Federer starts with military precision

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer turned up at Wimbledon on Monday resembling an army general ready to conduct his latest campaign and soon disarmed the opposition on the opening day of the grasscourt championships.

The Swiss strolled on court in a white monogrammed military-style outfit, complete with a waistcoat underneath, and was soon firing winners past Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun to secure a 7-5 6-3 6-2 win in the first round.

Wimbledon's famed lawns became slippery like an ice rink later in the day as Novak Djokovic and Julien Benneteau skidded around on the slick surface before the Serbian fourth seed pulled out a 6-7 7-6 6-2 6-4 victory.

Federer had the honour of opening Centre Court proceedings, a privilege usually reserved for the champion, after his great rival Rafael Nadal pulled out with a knee injury.

Although Federer's five-year Wimbledon reign was ended by the Spaniard last year, it was not long before he was acting every inch a champion and swatted aside Asia's only contender in the men's draw with a glorious forehand winner.

"It's a very privileged spot, Monday 1pm, of course I feel honoured. I know Rafa deserved it more than I do this year but somebody had to do it and I'm happy they chose me. It gets your heart beating, that's for sure," the French Open champion said after beginning his pursuit of a record 15th grand slam title.

Asked about his fashion statement, the second seed added: "I went for a modern military look, hope people like it."

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