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Roger Federer two sets to one down and under pressure before rallying to take it to a fifth set
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Eight-time Wimbledon winner admits he ‘was lucky’
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Frenchman injures knee at end of the fourth set and decides he cannot continue at start of deciding set
Sixth seed Roger Federer survived a massive scare against Adrian Mannarino before advancing to the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday when the Frenchman retired with a knee injury after slipping on court.
The match was poised at 6-4 6-7(3) 3-6 6-2 with the eight-times Wimbledon champion forcing a fifth set before Mannarino, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday on Tuesday, decided he could not continue.
Federer was serving with a 4-2 lead in the fourth set when the 41st-ranked Mannarino slipped while attempting a return and twisted his right knee.
The Frenchman received medical attention on Centre Court and limped back to complete the set before shaking hands with Federer, who now has a 7-0 head-to-head record against him.
Federer, at 39 the oldest man in the draw at this year’s grasscourt Grand Slam, will meet either Frenchman Richard Gasquet or Yuichi Sugita of Japan for a place in the third round.
Reuters
As it happened
05:58 PM
Federer speaks…”He was the better player, I was lucky.”
On Mannarino’s injury…
“It shows one shot can change a match, he was the better player I got lucky, I wish him all the best.”
On getting through…
“I didn’t want to win like this. But that’s how it goes. Of course I am happy I am in the next round – it was fun until the end.”
On getting back into the match in the fourth set…
“I tried to cut down on the length of points – he creates a lot of problems for players from the baseline. It was an up and down match.”
On Mannarino’s tactics…
“I had to adjust my game more than he did and that’s credit to him.”
05:53 PM
Mannarino concedes the match – Federer is through
That’s an unfortunate way to lose the match.
Mannarino was playing on one leg in that last game of the fourth set and he decides he cannot go on.
Federer was really made to work there and had the Frenchman not hurt his knee who knows what would have happened.
05:49 PM
FEDERER TAKES THE FOURTH SET 6-2
Mannarino is struggling to put any weight on his injured knee and his serving at 50 per cent. He opens with a double fault. He’s playing on one leg at the moment and Federer, unsurprisingly, takes the game and the set. The Swiss breaks to 15.
05:45 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 5-2 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
After that break Federer takes the game and he’s a game from taking the set.
05:44 PM
Mannarino is up and will continue
That is good news.
05:43 PM
There’s a medical time-out
As Mannarino is seen to.
BTW – England have just gone 2-0 up in the football…
05:41 PM
Mannarino takes a tumble
At 0-15 all on Federer’s serve Mannarino takes what looks like a nasty fall. He stays down and the physio is coming onto the court. He finally gets up gingerly and is seen to.
05:38 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 4-2 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
The tide looks like it’s turning as Federer gets to 0-30 and earns another break point at 30-40. A Mannarino ace – his first of the set – gets it to deuce and he makes no mistake from there.
05:32 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 4-1 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer has played some great range of shots this evening – he follows up and forehand down winner with a volleyed winner. It looks as though he has his rhythm back. It’s a comfortable hold – to 15.
05:30 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 3-1 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Mannarino is continuing to mix his shots up – he’s back on the scoreboard with an easy-enough service game. He holds to 15.
05:27 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 3-0 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
That’s much more like it from Federer on serve – he holds to love to back up the break. This match is topsy-turvy – if Federer can get it to a fifth set then his experience should tell…
05:24 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 2-0 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Federer has seemingly found his spark again – a fine winner down the line earns him a 0-30 advantage on Mannarino’s serve. He has some net cord luck to give him two very rare break points. He only needs one as he comes into the net after a drop shot and volleys deep to take the point and break Mannarino.
It’s a different match now.
05:21 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 1-0 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Mannarino had only taken one set off Federer in six matches before today – he’s now taken two in just over an hour and a half. He’s playing some great stuff and a lobbed winner leaves Federer scratching his head. He’s under pressure again on his serve at deuce. Mannarino’s confidence is sky high and he has another break point. Federer saves that, then plays a cute sliced backhand to get advantage. Then the point of the match – both men play some great groundstrokes from the baseline before Federer comes into the net and with his second volley wins the point and the game.
05:14 PM
MANNARINO TAKES THE THIRD SET 6-3 and leads 2-1
That’s the second set, and boy has Mannarino deserved it. He’s been so dominant on serve and a serve volley (sending Federer out wide with the serve) gives him a 2-1 lead.
