Argentina’s Guido Pella pulled off a major upset on Friday knocking 2018 Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson out in the third round in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
The 29-year-old Argentinian, who will play in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, was in control from the outset and a fine performance was summed up in an astonishing point at 5-4 in the tie-break.
The duo exchanged several volleys at the net before the 26th seed put it away, sinking to his knees and letting out a roar of delight.
He served out the match to send the fourth seeded South African packing and will play 2016 finalist Milos Raonic for a place in the quarter-finals.
The only South African hope at the All England Club is Raven Klaasen after he and his New Zealand doubles partner Michael Venus reached the third round.
The other South African at the event, Lloyd Harris lost in both the singles and doubles in the first round.
Wimbledon results on Friday (x denotes seeding):
Men
3rd rd
Milos Raonic (CAN x15) bt Reilly Opelka (USA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-2, 6-1
Benoît Paire (FRA x28) bt Jiri Vesely (CZE) 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2)
Guido Pella (ARG x26) bt Kevin Anderson (RSA x4) 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)
Women
3rd rd
Elina Svitolina (UKR x8) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE x31) 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2
Zhang Shuai (CHN) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x14) 6-4, 6-2
