Federer dazzles on centre stage

ROGER Federer began his attempt to lift a sixth consecutive Wimbledon crown with a fashion statement when he walked on to Centre Court in brilliant sunshine wearing a cashmere cardigan.

Just one hour and 19 minutes later he had made a much more significant statement, however, with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory against Dominik Hrbaty, the perfect answer to those who suggested his game was beginning to unravel.

Following his straight sets humiliation against Rafael Nadal at the French Open, experts including Bjorn Borg had predicted Federer’s Wimbledon reign would come to an end.