05:10 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 3-5 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
There are times when you just have to sit back and applaud – Federer is under pressure but he still can conjure up magic – he’s running back to the baseline and in one fluid movement flicks a backhand over the head of Mannarino. Sublime. Federer holds.
The Frenchman is now serving for the set.
05:07 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 2-5 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
The variety and different speeds from Mannarino is keeping Federer guessing and the Swiss cannot settle. He’s now a game away from taking the second set.
05:04 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 2-4 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer is under pressure on his serve at 0-30 down. That soon becomes 0-40 and Mannarino has three break points – he’s converted one from six so far BUT now make that two. He breaks Federer to love. Mannarino is playing quality tennis and is aggressive on the returns.
05:01 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 2-3 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Mannarino is back on track with his serve as he, too, holds to love.
04:59 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 2-2 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
That break has galvinised Federer – he rushes to 40-0 up thanks to a drop shot, volley and then a backhand down the line. He holds to love in just over a minute.
04:56 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 1-2 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Federer is trying to change position and pick the Mannarino serve. He’s still moving well and covers the net well, volleying to get him to 15-30. He’s coming to the net more now – a change of tactics to get him back into this set? He finally gets a break point, thanks to his backhand, there’s a fist pump – he knows this is important to get back on level terms. Mannarino gets back to deuce but Federer earns another break point but a forehand into the net pegs it back to deuce. Another approach into the net – having used the whole court – gets him another break point. This time he makes no mistake with a bit of Vintage Fed – a stunning backhand pass down the line.
04:49 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-7, 0-2 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
This is becoming a real challenge for Federer. He’s down 15-40 in his serve, a wide forehand and Mannarino breaks.
Federer is struggling here – he needs to find something and quick.
04:46 PM
Federer* 6-4, 6-7, 0-1 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Federer has a battle on his hands now – Mannarino is serving first and has an opportunity get ahead in the third set. But a Federer forehand winner down the line rescues the game for him, from 40-15 down the Swiss is at deuce. A bit of luck – a net cord – gives the Frenchman advantage. Federer follows that with a sublime shot – on the run he plays a crosscourt forehand that nearly sends Mannarino into the crowd. Mannarino holds on just…
04:38 PM
MANNARINO TAKES SECOND SET 7-6 and it’s one set all
In his pomp Federer always said he had an extra gear for tiebreaks – his record backs that up. But he’s down 2-0 and up against it early on. Thanks, in part, to a helpful net cord that soon becomes a 4-1 deficit. A long forehand makes is 5-1 and Federer looks unsettled – he’s had four unforced errors on his forehand in this tiebreak – that’s very un- characteristic. A Federer ace gets it to 6-3 down…But Mannarino takes the TB 7-3.
The Mannarino serve was dominant that set – Federer hardly won a point in the Frenchman’s service games.
04:32 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-6 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Mannarino has been doing well with the serve out wide and coming in for the volley. He deploys that tactic well and gets to 40-0 up. But Federer gets his forehand into play and is back to 40-30. But Mannarino makes no mistake with the next point and it’s a second-set tiebreak.
04:27 PM
Federer 6-4, 6-5 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
A stunning drop shot (crosscourt) makes me look twice to check it was Mannarino and not Federer who played it. That helps the Frenchman get to 30-30. Federer then sends down an ace (out wide) and wins the game with a volley at the net. Easy does it.
04:24 PM
Federer* 6-4, 5-5 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
The Frenchman has been serving well this set, he’s got a box of tricks to go with his serve and he mixes up the pace and is enjoying himself out there. He holds to 15. Solid.
04:19 PM
Federer 6-4, 5-4 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer shows his delicate touch with a drop shot winner. He follows that up with a volleyed winner, backing up a a good first serve and a solid forehandl, and then an ace to help him hold to 15.
As with the first set Mannarino is serving to stay in the set.
04:17 PM
Federer* 6-4, 4-4 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Mannarino is winning 83 per cent of points when his first serve is in. That’s phenomenal – he holds to love – that’s 14 points in a row on his own serve…wow.
He needs to put Federer under pressure on his serve now…easier said than done.
04:14 PM
Federer 6-4, 4-3 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Both men are looking solid on their serves at the moment – when Federer finds his mojo on serve he is so accurate. He holds to 30. More scoreboard pressure from Federer.
04:11 PM
Federer* 6-4, 3-3 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Mannarino looks so casual and effortless at times – he races to a 40- 0 lead and then holds to love. That’s 10 points in a row on serve for him now.
