Roger Federer Defeats Victor Hanescu to Advance at 2013 Wimbledon

Roger Federer began his quest for a record-setting eighth Wimbledon title on the right foot Monday, beating Victor Hanescu in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-0.

ESPN Tennis noted that the match took just 108 minutes and improved Federer’s all-time record at Wimbledon to an impressive 67-7.

The Romanian opponent provided little challenge to the Swiss superstar, as Hanescu’s raw power offered little resistance against Federer’s technical brilliance and complete mastery of the grass at the All England Club.

While Hanescu’s serve was dangerous at times, the 6’6” 31-year-old was too plodding and lumbering to match Fed’s quick strikes all over the court.

Federer now advances to the second round to play Serhiy Stakhovsky, a Ukrainian veteran who should offer a bit more of a challenge to the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

It’s doubtful that Fed struggles at Wimbledon until the quarterfinals, where he is likely to meet with longtime rival Rafael Nadal.

The King of Clay is just 1-2 lifetime against Fed on the grass surface at the All England Club, although he’s captured the tournament title in 2008 and 2010.

Nadal is arguably the hottest player in the world after taking an extended break from the game due to injury. The Spaniard is fresh off a win at the 2013 French Open and could be the biggest threat to Fed’s chances of making history at Wimbledon.

Don’t be surprised if the potential quarterfinals showdown between Rafa and Fed ends up being the highlight of this year’s Wimbledon, although there are plenty of other great matches on the horizon.