WIMBLEDON: Roger Federer was given a stern wake-up call by Lloyd Harris as he got off to a bumpy start to his campaign at the Wimbledon Championships.
The world No.3 recovered from a set down to prevail 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, against the underdog to claim his 96th win at the tournament. The highest amount among active players. Dismantling the game of his rival as the match progressed, Federer won 80% of his first service points and blasted 41 winners. Dropping his serve only once in the match.
“Every match has to be played. Just because I’ve had good results in the past doesn’t mean you’re going to keep producing it.” Federer tod BBC TV.
“I struggled a bit earlier on, was a bit frozen, and things happened really quickly. He did very well and kept me nervous for a set and a half then I got into the match and things started to change. It took a big effort and I thought Lloyd played a good match.”
Taking to center court, Federer was the undisputed favorite to win. Not only is he a 20-time grand slam champion, but his opponent was also contesting his first ever tour-level match on the grass. Compared to the second seed, who was playing in his 208th. Statistically, Federer was supreme in every area, but Harris refused to intimidate by any means.
The 22-year-old South African demonstrated the talent he has during the opener as the eight-time champion struggle to find his range on a consistent basis. Six games into the match the underdog scored a breakthrough. Forcing his rival to make mistakes, he broke for a 4-2 lead. Silencing the crowd. Continuing to gain in momentum, Harris held his nerve to take the opening set. Doing so with the help of Federer backhand drifting beyond the baseline.
Federer hasn’t lost in the first round of a grand slam since the 2003 French Open. Eager to turn his fortunes around order was restored in the second frame with a clinical 22-minute second set which saw him drop only three points behind his serve as he scored a double break.
Continuing to weather the storm, it was only a matter of time before the Swiss Maestro book a place in the second round. Harris’ intensity lessened as his left calf started to bother him. A sign of his inexperience on the grass. Meanwhile, Federer picked up the pace as he race to victory in under two hours.
“Mentally I knew there was still a long way to go for my opponent and experience kicks in. I really had time to figure out and manage the nerves and that took a set but credit to him for swinging big.” Federer commented about how he turned the match around.
“I love this court that’s why I’m disappointed I couldn’t play that well in the first set.”