04:09 PM
Federer 6-4, 3-2 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
A beautiful serve-volley (off a good return) shows that Federer is moving well and with confidence. That’s followed up by a long rally, great defence from Mannarino forces Federer into the error for 30-30. Then a long forehand gives the Frenchman his first break point since the opening game. Federer saves that – thanks to a long forehand from Mannarino – BUT a brilliant forehand winner gives the Frenchman another break point. A 101 mph second serve saves Federer and he then says ‘see you later’ to hold to 40 thanks to an ace.
This is tight (I know I’ve said it before, but just want to emphasise the point…)
04:02 PM
Federer* 6-4, 2-2 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Again Mannarino is trading backhands with Federer – you know you have confidence in that shot when you do that with the Swiss. The Frenchman holds to love for the first time after coming into the net 0 which he’s doing a more and more. He’s playing well.
03:59 PM
Federer 6-4, 2-1 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
It remains a tight match bar the break at the end of the first set. The Federer serve remains strong, he’s getting more first serves in and able to control the rallies as a result. He holds to 15.
03:55 PM
Federer* 6-4, 1-1 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
In year’s gone by this is when Federer, with the first set under his belt races away with matches. It’s important Mannarino can hold. He plays a fine forehand down the line winner. But Federer gets it to deuce and the Frenchman is under pressure once again on his serve. Another fine forehand winner after trading crosscourt backhands with Federer gets him advantage and he holds well.
03:49 PM
Federer 6-4, 1-0 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer is growing into this match – his serve is improving every service game and the swagger of old is showing signs of reappearing. He holds to 15 – that’s three games in a row for the Swiss now.
03:45 PM
FEDERER TAKES THE FIRST SET 6-4!!
Who doesn’t love a Federer backhand? (if you raised your hand then leave this blog immediately!!) He plays a delightful winner down the line to remind us that there’s never been a more elegant winner on Centre Court. Two points later he moves Mannarino around the court before coming in and playing a forehand winner on the run for two set points – exquisite.
A backhand crosscourt winner gives him the first set in 29 minutes.
03:41 PM
Federer 5-4 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer is only at 43 per cent with his first serves – that’s 20-30 or so below where he’s usually at. He’s not dominating the rallies as a result. But once again the Swiss holds impressively – this time to 15.
Mannarino is serving to stay in the set.
03:39 PM
Federer* 4-4 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
It’s raining the proverbial cats and and dogs in SW19 at the moment and the rain is audible on the 100 million pound roof (surely that amount of cash gets you silence?) Mannarino holds impressively. He’s been solid so far.
03:34 PM
Federer 4-3 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer is 39 but he moves around like a 19 yr old at times – he somehow (not sure exactly how) reaches a backhand wide which puts Mannarino on the back foot and sets up a volleyed winner on the run – so good. That’s his second love hold in a row – impressive stuff, but we shouldn’t be shocked.
03:32 PM
Federer* 3-3 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
Mannarino’s been a bit twitchy on his serve a double fault gives Federer the early advantage at 15-30 before the Frenchman send down two good first serves (out wide to the Federer backhand) helps him hold to 30. No one’s blinked so far.
03:28 PM
Is there a football match on?
03:27 PM
Federer 3-2 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
The eight-time champion is under less pressure on his serve than his opponent – he holds in just over a minute to love.
03:26 PM
Federer* 2-2 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
The match has been played mostly from the baseline so far – both men shadow boxing to some extent. Federer’s settled the quicker. Thanks to some errors from the Frenchman he’s up 15-40. But Mannarino is far from overawaed and comes into the net for a volleyed winner to make it deuce. He serves wide to hold to 40.
It’s tight out there – there have been seven break points so far but no breaks of serve.
03:20 PM
Federer 2-1 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer’s first serve wasn’t great in his first service game but here it’s looking good – he serves and ace to hold to 15 in double-quick time.
03:17 PM
Federer* 1-1 Mannarino (*denotes next server)
It’s Mannarino’s birthday (33 today -HURRAH! Happy birthday from Telegraph Towers…) He’s two break points down but summons the courage and skill to come back (coming into the net early on for a volleyed winner…) and eventually holds to 40. Impressive from the lefthanded birthday boy.
03:11 PM
Federer 1-0 Mannarino* (*denotes next server)
Federer serves first and gets off to a bit of a howler – a double fault making it 0-30. Mannarino then plays a brilliant forehand winner to get three break points, this wasn’t in the script… Federer saves the first, before Mannarino goes long with a backhand. The Swiss plays a blistering forehand to save the third – that’s more like it. Another fine forehand, this one a winner, helps him win five points on the bounce and he holds to 40.
