Record-seeking Federer outclasses Dzumhur

With seven Wimbledon trophies, 15 titles on grass and 136 victories on the lush green surface, there is not much that fazes Roger Federer when he turns up at the All England Club.

The same could not be said of his first-round opponent on Tuesday.

Bosnian journeyman Damir Dzumhur arrived to face the most celebrated of Wimbledon champions without ever having played a match on grass.

Just how ill-prepared Dzumhur was for his grasscourt baptism was clear for all to see as Federer began his 63rd consecutive grand slam event with a regal 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 victory that was all over in 68 majestic minutes.

“The grass changes as the tournament progresses,” commented Federer. “It's easier to move once you enter, I'd say, third round. Then especially the second week, just because of the used bit in the back, you have more grip, whereas in the beginning of the tournament it's softer, it's more slippery where the green patches are.

“Playing on Centre Court is exciting. It’s a privilege to be there,” added Federer. “I was trying to think how many times I've played there now. I don't know. I know it's been often. Still, every time it feels like it's a special occasion, for sure.”

The man who has contested nine All England Club finals, and 25 overall at the majors, was certainly feeling the love from 15,000 Centre Court spectators who stood to attention as he sauntered in to begin his pursuit of a record eighth Wimbledon trophy.

“Roger, I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu” boomed a male voice as Federer kicked off his 83rd match at the home of grasscourt tennis with an unreturnable serve.

The cheers from the RF appreciation society grew louder with every Federer winner, be it a blazing backhand, a flashy forehand or a razzle-dazzle volley.

Those spellbinding shots flowing out of the Federer racket earned him five breaks of serve before he finished off Wimbledon debutant Dzumhur with a love service game to chalk up his 74th victory at Wimbledon.

Dzumhur, who was just 11 when Federer won the first of his record 17 grand slam titles here in 2003, had to make do with the consolation of winning seven games against his childhood idol.

It was the second Grand Slam in a row in which Federer had knocked out Dzumhur, No. 88 in the ATP Rankings. The pair had squared off in the third round of this year’s Roland Garros tournament, a match which Federer also won in straight sets. It was the players’ only previous meeting.

In Round Two, Federer will take on American Sam Querrey, who downed Dutchman Igor Sijsling 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. The seven-time Wimbledon champ has never dropped a set against Querrey. It will be the pair’s first meeting on grass.

Date: 30th June 2015, Source: Reuters and ATP