Wimbledon, June 23:

Returning to his favourite stage and resuming his dominant ways on grass, Roger Federer started his bid for a sixth straight Wimbledon title on Monday by sweeping Dominik Hrbaty in straight sets.

In keeping with tradition, Federer had the honour of opening play on the centre court as defending champion at the 122nd Wimbledon Championships. He seemed right at home as he beat Hrbaty 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 for his 60th straight grass-court win and 35th consecutive win at the All England Club.

Just a few minutes before Federer closed out his match, two-time women’s champion Serena Williams completed a 7-5, 6-3 win over Kaia Kanepi of Estonia. Williams, whose Wimbledon wins in 2002 and 2003 are among her seven major titles, struggled in the first set.

She fended off five break points against Kanepi. Williams was in command throughout the second set.