Roger Federer breezed past his second round opponent at Wimbledon on Wednesday, taking just one hour and fourteen minutes to demolish Fabio Fognini. The Italian is not known for his grass court play, and struggled to get anything against Federer who showed the same fantastic form as in his first match against Albert Ramos two days before. The final score was 6-1 6-3 6-2, and Fognini never looked as though he expected the result to be otherwise. Despite playing the occasional great winner he failed to get into the match in any competitive sense, and had to admire the stunning display put on by the Swiss veteran.

The 6-time former champion was pleased with his own form, and was typically generous towards his opponent after the match. “I thought he tried hard,” said Federer. “On grass, it’s tough to get into the match when you are down. I was serving well. You’re not going to get many chances throughout a set against me when I’m serving like that. You have to be patient. On clay, if you play well you will get your chances. On grass, that is not automatically the case.” Only a few players have to class to sympathise with the defeated player and not seem arrogant but of course in Roger’s case there are 16 Grand Slam titles backing up his argument.

It was also Federer’s first appearance on Centre Court this year in London, and it was obvious that the world number 3 was happy to be back on the court that must seem like home to him after all his success there. “It was great to be back on Centre Court,” he said, “and a great feeling walking out with Prince Charles and Camilla in attendance. I’m serving well, forehand, backhand, concentration, it’s all going well.” Next up is Julien Benneteau, the world number 32 who will need to play the match of his life to challenge Federer who has looked imperious so far this championship.