Angelique Kerber handed out kisses: After a marathon match, the winner of 2018 Alexander Zverev, who came to Wimbledon with fresh hopes, followed into the third round.

Zverev joked on Thursday in a convincing 7: 5, 6: 2, 6: 3 against the American Tennys Sandgren, Kerber then toiled in what she saw as an "unbelievable match" over 3:18 hours to 7: 5, 5: 7, 6: 4 against the uncomfortable Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Either way, the two German stars enjoyed each other and the British tennis fans on place number two.

For Andrea Petkovic, the end came in the second round.

The former top ten player from Darmstadt lost 5-7, 4-6 against French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova from the Czech Republic.

This Friday, Dominik Koepfer wants to reach the second round in a Grand Slam tournament for the second time after the 2019 US Open.

A tough opponent awaits Koepfer in number eight seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

Kerber fights "extraordinary battle"

Kerber, on the other hand, is looking forward to a day of rest before the 33-year-old reaches the world rankings 100 on Saturday. Alexandra Sasnovich from Belarus faces. "I'm relieved that I won the match, it was a big fight for us," said Kerber, who was seeded at number 25. It was clear to her early on that “this is one of the best matches I've had in recent months. I have the feeling that I can still do it. "

Kerber was challenged against Sorribes Tormo from the start, both delivered a “sensational match” and an “extraordinary battle”, as the broadcaster BBC found.

The strong-running Spaniard forced the North German into many long rallies, if the former number one could pull through her left-handed basic strokes, she had an advantage.

But Sorribes Tormo fought, caught up 2: 4 in the second round, fended off a match point at 4: 5 and forced a third set.

With her tried and tested fighting skills and also thanks to a lucky net scooter to 5-2, Kerber finally wrestled the 24-year-olds in an emotional duel.

Zverev wins without any problems

It was pretty relaxed at Zverev.

“I'm on the right track, but it was only a second lap.

The next few games will say more, ”he emphasized.

“The top guys always raise their level in the second week.

There are opponents who don't let me play so well, in these moments I have to improve. "

On Saturday, Taylor Fritz, the next American, is waiting for the sixth in the world rankings, who then wants to make it into the last 16 of the Grand Slam tournament for the second time since 2017.

However, Zverev has a lot more plans: The 24-year-old wants to play for the title on the legendary grass pitches.

Against the world number 68.

Sandgren had no problems with Zverev after a balanced initial phase and won after 1:45 hours.

At lunchtime he also had a lot of fun with the fans, some of whom were also allowed in Wimbledon - and they with him.

"British fans have a good sense of humor," said Zverev.

"I enjoy interacting with the fans, these things are also very good for sport."

Petkovic worried her defeat against Krejcikova because she was equal over long stretches - except in the crucial moments.

“That annoys me that I can't find the balance between playing aggressively and safely.

If I can do that, I can take the next step again to defeat the best - otherwise it's not enough, ”said the 33-year-old.