Jolly Roger

Federer moves into quarters, but back concerns loom

LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) -- No. 4 seed Roger Federer overcame a back injury to defeat Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-4 on Monday and take his place in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

But the Swiss player, enjoying the best year of his career with four titles already, felt he was lucky to survive as he had to call the trainer at the start of the first set when suddenly troubled by his back.

"I just couldn't move anymore so I had to call the trainer and hope for a wonder," Federer told reporter. "It was very tough for me. I don't know. I still now can't explain what happened. I don't know how I won today."

"It was totally blocked and, you know, I was always under a lot of pain. As the match went on, it got a little better because the body gets warmer and you get into it and you try to forget it.

"Yes, I am exhausted now because of what happened today."

Sitting in the post-match press conference after the two-hour tussle on Court 2, the 21-year-old could not believe his luck.

"I didn't think that I would sit here today as the winner after this shock I had," he said. "I have to try and take this lucky, lucky match today and get rid of this and then be ready for the quarters."

"It's a great opportunity I have now and I shall try to use it."

Federer will forever be famed at the world's most famous tennis tournament for ending Pete Sampras's 31-match winning streak at the All England Club two years ago.

Despite serving at less than full speed, Federer took the first two sets before hitting his first patch of trouble.

Lopez, bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, raced to a 3-0 lead in the third set.

But Federer, a player of great promise who has consistently underachieved at Grand Slams, dispelled any thoughts of an upset by lifting his game to capture his ninth win in a row this year on grass.

 

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