Safin sets a new mark

World number one Roger Federer remains the man to beat, however, and the Swiss world number one swatted aside Czech Ivo Minar 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 in 82 stress-free minutes.

Top seed Federer, aiming for a third successive Wimbledon title, extended his winning streak on grass to 31 to book a third-round meeting with Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer.

In the women’s draw Kim Clijsters and world number one Lindsay Davenport stayed on collision course for a fourth round slug-fest while French third seed Amelie Mauresmo also joined them in the third round.

Safin, the once self-confessed hater of Wimbledon’s treacherous green lawns, survived three set points in the opening set of a sledgehammer duel against injury-prone wildcard Philippoussis, now ranked 142 in the world.

From that moment on the burly Australian Open champion, who lost to Federer in the final at Halle last week, looked totally at home on a sun-bathed Centre Court, sealing victory with his 20th booming ace.

“I couldn’t feel comfortable on this surface before I played at Halle,” said the 25-year-old Safin, who faces dangerous Spaniard Felicano Lopez in the third round.

“It’s really important to have fun on grass and all of a sudden it came to me and I feel pretty good. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Federer, who faces Nicolas Kiefer in the third round, was never seriously tested against the 99th-ranked Minar, appearing in the main draw at Wimbledon for the first time.

The smooth Swiss machine was not totally satisfied with his performance, however, and predicted that Safin, who beat him in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, is a danger.

“When I had some openings I could have done better,” said the 23-year-old. “But I thought, I played alright.

“(Safin’s) got a big game, he hasn’t showed what he can doon grass yet, but maybe it’s a good year for him.”

Belgian former world number one Clijsters, lurking dangerously as the 15th seed, needed just 44 minutes to scorch past American Marissa Irvin 6-1, 6-1.

Looking toned and bronzed she belted forehands and backhands past her dazed opponent, who was given a tennis masterclass.

(Reuters)

Bhupathi-Woodbridge move up

Mahesh Bhupathi and Todd Woodbridge of Australia advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles. The sixth seed Indo-Australian pair defeated their American opponents Graydon Oliver and Jared Palmer 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 in their opening round tie. The Indo-Australian pair will next face Stephen Huss of Australia and Wesley Moodie of South Africa, who beat French-Belgian duo of Cyril Saulnier and Tom Vanhoudt 6-7 (6/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.