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'Insane': Roger Federer moment at Wimbledon not seen in 46 years

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·4-min read
Roger Federer, pictured here sealing his victory over Richard Gasquet at Wimbledon with an ace.
Roger Federer sealed his victory over Richard Gasquet with an ace. Image: Getty/Wimbledon

Roger Federer has become the oldest man to reach the third round at Wimbledon in 46 years, seeing off Richard Gasquet in straight sets on Thursday.

The eight-time champion got his old sparkle back on Centre Court to dispatch Gasquet 7-6 (7-1) 6-1 6-4.

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In doing so, the 39-year-old became the oldest man to reach the third round at the All England Club since Ken Rosewall did so at age 40 in 1975.

"It was a wonderful match for me and I'm really happy with my performance," Federer said on court.

It marks the 18th time in the Swiss legend's career that has reached the third round of Wimbledon.

Federer held every service game and extended his winning streak against Gasquet to 11 matches, improving his overall record to 19-2.

He has won all five of their grand slam meetings in straight sets.

Federer is bidding for his 21st major championship, which would break the men's record he shares with Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer and Richard Gasquet, pictured here after their second-round clash at Wimbledon.
Roger Federer and Richard Gasquet congratulate each other after their second-round clash at Wimbledon. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

He took a while to find his timing and needed to save three break points in his first service game.

But having been pushed into a tiebreak, Federer flicked the switch and his game began to flow.

After taking the opener the sixth seed moved smoothly through the gears and Gasquet could not stay with him as he suffered yet another defeat to the Swiss.

Gasquet tried to challenge an ace on match point only to be told he had used them all up, which rather summed up his evening.

Next up for Federer will be in-form British 29th seed Cameron Norrie, who defeated Australian Alex Bolt.

Daniil Medvedev continues fine form at Wimbledon

Meanwhile, No.2 seed Daniil Medvedev overpowered Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-1 6-2 and then predicted his opponent would soon be a top-10 player.

"Carlos is an amazing player," said Medvedev.

"I am sure he will soon be top 10, maybe higher."

The 18-year-old Alcaraz received a hearty send-off from the Court One crowd after showcasing his potential and flashes of his shot-making talent.

Medvedev is a two-time grand slam finalist but has never made it past the third round at Wimbledon.

"The faster you go on grass, the better," Medvedev said.

"I was surprised in the first set because I know grass is not really his surface. In the second and third sets maybe the gap was greater.

"I love grass. In my first four grand slams I had only one victory and it was here so Wimbledon will always be special to me."

No.4 seed Alexander Zverev rode his powerful serve into the third round of Wimbledon, beating Tennys Sandgren of the United States 7-5 6-2 6-3.

Britain has three men into the third round of Wimbledon for the first time in 22 years after Norrie defeated wild card Bolt 6-3 6-1 6-2 on No.1 Court to join Andy Murray and Dan Evans.

with AAP

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