• Wimbledon

Federer glad shocks still possible

Roger Federer beat Julien Benneteau in five sets © PA Photos

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Roger Federer revealed he was glad Wimbledon retains the capacity to shock after making a narrow escape against Julien Benneteau in the third round.

World No. 3 Federer recovered from losing the opening two sets to record a nervy 4-6 6-7(3) 6-2 7-6(6) 6-1 triumph. His struggles came a day after Rafael Nadal was sent crashing out by Lukas Rosol in one of the biggest upsets in grand slam history.

"This is not against Rafa, but it was nice to see it's still possible," Federer said. "I think 15 years ago you had matches like this so much more often on the faster surfaces, [where] a guy could catch fire and just run through you.

"Today it's virtually impossible so it was just amazing to see that it was possible.

"Okay, he [Rosol] didn't play like that for five sets, but in the fifth it was just a joke. I was laughing because of his performance for ten minutes after that. I couldn't believe that he pulled it off the way he did. Of course I do feel bad for Rafa because it's a tough loss."

Speaking about how he was able to keep his composure and conquer Benneteau, Federer said he drew on the know-how he has accumulated down the years at SW19.

"I think I brought some experience," Federer said. "Having been 2-0 down before, especially here at Wimbledon and knowing how to handle the situation, when I broke at the start of the third set I knew the match was open.

"I knew I could not afford any more mistakes and I knew physically it would not be a problem. I started to play better and better as the match went on and I think that's what I said to myself as I sat down at two-love down. I had experience on my side.

"I had to hope that he would miss a few but you don't rely on that, you rely on your own strength. I missed a lot of opportunities but I also made some big plays when I had to and I tried to stay calm in the eye of the storm."

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