Dodig, Martic into Wimbledon Round 3

Ivan Dodig and Petra Martic both won their second round matches at Wimbledon on Thursday to secure a 3rd round berth and a chance at putting a Croat into week two of the tournament. In addition, the singles juniors tournaments begin on Saturday, with #2 girls seed Ana Konjuh, and #8 boys seed Borna Coric competing. Donna Vekic, Dodig, and Darija Jurak are also participlatin in the mixed doubles tournament which began on Thursday. Vekic and Jurak play on Saturday, with Dodig’s match scheduled for Sunday. 

Ivan Dodig was victorious in the second round over American youngster Denis Kudla, defeating him in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(4), 7-5. Ivan’s serve was very impressive, with 24 aces to Kudla’s 3. Ivan will play #64 Igor Sijsling in the third round on Saturday. Igor upset #15 Milos Raonic to reach this stage. A win for Ivan would make Wimbledon 2013 his most successful Grand Slam to date. It would also move him back into the top 40 for the first time since January 2012. Ivan has had success on the doubles side of things at the All England Club. His 12th seeded pairing with Marcelo Melo has advanced to the round of 16, with two straight set victories. In mixed doubles, Ivan will play with Marina Erakovic of New Zealand. 

In Petra Martic’s second round match, she defeated #77 Karolina Pliskova in two sets, 7-6(5), 6-1. A win in her next match against #72 Tsvetana Pironkova would tie her best career Grand Slam performance. The two will meet on Saturday, with Petra playing her second round doubles match later in the day.