Roger Federer has admitted that he was relieved to see world number one Novak Djokovic crash out in the third round of Wimbledon.
The defending champion saw a 30-match winning streak at Grand Slams come to an abrupt end last week as he suffered a shock exit at the hands of Sam Querrey.
The result means that Federer is now the favourite to make it all the way to the final in the top half of the draw, and the 17-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that Djokovic's absence increases his own chances of claiming a record eighth Wimbledon crown.
Asked if he had breathed a sigh of relief, Federer told Swiss newspaper the Tages Anzeiger: "Yes, but not just me. Everyone.
"It's logical. It means that you no longer have to overcome someone who has had so much recent success at the Grand Slams.
"It's still a long road. But everyone gave a small sigh of relief. It was quite a surprise."
Federer will take on Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals at SW19.
Barney Corkhill
