it is vital. At

what age is it too late? Probably 12 or 13. If you put the wrong

technique in, it is really difficult to unwind. It is, there are so many

moving parts to the serve. I think the simplicity of Pliskova's strokes

is why they are so, as I said before, repeatable. They don't break

down. Under pressure. On the golf tour, they will often say, like Jim

Furyk, you would never choose to did somebody that but he's been

repeating it for some 25 years and getting great success. It is that

monotony to it, metronomic. If you can rely on it under pressure, that

is everything. Trouble here. Second double fault of

the match for Pliskova. When you get a second serve and the

first isn't whizzing past you, to get into the point you have to get

back in play, at this stage in particular.

Because that is right around the corner. You have no play to get in

the point. Ropes, double fault and a missed

volley. Brings the score to 30-30. Rybarikova is a clean hit or smart

play away from having set point. No, no, no. Feet stopped moving. It

is nerves. And credit to Rybarikova, who was absolutely steaming across

to that side of sending the message, if you don't hit it well, I am after

you, I will get it. So Rybarikova, puts that back and out of shot, she

is running quickly. There she is and I think it had an affect on the

stroke. It is just as important to be able

to produce a big serve when it is important.