GREG RUSEDSKI'S fading Wimbledon dream ended in fading Wimbledon light last night.

The British number two showed flashes of his very best tennis and elements of his worst in his centre court encounter with number 11 seed Joachim Johansson.

But 32-year old Rusedski, who admits the clock is ticking on his career, was in no mood to call time yet.

He claims his passion for tennis - and his desire to win Wimbledon - still burns as bright as ever.

"I'm not thinking about retirement, I'm still going, still playing," he added. "I still have that dream and the road to next year starts tomorrow.

"That's why we play, we just ask for a magical two weeks.

"When I get on grass I believe anything can happen but you need some luck to win here. You need to play your best but you need everything else to go for you as well.

"This is the best I've played in three years and I enjoyed it. I'm upset to lose but I've pushed the world number ten to the very limit."

It's been three years since Rusedski last progressed beyond the second round at a Grand Slam event but as the hour hand moved past nine, hopes were high he could end that run.

But in an epic fourth set tie-break, played in descending gloom, Rusedski could not repel a succession of 140mph aces from his Swedish opponent.

Rusedski, with the crowd at his back, had no complaints about playing in near darkness, although Johansson was less than happy referee Alan Mills forced the players to conclude the set.

"It was quite dark," admitted Rusedski. "He wanted to stop but I was really positive and wanted to play. I guess my tactic didn't work!

"He hit some un-returnable serves in the tie-break, I didn't get anywhere near them. I've never seen him play so well." Roger Federer and Marat Safin both advanced to the third round - in vastly contrasting styles.

Defending champion and top seed Federer looked cool as he beat Ivo Minar, of the Czech Republic, in three comfortable sets - 6-4 6-4 6-1.

And he thinks Safin could be the man to beat after he knocked out big serving Aussie Mark Philippoussis. "Marat has shown how good he can play on grass," said Federer.

"He had a tough draw in the first and second round but he beat them both in straight sets. He is looking relaxed and it helps on grass not to get too frustrated.

"In big matches he is a player who raises his game."

Elsewhere, there were few other on-court dramas at Wimbledon yesterday - leading seeds all progressing through a succession of one-sided matches.