Federer survives after Wimbledon scare
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Defending champion Roger Federer narrowly avoided falling victim to the biggest upset in Wimbledon history as he fought back from two sets down to defeat Alejandro Falla in an astonishing first-round match on Centre Court.
Colombian Falla is ranked 60th in the world and had lost all four previous matches against the world number two but that did not stop him winning the opening two sets with some stunning tennis.
Federer, who was watched from the Royal Box by his parents, somehow pulled one back and then broke Falla when he served for the match in the fourth set before racing away to win 5-7 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7/1) 6-0.
The top seed paid tribute to his opponent as he came off court, saying: "I've lost many matches this season I should have won and today I won a match I should have lost. He played incredible."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments