Federer’s quest for a record 8th Wimbledon title starts with a bang

As the clock struck one on SW19, the ever-elegant Roger Federer – the defending champion – walked out on Centre Court to defend the title he won against all odds last year, in search of a record 8th Wimbledon crown.

Federer’s opponent was Romanian Victor Hanescu. Normalcy prevailed and Federer thrashed him 6-3 6-2 6-0 in straight sets.

In his own words, Federer says he is better than he was in 2007. Federer is chasing much more than a Grand Slam here. Not only will he add to his record 17 Grand Slam titles if he wins here, it will be his 8th title, eclipsing the record of 7 titles won by the great Pete Sampras and William Renshaw, which he famously equalled last year.

But winning the trophy is not going to be as easy as the first round win. Having been drawn in the tougher half of the draw that includes the ever improving and home favourite Andy Murray, Federer is in for a rough time. However, some good news coming out for him – not for the neutrals I’m sure  - is that Rafael Nadal, who was in the same half of the draw, has been bundled out in the first round by World No. 135 Steve Darcis. So that’s one opponent less for Fedex.

All things aside, Federer’s record speaks for itself. He is 66-7 at Wimbledon with a winning percentage of 90.4 and this includes his earlier years as well. What’s more amazing is the fact that since his career-defining title win here in 2003, he has lost only thrice at this venue. History is on Federer’s side; having won the Gerry Weber Open as well, he is primed to go on and win Wimbledon, like he did from 2003 to 2007. Maybe a repeat is on the cards.

It’s been 10 years since the long-haired, pony-tailed Swiss master won the title at Wimbledon and if his first round showing is anything to go by come, I won’t be surprised to see him lifting the trophy for a record 8th time.