Tumbles, tears and a true trailblazer as Wimbledon serves up drama

Miraculous return

A heartwarming story was to be found in seeing big-serving American Taylor Fritz turning up for his first-round match.

Those who had seen the 23-year-old exiting the French Open a month ago in a wheelchair would not have placed money on that being the case.

Wearing a black knee-support stocking was a small price to pay for a quick operation to have him fighting fit for the tournament.

"I'm positive this is the quickest anyone has ever returned to actual professional competition from this surgery," said Fritz.

He lasted a week and eventually bowed out in four sets to fourth-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the third round.

AFP