Center-court crowd sure had fun over the past two days as two legendary tennis players – Andy Murray and Roger Federer, displayed their survival skills on-court to move into the second round at Wimbledon Championships 2021.
While Murray won a four-set battled against Nikoloz Basilashvili yesterday, it was Federer’s turn to produce magic on one of his favorite courts. But, things didn’t look good for the Swiss Maestro as he was down by two sets to one when a determined Adrian Mannarino took command of the match.
Watch this story: Andy Murray, Nicholas Kyrgios, Johanna Konta, and Tomas Berdych Savagely Ripping Tennis Reporters at Wimbledon
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The crowd, on the other hand, were thoroughly entertained and rooted for the Swiss star to clinch the fourth set. After surviving an eight minute long service game, Federer was absolutely pumped and went to win the next three games.
The 20-time grand slam champion had a quick lead of 4-1 in the fourth set. But, his opponent, didn’t appear to give up as he held his service game to stay close in the contest.
Just when the fans were preparing themselves for an engrossing fifth set between the two players, a nasty fall from Mannarino on-court changed the dimensions completely.
“See him back on the courts”- Roger Federer wishes Mannarino quick recovery
The Frenchman was unable to compete further as he allowed Federer to win the fourth set and retired after a game was done in the fifth. It was weird to witness how the match ended as anything could have happened in the final set.
Talking about the match on-court, Roger Federer sympathized his opponent for that unfortunate fall.
“Yeah, it?s awful. It shows that one shot can change the outcome of a match, a season, a career. I wish him all the best and he recovers quickly so we see him back on the courts”.
Roger Federer. What a man. ❤️
Watch on @BBCTwo, @BBCiPlayer and the @BBCSport app: https://t.co/rHfdajJV3E #Wimbledon #bbctennis pic.twitter.com/akrjcdunle
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2021
The Swiss Maestro also admitted that Adrian Mannarino was the better player in the match. Just like the matchup, even the on-court interview from Federer had its own variations. However, it ended on a happy note as the Swiss star brought out his funny side to cheer up the crowd.
The interviewer quoted a famous saying ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’?and asked Federer whether it was the case with him and Center-Court.
“Sorry, I didn’t understand it. I heard something ‘absence’ and, I don’t know, my mind went blank. I don’t understand that saying. My English is not good enough”,?Federer chuckled as the center crowd roared in applause.
“This would have been an absolute killer” – Federer
“Good reminder my English is not very good. I think we’re all very happy, all the players, including all the fans and the organizers and everybody that we get a chance to be back on tour, especially here at Wimbledon. It would’ve been worst to have this tournament with no fans. This would have been an absolute killer, so, it’s such a privilege to play here”,?concluded the 20-time grand slam champion.
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English can be a tricky language even when you're fluent like Roger Federer pic.twitter.com/Kb7KsO0xVy
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 29, 2021
Even though Federer got a bit lucky towards the end, it was still a decent performance from the Swiss Maestro as he moves forward to the second round. However, issues on his serve and especially his forehand, will be the targets for his future opponents at SW19.
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Roger Federer will most likely meet Richard Gasquet in the second-round.
Also read: WATCH: Roger Federer?s Amazing Act of Sportsmanship Against Adrian Mannarino at Wimbledon 2021