Federer survives early blip

Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer overcame a first set scare to reach the second round yesterday beating South African debutant Lloyd Harris 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. Federer took time to get going and was helped by his opponent suffering a calf problem midway through the match. “I struggled early on, my legs were frozen and the ball was not going where I wanted it to,” said Federer. “He was hitting big and things were going quickly. I was nervous for a set and a half.

“So it took a good effort from me. Lloyd played a good match.” Rafael Nadal set-up a Wimbledon second round blockbuster with bitter Australian rival Nick Kyrgios after seeing off Japanese qualifier Yuichi Sugita 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. Two-time champion Nadal and Kyrgios have clashed off the court with the world number two accusing Kyrgios of “lacking respect” while the Australian described the Spaniard as “super salty”. Kyrgios came through with a 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 7-6 (12/10), 0-6, 6-1 win over countryman Jordan Thompson.

Two -time French Open champion Dominic Thiem’s lack of ease on grass being exposed by veteran American serve and volleyer Sam Querrey. Querrey, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2017, prevailed 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-0. Women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Angelique Kerber avoided the fate of second seed Naomi Osaka and came through their first round clashes safely. Barty beat China’s Zheng Saisai 6-4, 6-2 while Kerber, the fourth seed, beat fellow German Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-3. Seven-time champion Serena Williams moved into the second round with a hard-fought 6-2, 7-5 win over Italian qualifier Giulia Gatto-Monticone.

The 37-year-old American, who if she wins Wimbledon will share the record with Margaret Court of 24 Grand Slam titles, eased through the first set. Former champion Maria Sharapova was knocked out of Wimbledon in the first round, raising more questions about her future in the sport. The 2004 champion retired with a right arm injury in the final set of her tie with Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier who claimed a 4-6, 7-6 (7/), 5-0 win.