Amanda Anisimova survived a major scare to reach the third round of Wimbledon 2026, defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (3) in a tense three-set contest on Thursday. The sixth seed fired 20 aces, including three in the deciding tiebreak, to avoid an early exit. Anisimova had trailed 3-1 in the final set before recovering to defeat the 2020 Australian Open champion.

After comfortably taking the opening set, Anisimova lost momentum as Kenin fought back to force a decider. The former Wimbledon finalist struggled with frustration and even struck her racket against her leg during the tense final set. However, she recovered her composure, broke back in the sixth game and relied on her powerful serve to prevail in the deciding tiebreak. Anisimova will next face 26th-seeded American Madison Keys.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek enjoyed a far more comfortable passage into the third round, needing just 70 minutes to defeat 2021 Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova 6-1, 6-3. Swiatek, who defeated Anisimova in last year's final, will next face rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala, who recovered from a set down to beat Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.

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Former champion Elena Rybakina also advanced with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Caty McNally and will meet 25th seed Elise Mertens for a place in the last 16. In the men's draw, American Taylor Fritz continued his strong campaign by defeating compatriot Patrick Kypson 6-2, 6-2, 7-5, firing 19 aces to reach the third round without dropping a set.

Elsewhere, Frances Tiafoe overcame Jan Choinski 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2, while second seed Alexander Zverev and fifth seed Alex de Minaur recorded straight-set victories. Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini also progressed after defeating 20th seed Arthur Fils 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in an entertaining Centre Court contest.

Berrettini will next face wild-card entrant Grigor Dimitrov, who eliminated 15th seed Jakub Mensik in four sets. With several leading contenders advancing, the men's and women's draws are beginning to take shape as Wimbledon moves deeper into the opening week. Anisimova's narrow escape, however, provided one of Thursday's most dramatic moments as the American kept her hopes of another deep run at the All England Club alive.

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