Normal service resumed for Fed

Federer walked out on to his favourite court wearing a cardigan, looking like a club professional about to give a member a lesson - and Hrbaty was the unfortunate recipient of a grasscourt masterclass.

The match was played in a fantastic spirit and at one stage, during the break after the seventh game of the third set, the two players sat next to each other, like a doubles team, to share a drink and a joke.

Federer said: "I used to play doubles with Dominik and practised a lot with him over the years and it was very special to play against him on Centre Court.

"It was a special moment for Dominik because he said it might be his last Wimbledon and I told him he could sit next to me if he wanted. It was nice to share that moment with my friend."

By the time the match ended after 79 minutes it really did look like two friends hitting a ball across a net at their local club, but the high jinks could not hide the level of class the world No1 brings to the green surfaces of SW19.

This was Federer's 60th win in a row on grass and he has not been broken on the surface this year. His next opponent is Robin Soderling, the dangerous Swedish player who is ranked No41 and came through in four sets against American Kevin Kim.

Asked about the growing doubts that his ascendancy on grass will continue, Federer said: "I haven't been affected by what people have been saying about me because I didn't read it."

With the supports in place for the sliding roof that will be unveiled next year, Federer was obviously inspired by the return of his favourite court to something like its old self. Last year, he expressed concern about the open spaces created by the on-going work which removed all the covers from the stands.

Hrbaty was quickly 4-1 down in the first set but soon proved to the crowd that he really could play the game with a spectacular winner created by a back hand shot with his back to his opponent.

It was so good that Federer applauded his friend, but then he quickly wrapped up the opening set 6-3 and never allowed Hrbaty to get back into the contest.