Federer makes history as Dolgopolov retires

Roger Federer has made Wimbledon history, notching up his 85th win at The Championships after Alexandr Dolgopolov retired with Federer leading 6-3 3-0. It is the 15th consecutive year that the seven-time champion has made the second round of The Championships.

But it is his 85th win at Wimbledon that will make the headlines, as Federer moves ahead of Jimmy Connors for victories at The All England Club in the open era.

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Needless to say, a win by retirement – the second in succession on Centre Court after Novak Djokovic’s opponent hobbled off – wasn’t how Federer wanted it to happen.

Looking sharp from the off, Federer hit 10 aces (taking him to 10,004 in his career – third on the all-time list) during the 42 minute match. He also notched up 18 winners and broke his Ukranian opponent on three occasions during the match.

“I feel for the crowd. They’re there to watch good tennis, proper tennis,” Federer said after the match. “At least they see the two of us who gave it all they had. They saw other players that tried at least.”

“His explanation to me is that he felt too much pain on the serve, maybe on the jump,” Federer continued. “That’s what he told me. It’s getting worse.

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“At that point obviously when you’re down a set and a break, it’s getting worse, he’s in pain. I see the point. If you feel like it’s getting worse and you can hurt yourself even further, it is better to stop.”