Sharjah24 – Reuters: Apparently if there was a perfect time to topple Roger Federer early at Wimbledon, this was the year -- so believed Cameron Norrie and his vast legion of British fans.

A dogged 6-4 6-4 5-7 6-4 third round win for Federer on Saturday told its own story.

Hopes that the 29th seed could stop Federer's pursuit of a men's record ninth All England Club title reached fever pitch after 338th-ranked British wildcard Emma Raducanu had defied the odds to reach the last 16 moments before Norrie walked onto Centre Court for his showdown with the Swiss supremo.

The fact that Federer had barely played in 18 months and was still in the tournament after his lucky escape against Adrian Mannarino in the first round, with the injured Frenchman quitting when the match was at two sets all, also raised hopes of an upset win for the last British man left in the singles draw.

A netted service return handed Federer his 104th win at his favourite tournament as he made it into the second week at the All England Club for the 17th time in his last 18 appearances.