2021 Wimbledon: Federer proceeds to last 16 despite dropping set
Swiss ace Roger Federer advanced to last 16 in 2021 Wimbledon after beating Cameron Norrie. The 39-year-old overcame Norrie, 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in the third round after over two hours. Federer was at his best in the first two sets before stumbling. The former had survived a similar scare in his first-round victory against Adrian Mannarino. Here's more.
Norrie was off to an ideal start, holding a 3-2 lead in the first set. However, Federer found his touch and reeled off three quick games. Although Norrie won another game, the Swiss maestro closed the opening set after 30 minutes. Federer broke early in the next set, winning 6-4. Norrie took a set off Federer but the latter sailed through eventually.
Federer has won his 104th match at Wimbledon, his most at a Grand Slam. He remains the only player with over 100 match-wins in the prestigious tournament. Besides, Federer has pocketed his first ATP win against the 25-year-old Norrie. The former will next face Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in the fourth round. Notably, Federer defeated Sonego in the 2019 Roland Garros.
Federer has never lost a third-round match at Wimbledon. He is now 18-0 in such matches (69-5 at Grand Slams). His last defeat in the third round of a major came at Australian Open (2015), where he lost to Andreas Seppi.
[6] @rogerfederer defeats [29] Norrie 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 to reach 4R @Wimbledon for 18th time. #Federer hit 48 winners and won 66% of 2nd serve pts en route to his 104th #Wimbledon victory.
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) July 3, 2021
Federer (39) is the oldest to reach #Wimbledon 4R since Ken Rosewall (40) in 1975.
