Roger Federer cruised through his opening match at Wimbledon on Tuesday, destroying Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in a mere one hour and seven minutes. Federer struck six aces without double-faulting, did not face a single break point, and finished with 26 winners compared to only 12 unforced errors.
“[Playing on Centre Court] is exciting,” the 33-year-old Swiss assured, even though it might as well be his home away from home. “It’s a privilege to be there. I was trying to think how many times I’ve played there now. I don’t know. I know it’s been often. Still, every time it feels like it’s a special occasion, for sure.”
Highlights:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIRADQQbk-I]
Federer can expect to be back there on Thursday against Sam Querrey. Should he take care of business against Nottingham runner-up Sam Querrey, the seven-time champion at the All-England Club would await the winner of a particularly interesting second-round showdown.
Fellow Australians Sam Groth and James Duckworth will face each other on Wednesday. But they aren’t just countrymen. At least for this fortnight they are also roommates. Groth, his girlfriend, Duckworth, and coach Ben Mathias (he coaches both players) have rented an apartment together.
To say Tuesday was a good day for the household would be a huge understatement. Groth upset an in-form Jack Sock 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, while Duckworth held off Malek Jaziri 7-6(2), 6-2, 3-6, 3-6, 7-5.
“We’re sharing a house, it could be a bit tense in the house this week,” Groth joked. “We travel together, we practice together and we’re good mates, so in one way it’s great there’ll be an Aussie in third round.”
The world No. 68 was not even expected to make it out of the first round, but he took advantage of an opponent who did not play any ATP tournaments on grass in between the French Open and Wimbledon. Groth fired 16 aces to Sock’s four and committed just four double-faults compared to nine off the American’s racket.
“On this surface and the way I’m playing, this is a chance to make a deep run,” Groth added. “With the way I’m serving, not many guys will want to see me in their part of the draw.”
Briefs
* Monfils makes quick work of Carreno Busta, gives himself a chance at top 16.
* Troicki holds off Nedovyesov, but needs two more wins for top 20.
* Coric outlasts Stakhovsky, guarantees a stay in the top 40.
* Pospisil gets past Millot, projected to climb into top 50.
* Paire thrashes Youzhny, likely puts himself in the top 60.
* Mahut defeats Krajinovic, but must upset Berdych for top 60.
* Haase sees off Falla, needs one more victory for top 70.
* Duckworth survives in five, can reach top 80 if he beats Groth.
* Brown bests Lu, could find himself in top 90 even if he loses to Nadal.
* Ward takes advantage of lucky loser Vanni, will get into top 100.
* Basilashvili poised to make massive move (28 spots) after bagging Bagnis.
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