Willis wins plaudits in defeat, Djokovic sets record

A rain-hit third day at Wimbledon was illuminated by Roger Federer's meeting with Marcus Willis that saw the seven-time men's singles champion claim a straight-sets victory as his opponent won the admiration of the Centre Court crowd.

Federer took less than an hour and a half to triumph 6-0 6-3 6-4 in a match played under the showpiece court's retractable roof, as rain caused pain elsewhere at SW19.

However, world number 772 Willis - who came through six qualifiers just to make the main draw - produced plenty of memorable strokes and delighted his supporters by proving competitive after the first seven games had gone Federer's way.

World number one Novak Djokovic beat Adrian Mannarino 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-5), the Serbian setting a new Open Era record with his 30th successive grand slam win.

Only eight men's singles matches were completed amid frequent showers, with Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych and Alexander Zverev among the notable names to progress.

WILLIS SOAKS UP THE MOMENT

Willis may not have been successful in pulling off a miraculous win over Federer, but the British underdog certainly made an impression on Centre Court.

A smile was never far from the 25-year-old's face as he did his best to make life difficult for his illustrious rival, and some impressive serving ensured the Briton was able to provide a test for Federer in sets two and three.

If Willis never plays at Wimbledon again, he will know he provided plenty of cheer during his day in the spotlight.

Djokovic is no stranger to record-breaking feats, but the defending champion was particularly pleased to surpass Rod Laver as the winner of the most men's singles slam matches in succession during the Open Era.

After moving into round three with victory over Mannarino, Djokovic said: "The record I managed to break today was one of the better ones.

"It's very pleasing. I want to keep it going and see where it takes me."

YOUNG GUNS START STRONGLY

Thiem and Zverev have each beaten Federer on grass this month and the two rising stars are likely to fancy their chances of making the second week, at least.

World number eight Thiem, 21, opened his third Wimbledon campaign in impressive fashion, beating the in-form Florian Mayer 7-5 6-4 6-4.

And Zverev also reached round two without dropping a set, the German teenager winning 6-3 6-4 6-2 against Paul-Henri Mathieu.

The more experienced figure of Tomas Berdych - a finalist at the All England Club six years ago - got the better of Ivan Dodig, while Bernard Tomic came through a five-setter with Fernando Verdasco.

BREAKERS APLENTY ON COURT 10

Two unheralded players produced plenty of drama on Court 10 in one of several matches that will need to be completed on Thursday.

Giant Frenchman Albano Olivetti, whose ranking of 793 is even lower than Willis, and Matthew Barton were locked at 3-3 in the fifth set of their first-round tie, having played three tie-breaks.

Olivetti's serving proved somewhat hit and miss as he mixed 43 aces with 13 double faults.