Top seed Roger Federer has breezed into the last eight of the Wimbledon Championships after defeating a lacklustre Adrian Mannarino 6-0, 7-5, 6-4, in the fourth round.
Heading into his last-16 clash, Federer was nicknamed ‘Picasso’ by his French Opponent for his style of play. An upbeat Mannarino was quietly confident that he had what it take to challenge the 20-time grand slam champion as he referred to himself as ‘also an artist.’ Despite Mannarino’s analogy, in reality it was a straightforward victory for the world No.2. Making the top-30 player, who appeared to be hindered by some kind of injury, look somewhat ordinary.
“It was great to win that first set quickly. I always had that lead in the bag.” Said Federer, who hit 44 winners to 20 unforced errors.
“It was important for me to keep focus.I knew that he was much better than the first set. I think he showed that and I was then able to put away a good Mannarino.”
Bidding for a ninth title at The All England Club, Federer got off to an emphatic start. Mannarino, who took a set off the Swiss player in their last meeting in Basel last year, struggled for consistency. Hitting five unforced errors and no winners during the opening set. Enabling Federer to storm to a 6-0 lead after dropping only five points in just 16 minutes. Making it the first time he has bageled a player in the tournament since Marcus Willis back in 2016.
It wasn’t until the seventh game where French fans had something to cheer about as Mannarino saved four break points to hold at the start of set two. Reviving interest in the match among the Center Court crowd. Federer suddenly encountered some stern resistance from his rival, who was bidding to reach the last eight of a major for the first time at the age of 30. Unfortunately for Mannarino, later in the set he struggled with his movement as he appeared in discomfort with his groin area. Resulting in Federer stroll to a two-set lead. Despite the setback, the 22nd seek did not seek any medical attention and continued to play.
“I think it was an interesting beginning to the second set. I think it was crucial for him (Mannarino) to stay in the match and to not give me the lead right away.” Federer told The BBC.
“It was a tough set, I created a few more chances because of the beginning. But nevertheless he could have won that second set and that match could have been different.”
Firmly in cruise control, the defending champion continued to fight against a resilient Mannarino. Frustrating Federer at times as he struggled to get the decisive break to close the match out for good. At 4-3, the underdog had a trio of chances to break and serve for the third set, but failed to convert all of them. Then in the following game it was Federer’s turn to have a break point chances. Which he converted with the help of a Mannarino error to move to a game from victory. Serving for a place in the last eight, he did so with a love service game.
“Every match is different, but usually you play better against better players because it’s required.” He explained. ”It’s one way. You don’t have certain different ways to play against the best players. You always gotta play what you can, what they allow you to.”
Federer will now play in his 16th Wimbledon quarter-final in what is an Open Era record. It is his 53rd overall in grand slam tennis. In the next round he will take on either Gael Monfils or Kevin Anderson. He has lost to Monfils on four previous occasions (9-4), but never to Anderson (4-0).
Yet to be broken in the tournament, Federer has now won 81 consecutive service games at Wimbledon. The last time he was broken was by Tomas Berdych in last year’s semifinals.
