Roger Federer was the defending champion and top seed, but lost in the quarterfinals to Anderson despite leading by two sets and having a match point in the third set.[6]Rafael Nadal and Federer were in contention for theworld No. 1 singles ranking; Nadal retained the top ranking by reaching the fourth round.
Roger Federer was the defending champion and top seed. Federer andRafael Nadal were in contention for theATP No. 1 ranking at the start of the tournament. Former champion and local favouriteAndy Murray announced on the day before the tournament began that he was pulling out because he was not fully recovered fromhip surgery. His place was taken by "lucky loser"Jason Jung.[7]
2017 finalist and no. 3 seedMarin Čilić went out in the second round of the tournament, defeated byGuido Pella of Argentina. Čilić had been two sets up when rain stopped play, but had difficulty coping with the conditions after play was resumed, and complained to the umpire about the state of the grass. The following morning, when they returned to continue the match, Pella won in five sets.[8]
Feliciano López made his 66th consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearance, surpassingthe previous record of 65 consecutive appearances he jointly held with Federer. López was defeated in the second round by no 5 seedJuan Martín del Potro.[9]
Anderson became the first man representing South Africa to reach the Wimbledon men's singles final sinceBrian Norton in1921 (South African-bornKevin Curren represented the United States when he was a finalist in1985).[12] Anderson held a total of five set points in the third set of the championship match, but was unable to force a fourth set.[13]