Federer pushed early before winning Wimbledon opener in four sets
The eight-time champion found his footing after dropping the opening set to defeat Lloyd Harris.
Five weeks away from his 38th birthday, Roger Federer has seen it all across the spectrum of his illustrious career. He is prepared for anything and anyone every time he steps on the tennis court, and prides himself on producing his best when it matters most. The Swiss is a professional who respects his adversaries and does his homework, regardless of the situation.
On Tuesday however, Federer was caught off guard on Centre Court by world No. 86 Lloyd Harris, a player making his main draw debut at the grand grass-court major and owning just a 1-3 record in Grand Slam play. Eight-time champion Federer eventually settled in to win, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
Harris swung freely in the first set off both sides, served extraordinarily well, mixing speeds and spins cagily, and making Federer feel slightly off balance, as he tried in vain to find his bearings. Federer had only one break point and was unable to convert. Harris admirably established his presence on Federer’s turf and the Centre Court audiences did not treat him like an imposter.
With Federer serving at 2-3, 30-30 Harris pounced, crunching a forehand return that had terrific length to force an error off Federer’s forehand. Down break point now, the No. 2 seed was rushed into a backhand mistake by a heavy forehand from Harris. The South African never looked back as he closed out the set but it was soon apparent Federer was simply gathering his thoughts and ready to put them into action.
As Federer said afterwards, “With experience, I stayed calm. I know I have other things in my bag that I can come up with, other tricks. It just took a bit of time.”
The match turned permanently in his direction when Harris served at 1-2 in the second set. Not yet had he been broken, but Federer at last found his range on the return of serve en route to 0-40. Harris cast aside two break points against him, but erred flagrantly on the third, missing a routine inside out forehand wide.
Across the last five games of the second set, Federer conceded only four points. His mastery of his craft was on full display, as he volleyed with regal authority, took Harris completely out of his rhythm, and declared he was no longer going to be denied what he wanted. Harris had read Federer’s serve with uncanny regularity during the first set, but thereafter the wily veteran was moving his delivery around meticulously and keeping his opponent guessing incessantly.
After the third set, Harris had a long visit with the trainer to get his left leg taped. He held for 1-0 but took only one more game the rest of the way. In four service games over the course of the fourth set, Federer allowed Harris only three points. Altogether, he took 26 of 27 first serve points over the last three sets.
“I don’t think I had an ace in the first two sets. It wasn’t like I was serving poorly. I guess I wasn’t hitting my spots and he was reading my serve and doing a good job,” assessed Federer. “In that connection, I just struggled. My legs weren’t moving so it’s hared to see the short ball. In defense, you’re weak. The next thing you know you’re struggling.”
The last time Federer lost in the first round at Wimbledon was to Mario Ancic in 2002, a year before he triumphed for his first major at the All England Club. If he wins this tournament for the ninth time, Federer would become the first man in the Open Era to win five Grand Slam titles after turning 30.
