The eight-time Wimbledon champions Roger Federer had a scratchy start to the tournament as he had a lucky escape against France’s Adrian Mannarino. Federer was down by 2-1 but then bounced back in the fourth set before the Frenchman was forced to retire out.
Federer was not at the top of his game in the first Round but shrugged off any doubt as to why he is still a solid contender for the title when he defeated his French rival Richard Gasquet in straight sets by 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 6-4 on Thursday. Federer was at his best and his confidence was back where it always has been in his glorious career.
The Swiss Maestro had to sweat hard in the opening set as Gasquet was able to hold his serve. However, Federer completely dominated the tiebreaker as he won by 7-1 and from there on it was just one-way traffic.
Federer was able to get an early break in the second game of the second set and thrashed Gasquet in the second set by 6-1. The Swiss was able to get one more break in the third set and had no issues in completing his win in 1 hour and 51 minutes.
Federer was pleased with his performance after the game.
“I know Richard really well,” said Federer. “We’ve played so many times against each other. It’s always a pleasure playing against him. He’s got the most wonderful backhand… It was a wonderful match for me. I was really happy with my performance today. A tough first set and a great second set. I was just a little bit better in the third. I’m very, very happy, of course.
“It’s not the most important to feel your absolute best in the first and second rounds. What you don’t want to do is go out. Because then you’ve got to really look at everything and question yourself. I’m not there. I’m in the third round, I’m really happy with my level right now. Today was special, so I’m very happy with that.”
Federer also became the oldest player to reach the third round of Wimbledon in the last 46 years after Australia’s Ken Rosewell. Furthermore, Federer overtook Sererna Williams in an elite record as he now has 367 wins in Grand slams whereas Williams has 365.
Federer will face Cameron Norrie in the third round of Wimbledon.
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