LONDON (AFP) – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic share top billing on ‘Manic Monday’ at Wimbledon with teenage sensation Coco Gauff.
Eight-time champion Federer, four-time winner Djokovic and Nadal, a double champion, all play last 16 ties against opponents who have never before progressed this far.
Federer, the second seed, tackles Italy’s world number 20 Matteo Berrettini in what will be the Swiss great’s record 17th fourth round appearance at the All England Club.
Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010, also has an unexpected opponent in the shape of world number 69 Joao Sousa, the first Portuguese player to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Nadal has a 2-0 career advantage over the 30-year-old Sousa, with both wins coming on clay.
“He’s a super dangerous opponent against everybody. He is very quick, has a very good physical performance,’’ said Nadal, looking to back up his 12th Roland Garros title with a third Wimbledon.
Djokovic insists he will not be complacent about his chances of reaching the final for the sixth time.
The highest seed that the world number one can face before the final is number 15 Milos Raonic, the 2016 runner-up from Canada.
In the women’s fourth round, 15-year-old Gauff must overcome former number one Simona Halep.
“I feel like I’ve always been confident in myself,’’ said 313-ranked qualifier Gauff who shocked five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round.
Seven-time champion Serena Williams believes her teenage compatriot could go the whole way.
