Roger Federer becomes oldest man in 46 years to reach third round of Wimbledon

All-time tennis great Roger Federer admitted earlier this week he was "a bit lucky" that Wimbledon first-round opponent Adrian Mannarino retired with an injury after Mannarino gave him a true scare. 

Federer needed no such fortunate break on Thursday. 

The eight-time Wimbledon champion toppled Richard Gasquet 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 6-4 to, per an ESPN piece, become the oldest man to reach the tournament's third round since Ken Rosewall journeyed to the fourth round at the age of 40 years old in 1975. Federer turns 40 in early August and booked a third-round meeting with Great Britain's Cameron Norrie via his Thursday victory.

"I hope the crowd gets into it," Federer said about facing an opponent who should have a home-court advantage at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, according to BBC Sport. "I understand if they cheer for him and if it is for me it is because of the last 20 years and all the big wins I've had here." 

Federer jokingly added: "But enough now — he needs to go out! I need to go through." 

Federer and Rafael Nadal currently share the men's all-time record with 20 career Grand Slam titles. Nadal isn't playing at Wimbledon or the Summer Olympics.