Federer made to sweat by unsung Croat
WORLD No1 Roger Federer admitted his relief after surviving another scare against an unfancied opponent before booking his place in the third round.
Federer was made to battle by Croatian qualifier Ilija Bozoljac and needed two tie-breaks before prevailing 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).
It continued the top seed’s unexpectedly tricky start to the championships, following his five-set comeback against Colombian Alejandro Falla on Monday.
“It was a tough match,” said Federer. “He was playing really well and served incredibly, at key moments. Both my opponents played great matches, but the good sign is I came through them. I wish they were straight sets but as long as you’re moving on, I’m a happy man.
“It just shows how deep the men’s game is. I always think players play better against me because they have nothing to lose – maybe people will start to realise that today.”
The six-time champion will continue his quest for a record-equalling seventh Wimbledon
singles title tomorrow when he meets Frenchman Arnaud Clement.
Third seed Novak Djokovic also ensured his progress to round three with a straight-sets triumph over American qualifier Taylor Dent.
Dent set a new record for the fastest ever serve at the tournament in a closely-fought first set, but Djokovic came through the tie-break and soon found his stride, winning 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 6-4.
Last year’s beaten finalist Andy Roddick recovered from a shaky start to see off Michael Llodra, winner of last week’s warm-up event in Eastbourne. Roddick, seeded fifth, struggled with his serve early on but rediscovered his edge in the second set, and then swept to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) victory over the Frenchman.