rogerfederer.com - Roger survives shock

Roger survives shock

Six-time champion Roger came back from the brink of a dramatic first-round exit at Wimbledon on Monday, recovering from two sets down to beat Colombia's Alejandro Falla 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-0.

Roger who is bidding for a record-equalling seventh men’s singles title, was staring down the barrel as the south American world number 60 served for the match at 5-4 in the fourth set after producing a spellbinding display of baseline power and volleying guile.

But the Swiss top seed, who also recovered from 4-4 0-40 on his serve in the third set, finally found his game after being made to look second best for much of the match before a disbelieving Centre Court crowd. He wrapped up the fourth set tiebreak 7-1 and ran through in double quick time.

He admitted that he had been very fortunate to avoid going out against an inspired opponent. "I definitely got a bit lucky today, this is a match I should have lost and he played incredible" said Roger right after the match.

His next opponent will be Serbia's Ilija Bozoljac (ATP 152).