Gael Monfils finally learns to like grass as he reaches Wimbledon third round

Gael Monfils has revealed he has finally learned how to love grass after reaching Wimbledon’s third round for the second year running.

Frenchman Monfils edged past Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/3) on Wednesday to book a clash with 11th seed Sam Querrey.

Even after beating Britain’s Kyle Edmund in the second round last year, Monfils maintained he harboured a serious dislike for the grass.

But now the 31-year-old believes he has discovered a new-found appreciation for his least-favourite surface.

“After years and years of improving slowly, finally I can say that I like the grass,” said Monfils.

“I’m happy, with the way I’ve played in these two matches. I’m trying to like the grass as much now as I like playing tennis.

“I’ve had to have the mindset that it’s just another surface.”

Roger Federer has a long-lasting love affair with the courts, and the top seed put on a scintillating display as he destroyed Slovakia’s Lukas Lacko 6-4 6-4 6-1 in just 90 minutes.

Federer said: “I played very well again, I felt good out there, less nerves than in the first round, which is normal.

“I am happy with how I am hitting the ball and concentration on my own service games and I am able to mix it up on return.

“I needed to put him away and I was able to do that and I am very happy.”

Canada’s 13th seed Milos Raonic swept past Australian John Millman in straight sets, but in predictably attritional fashion, requiring three tie-breaks for victory.

Big-serving Raonic revealed he has been battling a minor virus, but insisted he feels in good condition.

“I’ve just had a bit of a reaction, like a bit of a lung reaction, a virus,” said Raonic.

“I feel good, and the body has behaved (after a string of injuries). Obviously we are very cautious with it, because it’s tough to ask the body to stop and start all the time.”

Struff prevailed 6-7 (5/7) 3-6 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/4) 13-11 in a clash lasting almost four hours, and he will face Federer next.

Third seed Marin Cilic was heading for a straight-sets victory over Argentina’s Guido Pella, when rain interrupted proceedings.

Cilic surprisingly had his serve broken when they briefly returned before darkness fell, and will resume with a 6-3 6-1 3-4 lead on Thursday.