Alejandro Falla did it again, and again came up just short. Two years after pushing grass great Roger Federer to five sets at Wimbledon, the Colombian had Federer on the ropes for a second time on the famed Center Court.
Federer blew three match points opportunities in the second set which allowed Falla to gather, find his form and clay back into the match. Falla took the second, went down a break in the third but managed to level again before Federer finally took charge winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
“I never stopped believing,” said Federer. “Kept on pushing. Even though he got back a break in the third set, that obviously also got my nerves going because the margins are very small at that point. I’m happy I found a way to tough it out really.”
Seeking a first singles medal, Federer advances to meet Julien Benneteau in the second on Monday.
Other men’s winners included Juan Martin Del Potro, John Isner, Gilles Simon and Janko Tipsarevic who ousted former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian. Former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych was shocked by Steve Darcis in straight sets. The Czech also lost first round at Wimbledon.
“I think this is maybe the best victory of my career,” said Darcis,
Tournament favorite Serena Williams won her 12th straight match match pounding former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic. Serena, has two golds in doubles, but none in singles.
“I was a little nervous in the first set, but I think once I got relaxed, I played a little better,” said Serena. “I actually think I played solid. I felt the ball well. I missed a few shots, but at least I was going forward.”
Upsets hit the women’s draw as Sam Stosur continued her struggles. Former French Open champion Li Na was also upset.
Today, Brit hope Andy Murray returns to Center Court to face another Swiss, this time Stan Wawrinka. Former Wimbledon champions Novak Djokovic, Lleyton Hewitt, Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova are all in action.
Roger Federer and the Williams sisters begin their 2008 gold medal defense in doubles.
Centre Court
Start: 12:00
Julia GOERGES (GER) V Agnieszka RADWANSKA (POL)
Stanislas WAWRINKA (SUI) V Andy MURRAY (GBR)
Shahar PEER (ISR) V Maria SHARAPOVA (RUS)
Jo-Wilfried TSONGA (FRA) [5] V Thomaz BELLUCCI (BRA)
Court 1
Start: 12:00
Fabio FOGNINI (ITA) V Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)
Sara ERRANI (ITA) [9] V Venus WILLIAMS (USA)
David GOFFIN (BEL) V Juan MONACO (ARG)
Victoria AZARENKA (BLR) [1] V Irina-Camelia BEGU (ROU)
Court 2
Start: 11:30
David FERRER (ESP) [4] V Vasek POSPISIL (CAN)
Andy RODDICK (USA) V Martin KLIZAN (SVK)
Petra CETKOVSKA (CZE) V Angelique KERBER (GER)
Nishikori / Soeda (JPN) V Federer / Wawrinka (SUI) [6]
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