Federer: I Got Lucky

Roger’s fears before injury to Mannarino

- Gordon Parks

Roger Federer admits the Wimbledon gods were smiling on him as he risked a first-round exit before injury forced Adrian Mannarino to retire.

The eight-time champion consoled the Frenchman who limped off Centre Court with the match tied at two sets apiece and a shock looking on the cards as it ended abruptly, one point into the deciding fifth set.

Mannarino had led 2-1 in sets before Federer fought back but it was to end in agony for his opponent who never recovered from a knee injury after a slip on the same baseline which also saw Serena Williams quit in tears after a fall later in the very next match.