Niland could face Federer in second round of Wimbledon

Irish tennis star Conor Niland has the glittering prize of a potential Wimbledon match-up with Roger Federer if the Irish number one overcomes the tough challenge of France’s Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Championships which commences tomorrow.

Niland will play Mannarino, the world number 53, on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has made only one appearance at Wimbledon, losing in the first round in 2009 but his solid form this year has seen his ranking progress steadily towards the world’s top 50.

Niland, Ireland’s first competitor in the main draw of the Men’s Championship since 1984, has a current ranking of 184.

If Niland succeeds on Tuesday he will play Federer if, as expected, the six-times former champion defeats Mikhail Kukushkin in his first round match.