Confident Federer warns he's on ferocious form

Jun 28, 2006, 23:19 GMT

London - Roger Federer Wednesday demolished the Wimbledon of Tim Henman as he laid down a warning to anyone hoping to stop his run to a fourth consecutive title.

After dispatching the Briton 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 a day after taking out the French challenge of Richard Gasquet in straight sets, the Swiss said he feels that his game is coming along nicely.

'It definitely gives you the feeling that you're playing very well - I have the feeling I'm playing excellent,' said the world number 1 who last lost on grass in 2002.

'For me it's good to know.'

And in a thinly veiled warning to any upset hopefuls, he added: 'I don't need to fight for rhythm or fight for this or that - it's all here already.

'I'm happy that there's no fatigue. I was a little worried coming from Halle, French Open, the whole trip, that I might be a little tired coming into the tournament.

'But don't feel anything of that. So it's all good, and feeling great really.'

Federer's victory in less than 90 minutes brought him a record 43rd consecutive win on grass. But with his mind focused on the prestige trophy, he didn't take much notice.

'In both matches I didn't think of the streak, I guess that's pretty good,' said the seven-time Grand Slam champion. 'I means I'm concentrating on everything.

'I was so focused with the players I played because they were so tough. I really expected really difficult matches. 'I was even prepared to lose in a way, obviously.'

Pressed to name a man who might conceivably give him trouble, the modest Federer picked the obvious candidates.

'Lleyton (Hewitt) and Andy (Roddick) are the main favourites because of their experience on grass. Andy has been in the finals twice (both lost to Federer), semis once. Lleyton has won it here (2002).'

And despite being handed a relatively challenging draw, the world number 1 takes it all in stride.

'People are expecting me to struggle more. That I came through that convincing obviously gives me a lot of confidence. It sends out maybe a little bit of a message for the other players.'