Wimbledon 2009: Federer Opens Proceedings In Style

Roger Federer began his 2009 Wimbledon campaign in style and that's not including his attire [it was a "military jacket" this time] by brushing past the Chinese Taipei-ean Lu in some brilliant display of grass court tennis today.

The fan favourite and the newly crowned G.O.A.T initially faced some stiff resistance from the World No. 64 especially in the first set, where he got broken in the sixth game; but thereafter Lu got no say in the proceedings, though he did try his level best not to get intimidated by his rival's reputation on grass.

Every shot was powered to perfection - casually elegant and typically Federer grass-ical [if there is such a word in the English language].

Federer is undoubtedly an all-surface player, but if one wishes to feast on his play making for the first time in their life-then Wimbledon is the best bet. He just rules there, there is no other word for it - Period!

His every shot today was exquisite and the best shot of the entire match- perhaps even for the entire day; would be the one where he tackled an overhead volley from Lu from the far end of the net, to capture a winner for himself. The overhead fist raise that he gave after winning that point, was a testimony to his excellent grass camaraderie.

Good first serve percentage, unforced errors almost to a bare minimum when compared with his winners; he gave an allround performance today, which could in fact be taken as just a practice match as a preparation for the next few days to come and which should get even better in the next set of matches to follow.

At the same time, while acknowledging Federer's superior game in today's proceedings, it would be unfair if Lu's efforts on the court are overlooked; at no point in the match, did he play as though he was cowering to play before the five time, record equalling champion.

He played his natural game, sometimes displaying a tenacity that almost stumped Federer at times.

He attacked when he got the right opportunity and defended splendidly when he was made to, but given the fact that Federer is Federer, it just wasn't enough arsenal to help him make the cut.

To make a long story short, post today's match; in the classy white Wimbledon official ensemble, Roger Federer this time just doesn't look generous enough to allow any leeway to any other player to come near his favourite silver ware after Rafa's last year's pirate act.