Federer cruises into Wimbledon second round

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Roger Federer launched his bid for a record sixth successive Wimbledon title in blistering style with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Slovakia's Dominik Hrbaty on Monday.

The world number one also racked up his 60th consecutive grasscourt victory, marking his return to his beloved Centre Court with a win as comfortable-looking as the 1920s-style cardigan he wore to mark the occasion of the start of the 2008 championships.

Federer, whose last Grand Slam appearance ended in utter humiliation at the hands of Rafael Nadal in the French Open final, showed that the mental scars of Roland Garros had been soothed by his reappearance at the All England Club where he hasn't lost for six years.

"I played really well and it was great fun against one of my...