• Wimbledon, Day Five

Radwanska tips Watson as a future star

ESPN staff
June 29, 2012

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Agnieszka Radwanska believes Heather Watson has the talent to move up the world rankings, despite cruising to a 6-0 6-2 victory over the 20-year-old Brit: "I really had to focus the whole match. She started playing better in the second set. She's a really good player, she just needs some more matches, some more experience."

Watson, meanwhile, admitted that the whole experience was too much for her - as she let her emotions show after leaving Centre Court. She said: "I held it until I got off the court, and then I just let it all out. She is third in the world for a reason. She didn't miss anything today.

"I didn't get the best start apart from the first game, and before I knew it the first set was already gone. I couldn't really tell where she was serving, and she was hitting the lines on almost every serve."

Novak Djokovic admitted he would have rather played with the Centre Court roof open after beating Radek Stepanek in four sets: "I was a little bit surprised, when I saw sunshine, that the roof is closed. Obviously they're relying on a forecast that I don't think is very reliable here. I thought I played great. But this is an outdoor tournament, so I think everybody wants to play when the roof is open."

Roger Federer came from two sets down to defeat Julien Benneteau - and admitted he was somewhat fortunate as the Frenchman faded in the decisive set. He said: ""A little luck on my side, who knows? I fought all the way. Obviously he was hurt in the fifth. The fourth was so close. Julien was playing amazing tennis. I knew it was going to be difficult. He was making me doubt for most of the match. He was amazing.

"But, when you're down two sets to love, stay calm. Obviously your friends and family are freaking out. You just play point for point. It sounds boring but it's the only thing to do. I appreciate the support of my fans over so many years. Tonight, it was special."

Benneteau paid tribute to his opponent, after saying it had been a "perfect" experience to play him on Centre Court. The Frenchman added: "He's like a rock. If your level is a little bit lower, he takes the opportunity. Every point against him, you cannot make a mistake. If you do not put the ball in the right place, you lose the point nearly every time."

Maria Sharapova admitted she struggled with the blustery conditions as she beat Hsieh Su-Wei in straight sets: "The conditions weren't easy but it's just about being patient and maybe a little bit smarter. Considering the conditions, I'm pretty happy with the way I played."

Sharapova will play Sabine Lisicki in the fourth round, and the German is looking forward to a rematch of last year's semi-final: "I love these big matches. She's a great fighter and is full of confidence now. It's another challenge. I just have to go for my shots and can't make too many mistakes."

World No. 64 Sam Querrey let his emotions get the better of him after he claimed a surprise second-round victory over Milos Raonic. "Usually I'm pretty calm and collected after a win or loss, but I kind of let it out there a little bit at the end. It just felt good. I was out for a while, and I feel like I'm coming back. My ranking is moving up. It's just nice to be in the third round of a slam again."

Juan Monaco, who was beaten in straight sets by Viktor Troicki on Friday, admitted he was stunned by his friend Rafael Nadal's second round defeat to Lukas Rosol. "Of course I'm surprised. It was like I don't know how many years that he didn't lose early in a grand slam. I didn't talk to him. I know for sure he's very disappointed. He's sad because he's a great champion. He played very well last four months ago, so, I mean, it's good time to rest for him, I guess."

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