Federer cruises through easily

Federer cruises through easily

Roger Federer breezed through to the third round at Wimbledon in just 89 minutes, beating Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in straight sets.

Federer, seeking a sixth victory at the All England Club and record 15th grand slam title, barely had to get out of first gear to win 6-2 6-2 6-4 in bright but blustery conditions.

The world number two broke his opponent's serve five times in total and was delighted to progress with the minimum of fuss.

"I thought all the sets were pretty similar. He won the first service game and I broke him in the next," Federer said. "I thought one end was definitely easier to play from.

"I definitely did not want to underestimate him but I think I did well today. I could even try out a few things in the third set. It was solid and that's exactly what I needed today.

"There are many rounds to pass, many guys who have a crack at me who have nothing to lose. The opponents are only going to get tougher and tougher and if I can keep up a good level I can get through."

 Wimbledon 2009 Day 3 Gallery

Garcia-Lopez may have been an unfamiliar face to the crowd, but he came into Wimbledon on a real high.

The 26-year-old is at a career-high 42 in the world, won his first ATP Tour title on clay in May and reached the semi-finals on grass at Eastbourne last week.

He forced two break points on Federer's serve early in the second set, but failed to take them and was quickly made to pay.

Federer correctly challenged a line call to get to deuce and, after an error from Garcia-Lopez, then produced a stunning backhand winner to claim the break.

Another superb winner, this time on the forehand, set up another break of serve in the seventh game and Federer closed out the set with an ace, taking it 6-2 for a two sets to love lead.

For the third set in succession Federer claimed a break of serve in the third game, and it was simply a matter of time before he completed another routine win.

To his credit, Garcia-Lopez kept battling and a flashing backhand winner helped stave off a second break of serve, only for Federer to then hold serve to love to emphasise his superiority.

The 27-year-old duly completed victory to secure his place in the third round against either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Ivo Minar.

Click here for a video recap of Day 2!


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