Roman Safiullin was reduced to tears after clinching a landmark victory over Joao Fonseca at Wimbledon, with his wife Liudmyla Smolanova also visibly emotional in the stands. The Russian dispatched his Brazilian opponent in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, to potentially set up a fourth-round clash with Novak Djokovic.
Emotional On-Court Interview
Safiullin's on-court interview had to be paused as he became overwhelmed with emotion. He had been candid about his concerns over returning to this level following a difficult period battling injuries, and it was evident just how significant the latest triumph was to him.
"After the US Open I had to stop to treat my injury. That time was super tough," he said. "Even half a year ago I didn't know if I'd be able to be back. I didn't know. I'm super happy to be back here."
Wife's Reaction
During the match, Smolanova found herself unable to watch during a crucial moment. When the cameras panned to her at the conclusion of the victory, she was also in tears, moved by her husband's achievement.
Road to Victory
Safiullin had navigated two gruelling five-set encounters before taking on teenage sensation Fonseca. He stunned No. 12 seed Andrey Rublev in the opening round, then was extended to the distance against Botic van de Zandschulp, requiring a final set 10-point tie-break in both contests.
He requires just one more victory to equal his best showing at Wimbledon, a quarter-final appearance in 2023. His next challenger will be the victor of the Centre Court showdown between former champion Novak Djokovic and French contender Arthur Rinderknech.
Injury Struggles
Safiullin was sitting inside the top 40 of the ATP rankings back in January 2024, but has since dropped outside the top 100 following a torrid spell with injuries. His heartfelt remarks come fewer than 48 hours after fellow injury victim and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios hinted that he may have played his last match at SW19.
"Towards the end, just looking around and taking everything in, it was tough," Kyrgios said after he and doubles partner Alexander Bublik were beaten in the first round. "I just feel body-wise and everything, it'd be hard to see myself coming back here again and competing. What's the point at that point? You go from making finals of Grand Slams to struggling to play multiple singles matches, so who knows?"
