"Shock of the day": Georgian tennis star defeats world top 16 player at Wimbledon

Georgia’s number one tennis player is moving on to the third round of the prestigious Wimbledon tournament after defeating a Spanish opponent today who is ranked more than 100 places higher.

Nikoloz Basilashvili, 23, beat Feliciano Lopez, 33, in today's qualification match 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Basilashvili was regarded as the underdog of the game and this victory saw the Georgian earn 90 ranking points.

The victory was described as sensational, as Lopez was 15th seed in the tournament and the 16th best singles player in world's top 100 rankings while Basilashvili was ranked 153rd, as of June 26, 2015.

"Shock of the day" reads the headline of this news on the Wimbledon tournament's official live blog.

Screenshot from the Wimbledon official live blog. 

By winning, the Georgian tennis star gained 90 ranking points, ensuring him the high possibility of entering the world’s top 100 singles players list.

Looking ahead Basilashvili will meet Spanish player Roberto Bautista Agut, 27, in the third round on Saturday, July 4. Agut is ranked 22nd in world rankings. 

Georgia's Prime Minister offered Basilashvili a special message of congratulations after his impressive victory at Wimbledon. 

This is a very important success for the young tennis player. I wish him a lot of victories to Georgia’s credit,” said PM Irakli Garibashvili in his message, published by the PM's press office today. 

Earlier this year Basilashvili claimed his second ATP Challenger Tour crown at the Electra Israel Open.