In a bid to make his 18th quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon Championships, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer showed gradual improvement at SW19 as he reached the fourth round, where he was faced by an intriguing challenge in the form of Lorenzo Sonego.

It was their first meeting on tour and also Sonego’s first-time appearance on the Center court. Again, both the players indulged in traditional grass court tennis as they held their serves quite comfortably in the first few games.

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Roger Federer outlasted Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets at Wimbledon

Federer’s first serves were improving with each contest, but his return games didn’t have the poise yet. After breaking the Italian at 4-4, the Swiss star looked confident enough to snatch away the first set.

But, a forgettable service game from the Swiss Maestro at 5-4, where he made three unsuccessful volleys, brought the game right back into the lap of Lorenzo Sonego.

Also, there was a rain disruption when the Italian was serving at 5-5 in the set. As soon as the play resumed, Federer got the decisive break, thanks to the double-fault from Sonego, and successfully served the next game to win the first set, 7-5.

Once he got the first set under his belt, the 20-time grand slam champion looked dangerous in the second as he held on to his service games with ease and kept asking questions on Sonego’s serve.

The youngster, once again yielded to the experience of Roger Federer and lost his serve. That one break of serve became more than sufficient for the Swiss Maestro to clinch the second set, 6-4.

Coming to the third set, Federer decided to put on a bit of exhibition for the center court crowd. The former world number one was hitting the balls cleaner than ever and even his forehand looked frightening for the opponent.

But, Sonego was still winning few important points and fought as much as he can. However, his game couldn’t withstand the fire power from the Swiss star as he raced past the Italian in three straight sets, 7-5,6-4,6-2.

“These guys are young, they can recover”- Federer on facing a Next-Gen player in Quarter-Finals

The Swiss star will now await the winner of the fourth round contest between Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz. Unfortunately, their match was suspended midway due to the intermittent rain and they will have to continue their match on Tuesday.

After the match, Federer was informed in the on-court interview about the suspension of Hurkacz-Medvedev matchup.

“These guys are young, they can recover. It’s not a problem for them. Unfortunately, they’re very good too. Hopefully it rains again tomorrow! I’m kidding”,?said Federer.

As matches progressed, the Swiss Maestro is growing strength by strength as he aims to have a look at the 21st grand slam crown. With this fourth-round victory, Roger Federer registered his 105th win at Wimbledon.

Coincidentally, Rafael Nadal‘s victories at the French Open currently stand at 105 as well.

Also read: ?Gives Me the Hunger to Win More?: Ons Jabeur Reveals Roger Federer?s Congratulatory Messages After Historic Win at Wimbledon Championships 2021