Day three began almost identical to day two with rain holding up play and matches suspended. Two rain delays irritated players and fans as the afternoon finally bought sunshine.
Alexie Popyrin kicked off the campaign for Australia on Court 7 as he faced Switzerland’s Dominic Stricker.
It was always looking like a strong matchup with Stricker ultimately pulling clear in five sets.
The inclement weather forced play to be suspended twice which appeared to play into Stricker’s favour taking the second and third sets with relative ease.
Popyrin was challenged by Stricker who was strong across the court and was able to stifle the Aussie during the middle part of the match.
Popyrin was able to take the fourth before Stricker pulled off a terrific final set performance to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Daria Saville was another Australian to go down on day three as she fell to Katie Boulter in straight sets.
It was a tight battle in the first set on day two before rain delayed play for 24-hours.
Boulter was able to capitalise in the first set tie break however, Saville was unable to stick with her in the second as Boulter dashed away to win 7-6(4), 6-2.
Meanwhile, Jordan Thompson was the headline act for Australia.
Up against defending champion Novak Djokovic on centre court, the odds were heavily stacked against the Australian, but Thompson produced a thrilling performance, pushing Djokovic and making the second seed look uncomfortable.
Thompson had never previously played against the Serbian with centre court also a new experience for the 29-year-old.
“A couple of points I was just thinking wow, this is amazing,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to be out there (centre court) as a kid, and I think everyone does.”
Thompson was dominant with his serve as he dished out 21 aces for the match, but Djokovic as he so often does played with skilful polish working Thompson around the court.
Thompson challenged Djokovic right through to the final point as the seven-time Wimbledon champion won 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-5.
Aussies to feature on day four after matches were suspended at the end of play include Alex de Minaur who leads Kimmer Coppejans two sets to one, Jason Kubler who also leads two sets to one against Ugo Humbert as well as Chris O’Connell who leads two sets to love against Hamad Medjedovic.
Aleksander Vukic will also feature against Quentin Halys in the second round of The Championships.
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