Wimbledon: Federer cruises past Hanescu

With all the regal splendour of a seven-times champion, Roger Federer began his Wimbledon title defence with almost casual brutality yesterday, swatting aside Romania’s Victor Hanescu in straight sets.

Fulfilling the ceremonial role of striding out to open the action on Centre Court, the 17-times grand slam champion was in no mood for hanging around as he began his bid for a record eighth Wimbledon title with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 romp.

It took 68 minutes for Federer to book his place in the second round.

“I’m happy to get out of there early and quickly,” said the Swiss. “So it was a perfect day.”

Elsewhere, Serbia’s 14th seed Janko Tipsarevic lost to a familiar face as he bowed out early, with Davis Cup team-mate Victor Troicki taking his scalp, earning a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) win.

Giant Pole Jerzy Janowicz proved why he is being tipped to mount a semi-final challenge as he crushed British debutant Kyle Edmund 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, and sixth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France eased into the second round with a 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-3 win over David Goffin of Belgium.