Play for day three kicked off with qualifier Rinky Hijikata up against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi. Nothing between these two as Hijikata rattled through the first set tie break, 7-0. Arnaldi was still looking strong and didn’t make it easy for his opponent. Neck and neck all the way through the second set, but Hijikata called on his first set success to pull off the same feat once again, beating Arnaldi 9-7 in the second set tie break, to see off the Italian and book a place in the quarter finals.

The crowd then welcomed 2014 Champion Grigor Dimitrov onto court alongside America’s Sebastian Korda for their second-round duel. Dimitrov to open the serving and get his first game of the day secured. A break back for the American who clinched the first set 6-4. Previous champion, Dimitrov knows what it takes and dug deep to pull back a set, winning the second 6-3 and levelling the tie. Game for game in the final, deciding set but it was Korda who broke late on and edged it with a 7-5 win in the third, to secure his spot in the quarter finals.

With the crowd sufficiently warmed up, we welcomed Andy Murray to the court to face Jordan Thompson. The Aussie broke early to go 4-1 up, and unfortunately that would be the only action Murray would manage before retiring with a back injury after receiving treatment. Wishing our five-time champ a speedy recovery.

Last up, battle of the big hitters – Fritz vs. Raonic. Fourth seed Fritz, with his first quarter final place at Queen’s up for grabs. Yet another tie break with nothing between the two until Fritz held his nerve to take it 7-5. Into the second set we went with some fantastic serves and equally impressive returns. Fritz seemed to unlock the key to the Raonic serve – return as tight to the line as possible! Mustering all his strength to hold off Raonic, Fritz got the break to take the second and final set 6-4 and confirm his quarter final place.
 
See you all for Day Four!