Federer eases to opening victory (photos attached)

Updated：2007-06-26 From：Xinhuanet

LONDON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Swiss Roger Federer began his charge for a fifth successive Wimbledon title with an opening 6-3,6-2, 6-4 victory over Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia on the rain-hit grasscourt on Monday.

The world number one booked a cautious victory in one hour 32 minutes on a slippery Centre Court, where the play had been delayed for more than an hour and a half by rain.

Both Federer and the 22-year-old Russian, making his Wimbledon debut, were concerned about their footing. But it was Gabashvili who took the only tumble, slipping on the baseline in a long second game of the opening set, when he held after five deuces.

Defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot to Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia during their men's singles match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 25, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

The Swiss gradually moved into higher gear and broke for 5-2 before serving out to take the first set.

The second set saw Federer surge 4-1 up with a pair of service breaks and then seal it with an ace although the Russian saved three set points at 5-1 and another at 5-2.

With Gabashvili getting frustrated by his own mistakes, Federer broke at the start of the third before eventually taking it.

Despite occasional patches of good play, Gabashvili was left contemplating his eighth straight first round defeat this year while Federer celebrated his 49th consecutive grass court victory and his 29th at Wimbledon.

Defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot to Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia during their men's singles match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 25, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia plays a shot to defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men's singles match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 25, 2007.(Xinhua Photo)