Wimbledon 2011: Federer Storms Past Mannarino

Roger Federer fired his way into round three of Wimbledon with an astounding straight sets victory over plucky Adrian Mannarino.

Federer showed no signs of weakness in a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win that will signal a warning to his rivals.

In a match that lasted less than one and a half hours, the former champion looked to be back to his best with some great serving and imposing ground strokes.

Mannarino, on the other hand, appeared overawed with the occasion and, in truth, just an afterthought in what was a majestic performance from the greatest player in the history of tennis.

Centre Court was again under the roof after more spells of rain disrupted play in the other courts. Although Federer had to wait a while to get on court, he was equally as quick getting off it.

It was a predictable start with the six times champion breaking immediately on Mannarino’s serve. He never looked back, racing into a 3-0 lead.

Mannarino looked understandably edgy, but soon settled and won his next service game to force his way into the set.

However, Federer never looked like being in trouble and quickly closed out the first set 6-2 in just over twenty five minutes.

In fact, the number three seed did not even lose a point in his own service in the entire set, which was just one sign of his dominance.

Mannarino was again broken in his opening service game in the second set. He was unable to stay in the rallies for long and he was unable to hit the quick winners that he needed.

He did, however, finally win his first point on the Federer serve after six games; something he was only too aware of.

It looked to be another routine set, but then out of nowhere, when serving for the set, Federer lost his concentration and was suddenly down three break points. But he showed everyone why he has won the crown at Wimbledon six times by saving them and then closing out the game to win the set 6-3.

Mannarino knew that was his final chance to make an impact on the match, especially when Federer broke the unseeded Frenchman’s serve in his first opportunity for the third consecutive set.

Federer appeared as imposing as he has ever been in his long successful career. His standard of serve was simply outstanding.

Another break followed to create a 5-1 lead, and he was never going to let this commanding position slip.

Some great hitting and aces allowed Federer to close out the set 6-2 and indeed the match, with a flamboyant smash his final act to close the day’s play.

Elsewhere, Sabine Lisicki created the biggest shock of Wimbledon so far, beating French Open Champion and number three seed Li Na 3-6, 6-4, 8-6. The German wild card saved two match points and was down a break twice in the final set, but a gutsy effort saw the Centre Court crowd up on their feet at the end to hail a classic match.

Despite another rain interrupted day’s play, fourth seed Robin Soderling won an epic against former champion Lleyton Hewitt. The Swede lost the first two sets but turned it around to win it in five, 6-7 (5-7), 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.

 


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