Federer shows killer instinct to crush Clarke at Wimbledon

Saturday, 6 July 2019 00:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LONDON (Reuters): With his usual level of ruthlessness and near effortless efficiency, Roger Federer dashed home hopes of an outlandish upset at Wimbledon by easing into the third round with a straight sets victory over Britain’s Jay Clarke on Thursday.

There were just enough of the usual flourishes and moments of brilliance to suggest the Swiss is firmly on track to challenge for a ninth Wimbledon title, but he faced limited real resistance in the 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2 win over the world number 169.

Federer had never lost a Grand Slam match to somebody as low as Clarke in the rankings and, despite the Briton putting up a brave fight in the second set, the huge gulf in class ultimately ensured the Swiss never had to get out of second gear.

The Swiss will next face Frenchman Lucas Pouille after he overcame compatriot GregoireBarrere.