Roger Federer battled past a defiant Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-4 5-7 6-4 to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon.
The eight-time champion had to work hard in the last two sets but just edged the 29th seed to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Federer will now play Lorenzo Sonego on Monday after the Italian beat James Duckworth in four sets.
In the opening sets, Federer played some of the best tennis of his comeback as he rolled back the years with some free-flowing attacking shot-making.
Norrie managed to overcome some early serving jitters as he held efficiently and tested Federer’s nerve under pressure.
However in the seventh game, Federer’s pressure proved too much as the Swiss broke for a 4-3 lead.
Norrie couldn’t create any opportunities in the big moments as Federer sealed the opening set.
There was a better response from Norrie in the second set as he managed to dictate points earlier in the rally and was able to create two break points.
But Norrie couldn’t take his opportunities and in the next game, Federer showed his world-class qualities as he broke for a 2-1 lead.
Despite saving a set point in the ninth game, Norrie couldn’t cause problems on return as Federer held to love for a two set to love lead.
In the third set, Federer missed a few half-opportunities as the world number 34 remained firm on serve.
Both players remained solid on serve until Federer pushed for the crucial break in the eleventh game but some clutch serving saw the Brit hold for 6-5.
With the crowd by his side, Norrie then broke to love as this was the first time Federer’s level dipped.
Winning the third set gave the 29th seed momentum as he played with confidence and attacking intent.
Although it would be Federer who got the first break with a clean returning game for a 3-2 lead.
But Norrie remained resilient and stubborn as he broke straight back for 3-3 and held serve in the next game.
This was the crucial part of the match which both players displayed nerves but also was playing some appetising tennis.
Eventually Federer’s quality and aggressive tennis shone through and a break in the ninth game sealed victory as he served out the match.
A massive reaction from the world number six suggests that Norrie tested him to his limits as he knows how tough that match was.
After the match, Federer admitted he was relieved to win, “Super relieved. It was a tough battle and it was so close. He deserved that third set, he played excellent today,” Federer said.
“For me, I felt I was able to keep a high level of play and he got that good break at the end of the third – but overall I can be very happy with how I played.
“It’s a pleasure still playing right now. This one is special because I’m almost 40 – at this point it’s all a bonus and I will see how far I can go here.”
Federer will play his 69th last 16 match at a grand slam when he plays Lorenzo Sonego on Monday.
