Nick Kyrgios is the only Australian remaining in singles at Wimbledon after Sam Groth lost to Roger Federer in the 3rd round.
FEDERER 6 6 6 6
GROTH 4 4 7 2
With Groth and Casey Dellacqua, both losing today, Nick Kyrgios is the last remaining Aussie in the singles event.
Groth losing wasn’t without a fight though as the took it to the world number 2 and 7 time champion at the event.
The Aussie served 21 aces and won the 3rd set in a tiebreaker to inflict Federer with his first loss of a set in the event.
Unfortunately for the Aussie, he struggled to make inroads into the Federer serve.
He won just 20 points on it and got no break points.
Federer also served 17 aces.
In the first two sets, it took one loose game from Groth, to hand Federer each set.
He was pounced on his 2nd serve whenever he landed it in the hitting zone of the world number 2.
In the third set, which went to a tiebreaker, Groth would take advantage of a double fault from Federer to win all his points on serve in the breaker and take it 7-5.
The win in the third set was immediately forgotten as he conceded an early break in the 4th set.
When Federer broke for the 2nd time, to take the match, the Aussies Wimbledon campaign was over.
It has been a fantastic event for Groth and he now has enough points to keep him inside the top 100 until the end of the year.
His 520 calendar points would be enough but he will be wanting more.
That quest will resume in the American hard court season in the lead up to the US Open in September.
Sam Groth will make his debut on centre court at Wimbledon when he takes on Roger Federer in the third round at the All England Club. Join The Roar for a live blog of the match from 10:00pm AEST.
This is the second time he has made a debut on a centre court at a Grand Slam event against Roger Federer.
At the US Open last year, after defeating Albert Ramos in the opening round, Groth made his debut on Arthur Ashe Arena against the Fed Express.
In their first, and only meeting so far, Federer won in straight sets but didn’t have it all his own way.
The Aussie broke twice, but was also broken 5 times, as his serving struggled under the nervous pressure of playing on centre court.
He hit just 8 aces, and 8 double faults, in the 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat.
That loss, and experience on the centre court at the US Open, will be instrumental tonight when he faces Federer again.
He will be nervous again, no question about that, but this time he will know what to do with those nerves as he battles the world number 2.
His tournament so far has been excellent. In Round 1 he battled past Jack Sock in four sets, before beating good mate James Duckworth in straight sets in Round 2.
He didn’t play particularly well against Duckworth but it is always tough to play against someone who knows your game inside out.
He now has to lift his game again to be a chance against Federer.
In the first two rounds, Federer has been ruthless.
He lost just 7 games against Damir Dzumhur in Round 1, and 8 against Sam Querrey in Round 2.
What was impressive about the win against Querrey was that he got 12 chances to break against the big server.
That will be the key to the match tonight.
Can Groth serve well enough to win enough games against a great returner in Federer?
It didn’t work at the US Open but Wimbledon is a different beast because it suits his game better.
With his serve volleying, grass suits that game, and he can trouble Federer tonight.
I can’t see the Aussie winning but he will come close to winning a set tonight. Federer will be too strong.
Prediction: Federer 3-1
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
He is only 27. Still have 3-5 years left on the tour. He also took a break from the sport so he will be in a position to play for longer as well.
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
If only he was 23...
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Federer returns right at Groth's feet and the Aussie can't return it. The Wimbledon event for Groth is over. He played exceptionally well today. 2 years ago I would have said you were dreaming if he would win a set against Federer at Wimbledon. That is how far he has come and he isn't done yet either. Still improvement in Groth and that's the exciting bit. FEDERER 6 6 6 6 GROTH 4 4 7 2
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Two match points for Federer. 15-40.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
He has 15-30 after a long shot from Groth.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
15-15 all here. Federer will want to finish it now.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Federer wins the next two points. He holds serve and is one game away from a 4th round appearance. FEDERER 6 6 6 5 GROTH 4 4 7 2
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
A big smash to Groth after dictating the point. 30-30.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Indecisiveness costs him the second. He moves too late and hits the ball into the net. 15-15.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Groth wins the first point. A small chance for the Aussie. 0-15.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Groth holds to 15. He is keeping the pressure on Federer. FEDERER 6 6 6 4 GROTH 4 4 7 2
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Federer holds to love and finishes it with an ace. FEDERER 6 6 6 4 GROTH 4 4 7 1
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Groth holds to 15. He is on the board in the 4th set. FEDERER 6 6 6 3 GROTH 4 4 7 1
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Groth has 30-15 after a winner at the net. Needs to hold serve here.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Federer holds and races to a 3-0 lead. The Swiss Maestro is back in control. FEDERER 6 6 6 3 GROTH 4 4 7 0
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Groth brings the game to deuce. He hits a cracking forehand cross court shot that forces a mistake from Federer. Deuce.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Groth has 30-30. He hits a great forehand down the line that beats Federer at the net.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Federer breaks and lands a return winner. Shame for Groth. He just couldn't land enough first serves. He now has to break back. FEDERER 6 6 6 2 GROTH 4 4 7 0
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Federer now has a break point.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Deuce. Groth hits a volley long. He did make a 1st serve though.