Wimbledon Smashtalk: All eyes on Pliskova

You never know what can happen at a Grand Slam – and Wimbledon’s day three certainly proved that. A title favourite was bundled out and randomly, insects became the most talked about topic of the day.

What did the #Smashtalk team make of it all? Paul Moore, Vivienne Christie and Leigh Rogers share their views…

Who was the biggest winner on day three?

Paul Moore: There were a couple of big wins today, but I think Kei Nishikori might well be the most relieved seed left standing. Nobody wanted to play Sergiy Stakhovsky, Kei did, and got the better of him. A big result for the up-and-down Japanese superstar.

Vivienne Christie: Yes, Qiang Wang had never been past the first round and yes, Venus Williams, in her 20^th Wimbledon, is a five-time champion. But I still rate Venus’ come-from-behind win over the world No.50 as a notable feat under difficult personal circumstances. Plus there was this milestone: now 83-14 at the All England Club, Venus has now surpassed Serena for most main draws among current women.

Leigh Rogers: Johanna Konta. The British hope survived a fierce challenge from Croatian Donna Vekic to score her first win on Centre Court and reach the third round for the first time. The stakes were high and the way she handled the pressure confirmed she is a legitimate title contender.

READ MORE: Brilliant Brits advance

Who was the biggest loser on day three?

PM: Those pesky flying ants. Sure, the ants weren’t invited to the party, but they came and duly got squashed, swallowed and walloped. What’s more, for a brief moment they made the pristine grounds of the All England Club look decidedly like someone’s back garden. Losers.

VC: You’d hardly call Petra Kvitova a “big loser” in her three-set loss to Madison Brengle. It was a huge feat for the returning Czech simply to compete here. At the same time, you have to note that a story we all desperately craved – a solid run from the fan favourite – has suffered.

LR: Daniil Medvedev. The young Russian was the story of day one with his upset of No.5 seed Stan Wawrinka. He created headlines again on day three – but this time for all the wrong reasons. Bizarrely throwing coins at the umpire after a five-set loss to Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans only unnecessarily tarnished his growing profile.

SAY WHAT: Best quotes from Wimbledon day three

What is the must-watch match of day four?

PM: If you’ve got a bucket of popcorn (or glass of Pimms) check out Marcos Baghdatis v Grigor Dimitrov. Not only are they two of the nicest guys in tennis, they play with a style and charisma that few players can match. It’ll be a cracker.

VC: Karolina Pliskova is vying to become world No.1 at Wimbledon and Magdalena Rybarikova is the world No.87. But don’t be fooled by the contrasts; on the comeback from wrist and knee surgeries, Ryabrikova is 14-1 on grass this season. Their first career meeting could be a fascinating battle.

LR: Angelique Kerber v Kirsten Flipkens. The world No.1 against the world No.88 looks like a total mismatch on paper – but the reality is far different. Flipkens is a former Wimbledon semifinalist and pushed Kerber to three sets at the All England Club three years ago. This one shapes as another intriguing battle.

GALLERY: The best photos from Wimbledon

Which seed is going to struggle on day four?

PM: Caroline Wozniacki is in trouble. For 50 weeks of the year Tsvetana Pironkova can barely buy a win. Then Wimbledon rolls around and she turns it on. If the Bulgarian comes out swinging, Woz is in trouble.

VC: If there was ever a time for No.8 seed Dominic Thiem – aiming to reach Wimbledon’s third round for the first time – to be nervous, it’s against 2016 quarterfinalist Gilles Simon. The enduring Frenchman, now 32, loves settling in for a long battle.

LR: Karolina Pliskova should be wary of Magdalena Rybarikova, who has won two ITF grass tournaments and reached the Nottingham semifinals in the past month. Pliskova needs to dictate play and keep points short, or else Rybarikova’s variety could prove frustrating.

Do you agree or disagree with our panel? Have your say on Facebook and Twitter using #SmashTalk.