British duo Andy Murray and James Ward in Wimbledon action on Saturday
Saturday 4 July 2015 22:48, UK
At this stage of the tournament, Andy Murray is usually the only British man left standing. This time, though, he's joined in the third round by James Ward making it the first time since 2002 that two British men have made it this far.
Murray will play 25th-seeded Andreas Seppi in the last match on Centre Court, while Ward takes on his good friend Vasek Pospisil on Court One.
Murray's consistency against lesser opponents is impressive given the 28-year-old has reached 17 consecutive grand slam quarter-finals.
He will be confident of avoiding an upset against Seppi too, after winning their last six encounters without dropping a set.
"I expect a tough match," Murray said. "He made the final in Halle two weeks ago and he beat Roger (Federer) in Australia, so he's a very dangerous opponent.
"It's going to be an extremely difficult match to win."
I expect a tough match. He made the final in Halle two weeks ago and he beat Roger (Federer) in Australia, so he's a very dangerous opponent.
Seppi knocked Federer out of the Australian Open in January but his only win over the British star came back in 2006 in their first meeting.
The 31-year-old Seppi has reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam on four occasions - at the 2012 French Open, 2013 Australian Open and Wimbledon and this year's Australian Open.
Londoner Ward blasted past rising Czech star Jiri Vesely to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, finally cracking the world's top 100 rankings aged 28.
The big Arsenal fan has excelled in Davis Cup team matches, even toppling power-serving world No 17 John Isner as Great Britain defeated the United States earlier this year, but struggled to replicate that success on the men's tour.
Ward has already banked £77,000 from his exploits in south west London and his provisional ranking has already tipped number 87, securing him automatic qualification for the US Open later this year.
He now faces a tricky but eminently winnable clash against world No 56 Pospisil, with a place in Wimbledon's last 16 at stake.
And Ward says he hopes he can take some of the pressure off 2013 champion and the British No 1 as he goes for his second title at the grass-court Grand Slam.
"It's always good to help, if that's what he needs," said Ward. "(Murray) deals with it great. It's a new thing for me, so we'll just deal with it as it comes. ... It's great for British tennis and it's great for everyone involved that more people are winning matches and doing well."
Federer in action
Seven-time champion Roger Federer will also be aiming to reach the fourth round.
Federer bids to extend his 18-match winning streak against Australian opponents at Grand Slams when he takes on big-serving Sam Groth in the opening match on Centre Court.
The 33-year-old Swiss beat Groth, the world No 69, in straight sets at last year's US Open.
Groth is bidding to make the fourth round at a major for the first time and join compatriot Nick Kyrgios in the second week.
Sixth seeded Czech Tomas Berdych faces Spain's Pablo Andujar while Gael Monfils takes on fellow Frenchman Gilles Simon in what should be an entertaining encounter.
John Isner's suspended five-set match against US Open champion Marin Cilic will resume on Court One. The match was tied at 10-10 in the fifth set on Friday before being suspended because of darkness.
American Isner, who beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the longest match in history, an 11 hour five minute epic in the first round of Wimbledon in 2010, will be hoping to avoid a similar scoreline.
Kvitova looking strong
In the women's draw, defending champion Petra Kvitova, who has only dropped three games, faces Serb 28th seed Jelena Jankovic.
Kvitova has a 4-2 lead over Jankovic but the two have never met at a Grand Slam.
Fifth seed Caroline Wozniacki faces Camila Giorgi trailing 2-1 in their career meetings. Giorgi defeated the Dane at the 2013 US Open.
Sky Sports pundit Barry Cowan has provided Sky Bet with his predictions for the day here.
