Rafael Nadal may not end up winning a third Wimbledon singles title but he will take joy from having beaten his 'bete noire' Nick Kyrgios in an engrossing but bad-tempered grudge match.
The 33-year-old Spaniard on Thursday came through in four sets 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/3) which saw fiery but talented Australian Kyrgios receive a warning for unsportsmanlike behaviour after a running argument with the umpire while twice serving under-arm.
Nadal's pleasure was evident when he sealed the match against a man he had accused of lacking respect for the sport as he fist-pumped and jumped in the air yelling to his camp seated on Centre Court.
"I was aware of everything," said Nadal, who was winning his 50th match at Wimbledon.
"I was just next to him so I don't want to comment on this but potentially he is a Grand Slam winner." Earlier, his great rival, eight-time champion Roger Federer had no such problems as he eased into the third round, beating British wild card Jay Clarke 6-1 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 to equal American legend Jimmy Connors's record of 17 appearances in the last 32.
On the women's side, there will be a new name adorning the trophy as defending champion Angelique Kerber went out in three sets to lucky loser Lauren Davis 2-6 6-2 6-1.
Federer said his game had not been perfect but Clarke had helped his cause.
"I struggled to take care of business a bit from the baseline," said 37-year-old
"The drop in ranking has made this win even more fulfilling."
- 'Infinity and beyond' -
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There was a scare for seven-time champion Serena Williams, who dropped the first set against 18-year-old Slovenian qualifier Kaja Juvan before prevailing 2-6 6-2
"I play best when I am down sometimes. I am a fighter, I never give up."
"She's an incredible little girl who gives me so much inspiration."
- 'Lovely girl, great champion' -
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"Lovely girl, great champion."
The 32-year-old Scotsman and his French partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert gelled as the match went on winning in four sets over Marius Copil and Ugo Humbert, 4-6 6-1