A good solid start.
03:03 PM
Federer had some high-class help before the tournament
02:59 PM
Worried Fed fans can always take heart from the fact that…
…he, like Novak Djokovic, is unbeaten in grand slams this year.
The 20-times slam champions withdrew from the Australian Open at the start of this year, and pulled out of Roland Garros after his third-round win.
02:49 PM
Federer is back
So that is clearly worth some high-prod value social media posts…It’s the least Wimbledon could do…
02:43 PM
Barty has beaten Suarez Navarro in three sets
The score was 6-1, 6-7, 6-1, which means The Fed Express should be storming onto Centre Court in 20 minutes or so.
02:31 PM
We all know who Roger Federer is…
But who is Adrian Mannarino?
The Frenchman is world No.41 and reached a career high of 22 in early 2019. He has a good record on grass and his unorthodox style means he can be a tricky opponent. But he doesn’t have the weapons to worry the Swiss.
Prediction? If pushed, Federer in four (not saying straight sets as that will jinx it…)
02:21 PM
Adrian Mannarino’s last appearance on a grass court in London
Came just two weeks ago when the Frenchman played at Queen’s. He lost in the second round to none other than British No.1 Dan Evans.
He did, however, get the to last four at Mallorca last week before being beaten by Sam Querry,
02:13 PM
Alexander Zverev is through to the second round
01:09 PM
Fed’s feeling happy back at Wimbledon
01:02 PM
Federer easily has the beating of Mannarino
Going on past meetings, at least…
The Swiss has met the French world No. 41 six times and come out on top in every single match.
Two of those meetings have come at Wimbledon, in 2011 and 2018, and won both in straight sets. In fact Mannarino has only taken one set off Federer.
12:05 PM
Some brilliant pre-match reading
As I’ve written below Federer and Wimbledon go together like the All England Club and strawberries, pigeons perched on the net and howls of laughter from the easily pleased crowd, and Nick Kyrgios and well-placed jibes at Novak Djokovic.
Here’s a lovely (longish) read on the Swiss’ love affair with Wimbledon.
One of the greatest love affairs in modern sport had an inauspicious beginning. When a 16-year-old Roger Federer arrived at Wimbledon, ready to compete in the 1998 junior event, he walked out on court and found the whole experience so overwhelming that the net looked six foot high.
READ: Roger Federer and Wimbledon: a romance in three acts
11:54 AM
The return of the king
The last time Roger Federer played at Wimbledon he lost to Novak Djokovic in of one of the greatest finals ever – it was the first 12-12 final-set tie-break at the tournament and the longest final in SW19 history.
That day he came so agonisingly close to a ninth title at the All England Club, and a 21st grand slam, that perhaps it’s a bit of a shock, even with the combination of advancing age and the Covid pandemic, he’s only appeared in one final since (Basel in October 2019).
He arrives today still the undisputed King of Centre Court but with several question marks hanging over him, in much the same way as Andy Murray did yesterday. The Swiss Sensation has played only a handful of tournaments over the past 18 months because of knee surgery, and comes into his favourite tournament off a defeat to Canadian youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime at Halle last week – a venue where he has won 10 titles.
But while there are many valid worries about his form Federer is heading into Wimbledon with only only thing on his mind – challenging for the his ninth SW19 title.
“I know if I get rolling, I get into the second week, which is the goal here right now, that I get stronger and stronger as every match goes by, I believe it’s very much possible,” the 20-time grand slam champion said.
It may seem stupid to rule Federer out but the defeat at Halle doesn’t bode well, speaking of the defeat the Swiss said: “I don’t know what it was, to be honest. But I think I’ve got to take the positives out of these last few weeks, that I’m actually here at Wimbledon right now and I have a chance.
“The good thing now looking back is I know it will not happen here because I’m ready, I’m excited, I’m pumped up. I know I can do so much better.”
When you’ve won as much and are as good as Federer it must be hard to admit you are not the force you once were. But if he can summon up the brilliance of the past anywhere then it’s at Centre Court.
Yesterday, Murray turned back the clock to remind people there’s life in the old dog yet, today it’s Federer’s chance to do exactly the same thing.
His match against Adrian Mannarino is second up on Centre Court, stay here for the pre-match build-up and all the action.