Federer delivers shot-making masterclass to reach round three at Wimbledon

LONDON (Reuters): When Roger Federer’s lunging mishit spun high into the air and turned into a glorious lob, Lukas Lacko must have known it was going to be one of those days when he might as well enjoy having the best view in the house.

It was just too bad the Slovakian could not put his feet up and enjoy the jaw-dropping spectacle.

Two days after creating a stir at Wimbledon with his new mega-bucks clothing deal, Federer was back making a style statement with his dazzling tennis as he gave Lacko a 6-4 6-4 6-1 dressing down to reach the third round on Wednesday.

The Swiss champion was at his breath-taking best as he crafted 48 exquisite winners during a 90-minute masterclass that seemed more an exhibition of his shot-making than a charge towards a record ninth Wimbledon title.

The last time Federer turned up to defend his crown in 2013, he suffered a shock second-round humbling by SergiyStakhovsky.

There was no danger of a repeat performance on Wednesday, however, and a forehand swish on match point gave the top seed a 26th consecutive set at the grasscourt major.

“On certain days, it goes better than others,” summed up a grinning Federer, who will be seeking a 10th successive win at the All England Club when he takes on Germany’s Jan-LennardStruff in the third round.

When asked if he would prefer the umpire to announce ‘game Mr. Federer’ - just as the women are addressed as a “Miss” or “Mrs.” here - rather than just “game Federer”, the man contesting his 20th consecutive Wimbledon admitted he was clueless about that particular tradition.

“Oh, I didn’t know that,” he said sounding bemused.

Within seconds he added with a smile: “I’m happy, whatever they say, as long as it is ‘game’ and my name and not ‘game’ and the other (person’s) name.”