23 Jun 2009

Federer opens Wimbledon in style

6:34 am on 23 June 2009

Roger Federer has started his bid for a record 15th major tennis title in style with a straightforward first round win at Wimbledon.

In the absence of the injured defending champion Rafael Nadal, Federer was given the honour of opening proceedings, and he arrived on Centre Court in a white monogrammed military-style outfit, complete with waistcoat.

Although he dropped serve early on to Taiwans Lu Yen-hsun, the world number two cantered to a 7-5 6-3 6-2 win over the only Asian in the mens draw.

The American James Blake became the first seeded casualty when he lost 7-5 6-4 7-6 to Italy's Andreas Seppi.

In the womens draw Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova who the hopes of Britain's 15 year old golden girl Laura Robson, last year's junior Wimbledon champion, 3-6 6-4 6-2.