Federer passes ‘tricky’ Mahut test

ROGER FEDERER came through the toughest test of his Wimbledon defence so far — but still has lost just one set in SW19 since the 2004 final.

Federer was made to fight all the way before seeing off the brave challenge of France’s Nicolas Mahut 6-3 7-6 6-4 on court one.

The world number one and defending champion served for the match at 5-3 in the third set, only to be broken for the first time in the championships, but hit straight back to break his 24-year-old opponent and claim his 44th straight win on grass.