Roger Federer opens Wimbledon defence with new look

Roger Federer took a different look onto Centre Court as he began his quest for a ninth Wimbledon title with a comfortable victory.

All eyes were on the Swiss star’s clothing amid speculation that his long-term relationship with Nike had come to an end, and so it proved as he walked onto Centre Court wearing Uniqlo apparel.

The Swiss went on to beat Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 6-1 6-3 6-4 in one hour and 19 minutes, showing the form that has once again made him favourite for a title he first won 15 years ago.

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“I’m very happy on both ends,” said Federer.

“I’m happy to be back at Wimbledon and was really able to enjoy the match out there. I got off to a good start. And also I was excited to wear Uniqlo today.

"People standing, right the way around the court"@rogerfederer receives the warmest of welcomes on his return to #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lRqe8Rkc49

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2018

“I must tell you it’s been a long time coming and it felt very good out there, and it’s also crucial to play well, so it was helpful.”

Federer had been seen practising in a cap emblazoned with his ‘RF’ logo only 24 hours earlier but it will be absent from the 36-year-old’s apparel for the immediate future.

“The ‘RF’ logo is still with Nike at the moment but it will come to me at some point,’ he added.

“I hope rather sooner than later, and Nike can be nice and helpful to bring it over to me, because it’s also something that’s very important for the fans really.

“Look, it’s the process, but the good news is that it will come with me at one point. They are my initials and the good thing is it’s not theirs forever, and in a short period of time it will come to me.”

All four of Federer’s children were on Centre Court to watch his match, something he had always said was an ambition in the latter stages of his career.

Twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva are nine years old and now well aware of their father’s career, but twin boys Lenny and Leo are apparently less certain at the age of five.

“They know I play a lot of tennis but they won’t what my ranking would be, what I’m actually trying to do,” said Federer.

“They know there is a trophy involved at some point if I play well, because they get most excited about the trophies.

“Probably it would be helpful [to play] a few more years for the boys to really be able to remember. It was nice to see them there today, it means the world to me and also to my wife. It’s definitely a special day today in my life again.”

Federer goes on to face Slovakia’s Lucas Lacko, the world No.73, in round two.