By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, July 2, 2018

 

Roger Federer sported Uniqlo clothes for the first time in his career.

Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty

Sporting new threads, Roger Federer delivered a dress-down in his Wimbledon return.

Wearing Uniqlo clothes for the first time in his career, Federer launched his Wimbledon defense with a pristine 6-1, 6-3, 6-4, sweep of Dusan Lajovic.

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Looking fit and moving fluidly, Federer scored his 57th consecutive Grand Slam first-round win, improving his Wimbledon record to 92-11.

The match was a rematch of the 2017 Wimbledon second round, which saw Federer drop serve in the opening game before roaring back for a 7-6, 6-3, 6-2, victory.

Today, the 36-year-old Swiss snuffed out any hope of a Lajovic challenge, reeling off nine straight games to blow the match open.

"[I'm] very happy. I felt good from the start, too, which was nice," Federer said. "I felt right at home again, so it was a really nice feeling. Got the early break in each set and was able to bring it home."

The father of two sets of twins enjoyed a festive family day on Centre Court cruising to victory in front of an appreciative crowd that included wife Mirka, sporting blue shades, and eight-year-old daughters Myle and Charlene and four-year-old sons Leo and Lenny.

"I'm very happy to be in front of my children," Federer said. "It's probably the most special thing for me. I get such amazing support around the world. If I'm still playing it's because of the fans."

The match signaled Federer joining the Uniqlo family as a global brand ambassador.

The top-seeded Swiss, who had worn Nike clothes and shoes throughout his pro career, walked on Centre Court wearing new white Uniqlo apparel and a matching headband along with his familiar Nike shoes. Federer's new Uniqlo deal is reportedly worth $300 million though he wasn't disclosing details in his post-match press conference.

"It's good you know my contract or you have no clue and you're just saying something," Federer told the media with a smile. "Yeah, I'm very happy on both ends, absolutely. I'm happy to be back at Wimbledon. I was really able to enjoy the match out there because I got off to a good start.

"When you get off to a good start in set one and two, you're able to just enjoy the moment more than when you're struggling early on, especially at the tournament like I explained yesterday. There is always pressure and nerves when you go into a first round. Also I was excited to wear Uniqlo today. I must tell you, it's been a long time coming. I felt very good out there. It's also crucial to play well, so it was helpful."

Federer's first Centre Court appearance without the swoosh logo on his shirt and headband was a bit like seeing Superman without an "S" on his chest for some fans who gasped at the sight.

Federer was earning about $7.5 million annually with Nike. His new Uniqlo deal will reportedly nearly quadruple that total annually.

Aside from a major financial boost, Federer is hugely popular in Asia and will be a major draw at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, assuming he plays after missing the Rio Olympics two years ago.

Though his Nike deal ended in March, Federer wore the swoosh brand in tune-up tournaments in Stuttgart and Halle and was wearing the brand during his Wimbledon practice week.

The eight-time champion conducted his pre-tournament press conference wearing a sport jacket, but cast aside formality today.

Federer set the tone on serve. He served 71 percent, won 40 of 44 first-serve points, 11 of 18 second-serve points and did not face a break point.

Persistently pressing forward with imposing results, the Swiss stylist won 22 of 27 trips to net. 

Deploying the chip-and-charge brilliantly, Federer earned triple break point. The reigning champion rifled a return down the line breaking at love for 2-1.