On this day: Roger Federer records his fastest Wimbledon victory

Fulfilling his potential, Roger Federer claimed two Major titles and conquered the ATP throne within seven months between Wimbledon 2003 and the Australian Open 2004. With momentum on his side, Federer went all the way in Dubai, Indian Wells and Hamburg, distancing himself from the rest of the field and defending Halle's title for the best possible preparation ahead of Wimbledon. Kicking off the event at the All England Club as the champion for the first time, Federer made a dominant start against Alex Bogdanovic in 80 minutes. The second round brought another lower-ranked player and the Swiss proved to be too strong again, dismantling Alejandro Falla 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 on June 24 in lighting fast 54 minutes his quickest Wimbledon triumph in completed encounters!

Serving at 75%, Federer gave away 12 points in 11 service games, facing no break points and keeping the pressure on the other side of the court.

Falla was miles away from those numbers, giving away almost 60% of the points behind the initial shot and getting broken seven times from eight chances offered to Federer, ending his journey in the second round. Roger closed the first game with an ace, earning a break with a backhand winner at 2-1 and producing another one a couple of games later after Alejandro's volley error. The Swiss secured the opener with a service winner at 5-1, remaining on the same pace and opening the second set with another break following a forehand down the line winner. The Colombian sprayed a forehand error at 2-4 to fall further behind, allowing Federer to grab the set with a smash winner a few minutes later. 

"I have to fight hard in the first set; the scoreboard was one-sided but he played well, forcing me to play some excellent shots to make a difference. I had a good start in all three sets and played consistent tennis throughout the encounter. It was probably my most comfortable Major victory if you consider the result and the time we spent on the court. Still, he gave me nothing and I had to earn the win. It's nice to hear when people compare me to Pete Sampras but I still have to achieve a lot even to come close to him; it's too early for that. During rain delays, I watch TV, follow the news, play some cards and make sure to eat at the right times. My biggest rivals are Andy Roddick, Tim Henman and Lleyton Hewitt; they will be tough to beat."

Repeating the first-round scoreboard, Roger Federer saved a bagel for the third set and sealed the deal with a service winner at 5-0, moving over the top in under an hour and advancing into the last 32. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fTwbMR