Federer Stays Sharp To Reach Wimbledon Fourth Round

July 6, 2018 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Federer (1)

 

On this day 15 years ago, Roger Federer hoisted the Wimbledon trophy for the first time in his career; the first of what is now eight titles at the All-England Club.

On Friday, the 36-year-old continued his quest for a ninth title as he defeated German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 to book his spot in the tournament’s fourth round.

Federer will meet France’s Adrian Mannarino for a spot in the quarterfinals. The 22nd seeded Frenchman beat Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3 on Friday.

Ninth-seeded American John Isner did not let his short turnaround affect his performance as he cruised past Moldova’s Radu Albot 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Isner hit 21 aces and never faced a break point to advance in one hour and 36 minutes.

Isner faces 31st seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, who took out Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

The run of young American Mackenzie McDonald continued as he outlasted Guido Pella 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(6) to reach the fourth round in his first ever Wimbledon appearance.

McDonald will take on the winner of former finalist Milos Raonic and Dennis Novak, the last singles match on Friday.

Alexander Zverev used a rain suspension on Thursday to his advantage as he came back on Friday to win the final two sets and advance past American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-7(0), 6-1, 6-2.

“Well, I mean stopping yesterday two sets to one down was not a nice feeling,” said the third-seeded Zverev. “I knew if I played better than yesterday I’d have chances. I’m happy to be in the third round tomorrow.”

In the third round, Zverev will play Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis.

A semifinalist here last year, American Sam Querrey was sent crashing out of this year’s tournament by France’s Gael Monfils, who rallied for the 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win on Friday.

Monfils moves on to play eighth-seed Kevin Anderson, who powered his way into the fourth round with a 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 win over 25th seeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber.

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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