Kevin Anderson knocks Roger Federer out in five set Wimbledon classic

Roger Federer was knocked out of Wimbledon by Kevin Anderson after a thrilling five-set battle that ended in a 2-6, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4, 13-11 victory for the South African.

The eighth seed Anderson did not look like causing a shock when he lost the first set 6-2 against the eight-time Wimbledon champion on Court No 1. Federer then equalled his own record of 34 consecutive sets won at Wimbledon as he went 2-0 up by holding his nerve in a high quality tie-break. The Swiss previously won 34 straight sets between the third round in 2005 and the final in 2006.

However, Federer was unable to break his own record after dropping the third set as Anderson embarked on a courageous fightback. The South African saved three break points before taking the set 7-5.

When Anderson broke again in the fourth, Federer was suddenly on the ropes. The 20-time grand slam winner lost the set 6-4 as Anderson’s relentless, powerful serve sent the match into a fifth and deciding set.

But Federer went toe to toe with his buoyant opponent in an epic fifth-set tussle until with the score 11-11 Anderson pounced. He broke to 30 and then served out for a dramatic victory, having saved one match point in the third set.