In Federer’s box, son Lenny was caught on camera playfully pawing at Ivan Ljubicic’s face in the first set, the Croatian giving the kid an expression of faux shock after he slapped his puffed-up cheek. It was much like the match in front of them – Fritz producing some fine shots without ever hurting Federer. Despite cracking 24 winners, he failed to fashion a single break point.

For the fans, however, it was a treat. The duo combined for 58 winners, Federer in particular enjoying the chance to put on a variety show in the cat-and-mouse rallies. From the outset his backhand was in devilish form, producing a flurry of winners and unplayable drives as he broke twice en route to a 5-1 lead, closing out the opener with his third love hold of the set.

Fritz at least enjoyed the experience, caught smiling time and again after coming off second-best in another dazzling rally. But the 21-year-old, playing in the third round of a major for just the second time, did get the chance to showcase his own repertoire as he stayed with Federer throughout the second set before cracking on serve in the penultimate game.