Wimbledon 2016: Dan Evans wins, faces Roger Federer next

“It was very refreshing to play against an opponent like this”, Federer said. I was playing alright at first, I settled into the match.

With rain delaying play on the outside courts, Agnieszka Radwanska wasted no time in taking care of business under the roof on Centre Court. “I can say I lobbed Roger Federer”. I’m not going to go out there to be just another guy he rolls. “Marcus did that wonderfully”.

Willis’ mix-and-match collection of double-handed slices, drop shots and lobs continued to make for entertaining rallies and helped him take the initiative in the third as he held serve in the opener. My coach advised me, just enjoy playing against Sampras.

“It sounds amusing but I am disappointed to lose”, admitted the World No.772. I will keep going and do what I have been doing.

A lot more incredible, it has to be said, than giving tennis lessons.

Willis certainly showed the talent he possesses, and to this point has not made the most of. He celebrated winners by spreading his arms wide, holding up a fist or gesturing to his friends and family.

He earned an appreciative clap of the racket from Federer after winning the opening game of the third set with a brilliant forehand victor but then lost five games in a row and, shortly afterwards, the match.

THE TRUE spirit of sport was epitomised by Marcus Willis when he took to Centre Court at Wimbledon. Federer converted five of his 12 break point chances.

The 26-year-old said in a courtside interview: “It’s going to be…an wonderful experience…I have to put to the back of my mind that he is one of the best players ever to play the game”. “I remember how nervous I was against Pete (Sampras) in 2001”. It happens. Do I have regrets? Federer is looking for a record eighth Wimbledon title, while Djokovic is on course for a calendar-year Grand Slam – a feat that has not been done since Rod Laver in 1969. And he smilingly added saying, “What else should I say?”

“Knowing that I won 30 in a row, it’s very pleasing”.

Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, meanwhile, brushed aside in-form Yen-Hsun Lu, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1, and will now face Australia’s John Millman for a place in the fourth round.

He did not let them down on Wednesday (NZT Thursday) either, and there was no shame in ultimately being outclassed by the Swiss 17-times grand slam champion who he kept honest throughout.

Women’s third seed Agnieszka Radwanska turned in a quick 6-2, 6-1 defeat of Kateryna Kozlova and improved to 10-0 in Wimbledon first rounds.

Having never played a tour match before Wimbledon, the sturdily-built left-hander, dubbed “Cartman” after a portly character from cartoon series South Park, found himself facing a man who had won 79 matches more than him at the All England Club. Radwanska won the first four games and was always in control.