Federer cruises through

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:36

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, who broke his opponent’s serve five times in total, said: “I definitely did not want to underestimate him but I think I did well. I could even try out a few things in the third set. It was solid and that’s exactly what I needed.”

Garcia-Lopez 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.

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