Struff pulls off Wimbledon upset: Reaches last 16 for the first time after victory over Medvedev

The second set was also a closely contested duel over long stretches, only decided in the tiebreak. Struff led throughout the tiebreak and won the set 7:5, including with a thunderous volley to take it.

Energy after deficit

In the third set, the match initially appeared to swing away from him: Struff quickly fell behind 1:3 and later 1:4 as well as 2:5, after Medvedev had broken again to go up 2:5. But suddenly Struff raised his level, winning game after game, and claimed a spectacular break back with bold shots to make it 4:5.

At 2:5, the match seemed decided against Struff, but the 36-year-old found new reserves of energy, as if a bolt of energy had struck from out of nowhere. Point by point he fought his way back and closed out the third set 7:5.

With the win, the player from the Sauerland region, who lives in Warstein, has reached the last 16 at Church Road for the first time – and thus further than ever before at the grass Major. Struff also now has the chance to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time in his career.

Next opponent: Hurkacz

Waiting in the last 16 is the Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who had made headlines at Wimbledon in 2021 with a run to the semifinals. Back then, he defeated eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, taking the third set 6-0 – it was the Swiss player's final match at the London grass tournament. Currently ranked 96th in the world, Hurkacz is regarded as a strong server and particularly dangerous on grass.

Struff and Hurkacz have met four times so far, with the head-to-head even at two wins apiece. The last meeting, however, is more than two years ago. Struff nevertheless warned of his upcoming opponent: „Er war jetzt, glaube ich, mit einer Knieverletzung ein bisschen raus. Davor war er ein brutal gefährlicher Spieler, vor allem auch auf Rasen".

Family missing in London

For his run to the Wimbledon last 16, the 36-year-old paid not just a sporting but also a personal price. His family was unable to join him in London this week. „Es sei ja Schule und wegen der Schulpflicht nicht möglich, dass die Familie problemlos unter der Woche in London dabei sei", said Struff. „Sie hat das erst Spiel geguckt, das zweite musste sie gleichzeitig in den Flieger einsteigen, zu Hause sind die Kinder".

The German hopes his loved ones can be there on Sunday – but another commitment already looms: „Es ist erst mal morgen Kita-Fest", he explained with a view to the day after the match. „Es ist alles gut und alles okay so, wie es ist gerade. Ich freue mich, wenn ich sie wiedersehe. Wir haben jetzt gerade noch gefacetimed, haben ein bisschen gesprochen".

Struff, who became a father in 2019 and 2022, is ranked 74th in the world. His victory over Medvedev is not just a personal milestone but also a statement for German men's tennis at a Grand Slam tournament this season. In Hurkacz, he now faces an opponent who has already proven his class on grass – and is likely to provide Struff with another tough test.