Federer Cruises Into Second Round

© Getty ImagesRoger Federer made just 10 unforced errors against Lu.

Five-time former champion Roger Federer was in a playful mood after beginning his quest for a record 15th major title with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 win over Yen-Hsun Lu of Chinese Taipei at The Championships on Monday.

The Swiss refused to divulge to the world’s media exactly when his wife, Mirka, was due to give birth to their first child. “I'm not saying,” he smiled. “It's a pity we're moving on with [another] language right now. So sorry.”

In his first grass-court outing of the year, Federer made just 10 unforced errors in a very polished opening to his 2009 Wimbledon campaign. The Swiss skipped his traditional grass-court lead-up in Halle after winning his first Roland Garros title.

Federer was given the honour of playing the first Centre Court match of The Championships following the withdrawal of ATP World Tour Champion Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from the tournament due to knee tendinitis.

“It is very special [playing the opening match on Centre Court],” said Federer. “It will always remain this way.  It's a very privileged spot. Monday, 1:00 p.m., so of course I feel honoured. I know that Rafa deserves it obviously more than I do this year.  But somebody had to do it, so I'm very happy that they chose me. [It] gets your heart beating, that's for sure.”

“I thought [Lu] played excellent. He's a wonderful player. He has got a nice forehand, a nice backhand, very sound game all around. [He] seems like he can play well, especially on the quicker courts, hard courts and grass courts. He's beaten good players in the past. I am happy to be through.”

With Nadal sidelined, the draw features only two players – former champion Lleyton Hewitt and German veteran Nicolas Kiefer – who have beaten Federer on grass. Federer won five consecutive titles between 2003-2007 before falling in an epic five-setter to Nadal in last year’s final.

Federer will face Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round. Garcia-Lopez knocked out Agustin Calleri of Argentina 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.