The upset continues to come to Wimbledon. After losing to Cameron Norry on Tuesday, American Francis Tiafoe added his name to the list of disappointing performers following the upset first round.
Tiafoe lost the match in four sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, and 7-5.
Tiafoe got off to a decent start, winning their first set of 6-4. But he couldn’t keep up with that momentum. Tiafoe fell the next two sets against Norrie 6-4, 6-3, and was late in the match.
advertisement
With Tierfoe on the ropes, the Americans decide to take a long bathroom break before the fourth set. His absence remains longer than expected, with some accusing Tiafoe of trying to stop Nolly’s momentum. Tiafoe had left long enough that some sites accidentally listed the match after just three sets, and some wondered if Tierfoe had retired due to injuries.
That wasn’t the case. Tierfoe returned to court for the fourth set, and initially appeared to be revitalized when they resumed play. However, Nolly fought back again, taking a 4-3 lead on the set. Tiafoe again showed signs of life, making the next two games 5-4, but Nolly fought back to win the set.
Norri didn’t miss the opportunity to send Tiafoe packing. Britt won the next two games, winning the fourth set of 7-5, finishing the match.
Tiafoe is far from the biggest name to be eliminated early at Wimbledon this year. Several top seeds fell in the first round of the event, including Coco Gorff, Alexander Zverev and Jessica Pegra. Americans in particular struggled in 2025. Following the early exits of Gouf, Pegra and Tierfo, the sixth seed Madison Keys is the best American American who still stands on the women’s side. Taylor Fritz, seeded fifth, represents the highest American on the male side.
advertisement
It was an unfortunate loss for Tiafoe, and Tiafoe reached the third round with at least the third Wimbledon in the last four years. The losses are probably painful, but Nolly is far from a pushover. He had come to Wimbledon with Issue 61, but was ranked 18th in 2024 before plunging the rankings. Nolly has since been able to fight injuries and illnesses and explain his recent struggle.
If Nolly returns to formation, he can prove he is a tough opponent the rest of the way. Nolly was ranked 8th in 2022, showing her ability to play tennis at an elite level in the past. Tuesday’s victory over Tiafoe offered hope that Nolly could turn things around after his recent struggle.