R FEDERER Swi (1) * v R Gasquet Fr

6-3 6-2 6-2

* denotes player serving

(seeding in brackets)

Third set:

Federer 6-3 6-2 6-2 Gasquet
Federer completes the win with a crashing overhead and writes a new page in the history books as he overtakes Bjorn Borg's longstanding record by winning his 42nd consecutive match on grass.

Federer 6-3 6-2 5-2 Gasquet
What more is there to say about Federer? He breaks to love against a clearly dispirited Gasquet.

Federer 6-3 6-2 4-2 Gasquet
Another straightforward service hold for Federer. The Swiss world number one is pulling out all his exquisite shots - especially the forehand - to reinforce his status as favourite for the tournament.

Federer 6-3 6-2 3-2 Gasquet
Federer is playing with his usual casual brilliance and there's very little Gasquet can do about it. Another break of serve for Federer moves him ever closer to a place in the second round and a new record of 42 consecutive wins on grass.

Federer 6-3 6-2 2-2 Gasquet
Federer's immaculate touch at the net is a joy to behold. He has barely played a bad shot at the front of the court since the match began. And just to rub it in, the aces are flowing from his racquet.

Federer 6-3 6-2 1-2 Gasquet
Gasquet wraps up another game. The youngster has done little wrong - other than be unlucky enough to draw Federer in the first round - but finds himself two sets down. His nerves seem to have been brought under control now.

Federer 6-3 6-2 1-1 Gasquet
Normal service is resumed as Federer races through another service game. He seems more willing to adopt serve-and-volley tactics at the moment, possibly with an eye to future obstacles.

"Federer's forehand is now the dominant shot in men's tennis." Jimmy Connors, BBC summariser

Federer 6-3 6-2 0-1 Gasquet
Gasquet finally gets his first game of the day on the scoreboard with a surprisingly confident service game.

Second set:

Federer 6-3 6-2 Gasquet
Federer is making light work of Gasquet. He races into a 40-0 lead before putting his first set point marginally long. No such mistake on the second though as he wraps up the second set.

Federer 6-3 5-2 Gasquet
A decent volley at the net from Gasquet puts Federer under pressure, but his athleticism sees him chase the ball down and fire the ball down the line. He follows it up with a brilliant clean winner to force deuce. After a lengthy battle, Federer secures another break of serve.

Federer 6-3 4-2 Gasquet
Federer's play at the net is simply too good and Gasquet, try as he might, cannot find a way past him. The Frenchman, who won the Nottingham Open last week, must be cursing the draw.

Federer 6-3 3-2 Gasquet
A nightmare start for Gasquet as Federer hits the ground running to secure another break of serve. Gasquet is just taking a little longer to find his feet and a razor-sharp Federer is in no mood to ease his opponent into proceedings.

Federer 6-3 2-2 Gasquet
Federer gets the match under way again. Gasquet closes to 30-30 and then deuce, before the would number one fires an ace and a superb serve to wrap up his first game of the day.

1416 BST: After a frustrating rain-enforced break yesterday, the players are back out on Centre Court with the clouds looking likely to stay away.

Federer has once again come on in his natty old-school cream blazer - surely the tennis equivalent of white football boots. But it's fair to say, he's good enough to get away with it.

1345 BST: Unfortunately, after 35 minutes of play, the ground staff bring on the covers with incredible speed as the light drizzle refuses to let up.

Sir Cliff Richard has been spotted in the crowd, so beware of another of his famous impromptu performances.

Second set:

Federer 6-3 1-2 Gasquet
There is a small shout of annoyance from Federer as he sends a volley into the net during one of the lengthy rallies. Gasquet takes the game well.

Federer 6-3 1-1 Gasquet
Another hold to love as the imperious Federer tries to stamp his authority on the second set as well.

Federer 6-3 0-1 Gasquet
Gasquet seems to have put his first set reverse behind him as he makes a strong start to the second set. Federer will not get things all his way.

First set:

Federer 6-3 Gasquet
A backhand down the line from Federer sets up set point, leaving Gasquet rooted to the spot. The Swiss needs no second intimation as he takes the first set at the first time of asking.

Federer 5-3 Gasquet
Gasquet is fighting hard as he pushes Federer around with his shot selection from the back of the court.

Federer 5-2 Gasquet
Almost in the blink of an eye, Federer wraps up another game to move within sight of his first set at this year's tournament. Again, he holds to love with a string of almost unplayable serves.

Federer 4-2 Gasquet
An uncharacteristic unforced error from Federer allows Gasquet to get another game under his belt.

Federer 4-1 Gasquet
The world number one is volleying superbly at the net from almost point-blank range but his 20-year-old opponent is not overawed in the slightest. Two clever backhand passing shots again force Federer to deuce before he holds.

Federer 3-1 Gasquet
Gasquet is no mug on grass, having won the Nottingham Open warm-up tournament last week, and he gets his first game on the scoreboard. Even so, one Federer backhand down the line provokes gasps of amazement from the Centre Court crowd.

Federer 3-0 Gasquet
There is no let-up in Federer's relentless start to the match as he holds serve to love. The three-time champion seems keen to make a statement early on with his powerful play.

Federer 2-0 Gasquet
Federer forces the first break of the match but it is harsh on Gasquet, who has actually started reasonably well.

Federer 1-0 Gasquet
Federer starts with an emphatic ace, but Gasquet shows he is not prepared to roll over as he forces the game to deuce with some strong groundstrokes. Federer comes to the net to take the two points for his first game at this year's tournament.

1308 BST: After running through their usual pre-match routine, the players get the game under way with Federer serving.

1300 BST: Roger Federer and Richard Gasquet walk out onto Centre Court. The number one seed and red-hot favourite for the title wearing a fetching white blazer emblazoned with a tasteful Federer logo.

On a further sartorial note, the umpires and line judges are all wearing new uniforms, with the usual green colour scheme making way for navy blue with a white trim.