Defending champion Roger Federer is on course for a ninth Wimbledon Open title after he defeated Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in straight sets in a second round clash on Wednesday evening.

Federer saw off world number 73 Lacko 6-4 6-4 6-1 to make it 26 successive sets’ win at SW19.

He will face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia in five sets, in round three.

Struff won 6-7 (5-7), 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) 13-11.

Speaking after his victory, Federer, who is hoping to emulate Martina Navratilova by winning nine singles titles at SW19, said: “I played very well. I felt good out there and had less nerves than in the first round.”

I am happy how I am hitting the ball, good concentration on my service games and I’m able to mix it up with some slices and coming over on returns.” He added.

Speaking further with BBC, the world number two said: “You can control service games more than return games, but most important is to have fun as well.

“Of course, you have to play the percentages, but if you do that too much it becomes boring – so I like to mix it up. That worked out well for me today.” He concluded.

In the pick of the other games, 2016 finalist Milos Raonic of Canada is through to the third round after his 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) win over Australia’s John Millman in their second round clash.