Roger Federer turned up at Wimbledon on Monday resembling an army general ready to conduct his latest campaign and soon disarmed the opposition on the opening day of the grasscourt championships. The Swiss strolled on court in a white monogrammed military-style outfit, complete with a waistcoat underneath, and was soon firing winners past Taiwan’s Lu Yen-Hsun to secure a 7-5 6-3 6-2 win in the first round.

Although Federer’s five-year Wimbledon reign was ended by Rafael Nadal last year, it was not long before he was acting every inch a champion and swatted aside Asia’s only contender in the men’s draw with a glorious forehand winner. “It’s a very privileged spot, Monday 1pm, of course I feel honoured. I know Rafa deserved it more than I do this year but somebody had to do it and I’m happy they chose me. It gets your heart beating, that’s for sure,” the French Open champion said after beginning his pursuit of a record 15th Grand Slam title. Asked about his fashion statement, the second seed added: “I went for a modern military look, hope people like it.”

However, All England Club officials might have been slightly concerned when they saw what number two seed Serena Williams stepped out in — a white raincoat that would come in handy should the heavens open over southwest London. It looked like no one had told the American there was now a retractable roof over Centre Court. Luckily neither roof nor raincoat was needed as Williams slipped into the second round with a 6-1 7-5 victory over Portuguese qualifier Neuza Silva.

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