ATP News : 2006


Federer Claims Grass Record With First-Round Win

Top seed Roger Federer breezed through his potentially-dangerous first-round assignment with Frenchman Richard Gasquet at Wimbledon Tuesday


Resuming the match which was postponed Monday early in the second set due to rain, Federer won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to claim an Open Era-record 42nd consecutive match win on grass.

Federer is seeking a fourth consecutive title at the All England Club, a feat achieved in the Open Era only by Bjorn Borg, who won five straight between 1976-80 and Pete Sampras, who won four straight between 1997-2000 (for a career total of seven titles).

Federer hit 35 winners and made just 13 unforced errors. He also saved the lone break point he faced while breaking Gasquet five times. Last week Gasquet won his second consecutive title at the Nottingham Open.

The Swiss next meets four-time semifinalist and British hero Tim Henman, who defeated Robin Soderling 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3. Henman is unseeded at Wimbledon for the first time in 10 years.

Fourth seed David Nalbandian, a 2002 Wimbledon finalist, made a strong start to his 2006 campaign at The Championships with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 win over South African Wesley Moodie. Nalbandian, who has never fallen before the round of 16 at the All England Club, improved to 30-9 on the year. He was making his first appearance since reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros.

Nalbandian was forced to retire against Roger Federer in the semifinals at Roland Garros this year due to a left side abdominal injury. Moodie, who last year teamed with Australian Stephen Huss to win the Wimbledon doubles title from the qualifying rounds, has now lost 11 consecutive matches at ATP level.

James Blake, who has never advanced beyond the second round at Wimbledon, used his aggressive return game to defeat Kristian Pless 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. The American, who reached the Queen’s final two weeks ago, improved to 31-14 on the season. His best return came in 2002 (36-24).

Seventh seed and 2005 semifinalist Mario Ancic served 21 aces in his 7-6(2), 7-5, 7-6(4) win over Spaniard Nicolas Almagro.

Russian Igor Kunitsyn took out No. 21 seed Gael Monfils (pictured) 5-7, 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-4.




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