Sousa, 69th ATP, won by a triple 6-4, in two hours and 12 minutes, in a clash in which he managed to break Cilic’s (18th) service once in each set, respectively in the first, fifth and third, which guaranteed him a spot in the third round.

"I am very pleased with this victory over a player whom I had previously faced and whom I had never beat a set,” Sousa said.

“It is one of the best players in the world and today was a perfect day."

"I managed to play at a high level and intensity, from the beginning to the end, and I was very concentrated,” Sousa said.

“I had one of the best matches of my career. I can only be happy with my exhibition today and for being in the third round of a Grand Slam tournament again as emblematic as Wimbledon.”

He is to face UK Daniel Evans, 61st ATP, on Saturday in the round of 16 third round.