World number Live - Ivanovic v De Los Rios ...
Live - Wimbledon ...
Federer targets Wimbledon history ...
Borg tips Nadal to win Wimbledon ...
Live - Federer v Nadal ... one Roger Federer backed up his claim that he is the title favourite with a commanding display in his opening match at Wimbledon.

The 26-year-old crushed Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Hrbaty had won both his previous matches against Federer but has struggled to find top form since undergoing elbow surgery last year.

Federer set the tone by winning the first 11 points without reply as he kicked off his title defence in style.

The world number one is seeking a record sixth straight title at the All England Club, but he is no longer the overwhelming favourite.

His tally of just two titles this season along with some surprising defeats have left many tipping Rafael Nadal or even Novak Djokovic to claim the title.

But the top seed, who is now unbeaten in 60 straight matches on grass, showed he had lost none of his confidence by arriving on court in a chunky cardigan.

And he went on to show off his full repertoire of grass-court skills - albeit against a struggling opponent.

He had won 11 points before Hrbaty could reply, and that was only a brief reprieve as Federer went on to serve out from 40-15 for a 3-0 lead.

Hrbaty is one of only three active players with a winning record against Federer, the others being Nadal and Andy Murray, but his ranking has dropped to 272nd after missing most of last season.

The Slovakian managed only flashes of brilliance - including a crowd-pleasing through-the-legs passing shot at 1-4 down in the first set - but he was otherwise outclassed, dropping serve again at the start of the second set as Federer went through the gears.

Hrbaty again earned warm applause from the Centre Court crowd when at 2-5 down in the third set, he went and sat next to Federer at the changeover.

But Federer was ruthless to the last, serving out a comprehensive win to love.

(BBC)

<< Back