Taylor Fritz won the second set with an amazing diving shot in the tiebreak. Brit Alastair Gray–and the crowd–thought Gray had won the point so turned and celebrated (see embedded Tweet below).
British wild card Alastair Gray was trying to make the third round in his first Wimbledon main draw. The Brit had been leading in the second set, but was unable to serve it out. Fritz leveled the match back up and then we headed to a tiebreak.
The American made a brilliant start to the breaker, storming out to what appeared to be unassailable lead. Gray played some excellent points to get within three points of Fritz. The 11th seed and the Brit then got involved in a super rally.
Gray, and the whole crowd on Court 12 thought that the Brit won the next point. The Brit hit an amazing volley that appeared impossible to get. However, the American reached the shot and hit it back over the net. Gray, having thought he won the point, had turned his back and celebrated–only to then realize that Fritz actually returned the shot and won the set.
Everyone thought the point was finished… apart from @Taylor_Fritz97!
Absolutely OUTSTANDING 😮 pic.twitter.com/2cxvbx53uW
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2022
Never turn your back until you are sure the point is over. Gray, in his first Wimbledon, had the crowd on his side, as is the case with any Brit playing in this Grand Slam. Unfortunately, the Brit went on to lose the final set. Gray, though, can hold his head high, having made the second round. With no ranking points to worry about, if he enters next year with either a wild card or on ranking he already has the experience of playing at Wimbledon now.
Taylor Fritz will advance to the third round for the second straight year, where he will face Slovakian Alex Molcan.
Main Photo from Getty.
