Top

Federer outlasts spirited Norrie to continue march at Wimbledon


Roger Federer is through to the fourth round of Wimbledon for the 18th time after defeating home favourite Cameron Norrie on Centre Court.

The Swiss has only failed to reach the stage four times in his 22 Wimbledon appearances (1999, 2000, 2002 and 2013), and it will not happen again for at least another year.

Federer took a routine two sets to love lead with two 6-4 sets, and looked ready to see out the match as it went to 5-5 15-40 in the third on the Norrie serve. But the Brit held on before breaking immediately after to force a fourth set.

The two men then exchanged breaks from 2-2 in the fourth as Federer was unable to keep his foot down.

Federer remained precise though, ensuring he did not double fault through the whole match and winning over 65% of points behind both his first and second serves.

The Swiss finally took his chance at 4-4. With Norrie serving at 40-Ad, Federer forced an error from the Brit to give him the opportunity to serve out the match.

Federer did so in convincing fashion, taking his first match point chance at 40-30 to move on in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title.

Roger Federer will face Italian 23rd seed Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the quarter-finals.