Federer opens with easy victory
WIMBLEDON
Date: 22 June - 5 July
Coverage: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC HD, Red Button, website streaming (UK only) and text commentary, 5 Live, 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC iPlayer
Federer feels good after opening win
| By Piers Newbery at Wimbledon |
Roger Federer got his bid for a sixth Wimbledon title off to a solid start with a straight-sets first-round win over Yen-Hsun Lu of Chinese Taipei.
The Swiss star opened proceedings on Centre Court in the absence of injured defending champion Rafael Nadal.
And despite dropping serve early on, the world number two came through 7-5 6-3 6-2 in one hour 44 minutes.
Federer, who is trying to win a record 15th Grand Slam title, will play Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in round two.
With the disappointment of Nadal's withdrawal still fresh, it was down to second seed Federer to take on the job traditionally reserved for the defending men's champion and open play on Centre Court.
Highlights - Federer breaks Lu to take opening set
It is not an unfamiliar role for the 27-year-old, who dominated at the All England Club with five successive titles from 2003 before his run ended in last year's dramatic five-set final against Nadal.
On his first return to the scene of that defeat, the newly-crowned French Open champion made a surprisingly edgy start, missing a couple of break-point chances in game four and then netting a forehand to slip a break down in game five.
There was little time for the world number 127 to enjoy his lead though, as Federer broke back immediately before taking the set in game 12, and breaking to love again for 2-0 in the second.
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That proved enough to seal the second set for Federer and the Swiss eased through the third with two more breaks as his forehand in particular clicked into gear.
"It's very special and it will always remain that way," he said of being first up on Centre Court for the sixth successive year.
"It's a very privileged spot. I know Rafa deserves it more than I do this year but somebody has to do it and I'm very proud they chose me.
"It's something maybe Rafa will regret a little bit and part of what made his decision so difficult."
