By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, June 24, 2014

 

In what felt like an extended practice session at times, Roger Federer raced into the second round of Wimbledon with a straight sets win.

Photo Credit: AP

Can Roger Federer win Wimbledon again? That's the question many hope the seven-time champion can answer with a resounding "Yes" this year. Federer got off to a near perfect start in that quest during his opening round match on Tuesday.

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Playing on Court No. 1 against Italy's Paolo Lorenzi, the No. 4 seed Federer received a warm ovation from the crowd before getting down to business. For his part, Lorenzi had never gone past the first round of any major before in his career.

Perhaps the Guardian UK blog summed up best what was in store by writing, "Parish notice: Roger Federer is playing tennis at Wimbledon. Italy's Paolo Lorenzi is the sacrificial lamb."

Federer broke Lorenzi early and then it was off to the races for the Swiss star. Wrapping up the first 6-1, Federer soon had the second set in his pocket by the same score. But if Federer was hoping for the metaphorical "quick kill", it didn't quite happen.

The only untidy part of Federer's near romp was at the end. Leading 5-2, Federer would let five match point chances slip by, either by hitting shots into the net or well long. Lorenzi finally held serve for 5-3 and saluted the crowd who gave him encouraging applause, but probably mainly due to because they would get to see Federer play a few more minutes.

Federer didn't mess about in the last game. With a final ace on his sixth match point, he wrapped up the popular 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 win in just over 90 minutes.

40 winners for Federer to just 12 from Lorenzi proved the key stat of the match. Federer also saved all five break points against him.

"Walking down the tunnel I felt relaxed and happy to go on court but once you step out there you are ready and you do feel some pressure," Federer later said to BBC Sport.

Federer may feel more pressure in his next match either against Gilles Muller or Julien Benneteau. But for now the former champion will certainly enjoy this short yet successful start.