Hard Day's Knight? Sir Andy Murray takes on toughest test so far as he dreams of Wimbledon fairytale return from injury but slips twice during first set of the match
Sir Andy Murray is taking on his toughest test so far as he dreams of a Wimbledon fairytale return from injury - but slips twice during the first rally of the match.
The three-time Grand Slam winner is taking on Denis Shapovalov as his delighted supporters - including his wife Kim and mother Judy - watch on from the crowd.
Shouts of 'come on Andy' rang out Murray took to the court, two days after his nail-biting second round match win against German opponent Oscar Otte.
But, just minutes into the game, the player completely lost his footing and was sent tumbling to the floor.
Slips on the water-soaked court have been a key feature of this year's tournament, which critics have dubbed the wettest Wimbledon in a decade.
Moments later, Murray fell again and was forced to change his shoes mid match.
And it appears court conditions may be throwing the British great off, as Shapovalov resisted Murray's fightback from 4-1 down to win the first set this evening.
Shapovalov took the second set too, as both men pause play while the roof comes over Centre Court. The move may act in UK fans' favour tonight, as Murray has not lost a single set with the roof on this tournament.
Just minutes into the game, Andy Murray completely lost his footing and was sent tumbling to the floor
Moments later, Murray fell again and was forced to change his shoes mid match
It appears court conditions may be throwing the British great off, as Shapovalov resisted Murray's fightback from 4-1 down to win the first set this evening
Shapovalov took the second set too, as both men pause play while the roof comes over Centre Court. The move may act in UK fans' favour tonight, as Murray has not lost a single set with the roof on this tournament
His wife Kim looked concerned as her husband - who has a history of injuries - fell twice
Shouts of 'come on Andy' rang out Murray took to the court, two days after his nail-biting second round match win against German opponent Oscar Otte. Pictured: Kim in the crowd
Denis Shapovalov in action during his gentleman's singles third round match against Murray
Notably absent from the crowd (pictured behind Murray) was Kate Middleton, a regular fixture at Wimbledon due to her role as patron of the Lawn Tennis Association
Murray shouted as he fell to the ground. US tennis superstar Serena Williams was forced to retire when she fell over on Centre Court and appeared to hurt her ankle earlier this week
Murray lost his footing as he went to hit the ball. His right leg appears to have slipped out from under him, sending him tumbling
Murray signaled at the umpire after he fell. Wet courts have been a permanent feature of this year's Wimbledon
Murray was seen shouting during his third round match against Canada's Denis Shapovalov
Murray's wife Kim was seen cheering during the nail-biting match in Wimbledon today
His mother Judy - who was a few seats from Kim - punched the air with excitement
Murray looked downcast during the match. Shapovalov resisted Murray's fightback from 4-1 down to win the first set this evening
The falls were no-doubt tense for Murray's team, following years of groin and hip injury issues that saw him take a four-year break from Wimbledon before hip surgery.
Notably absent from the crowd was Kate Middleton, a regular fixture at Wimbledon due to her role as patron of the Lawn Tennis Association.
She cut a polished figure as she arrived earlier today in a £795 Alessandra Rich skirt, £675 Mulberry handbag, white Jimmy Choo heels and a tailored jacket by Canadian brand Smythe.
But it appears she left before Murray - whose match was pushed back due to previous fixtures running on - took to the court.
Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori, John Isner and Bianca Andreescu have all slipped on the court this year.
US tennis superstar Serena Williams was forced to retire when she fell over on Centre Court and appeared to hurt her ankle earlier this week.
Following his second fall, Murray changed shoes to give himself a better grip
The falls were no-doubt tense for Murray's team, following years of groin and hip injury issues that saw him take a four-year break from Wimbledon before hip surgery
The three-time Grand Slam winner is taking on Denis Shapovalov as his delighted supporters - including his wife Kim and mother Judy - watch on from the crowd
Kim Murray is spoken to by a Wimbledon official as she is seated in the stands at Wimbledon
Andy Murray's mother Judy also attended today's match. She watched on from the stands
Shouts of 'come on Andy' rang out Murray took to the court, two days after his nail-biting second round match win against German opponent Oscar Otte
Murray's wife Kim watched from the crowd as her tennis star husband took on Shapovalov today.
She donned a green shirt-style dress and dark shades as she cheered from the stands.
The wet court did not hold Murray back on Wednesday, when he came back from two sets down to triumph against German opponent Oscar Otte and win his second round match.
Following his second slip, Murray called out to chair umpire Aurelie Torte, telling the official the court was 'so dangerous'.