Federer eyes Wimbledon title record as tournament begins

REUTERS - Wimbledon champion Roger Federer will step on to Centre Court on Monday (1200 GMT) to face Colombia's Alejandro Falla with the prospect of a record-equalling seventh men's title on his mind.

Asked if he had been thinking about Pete Sampras's modern-era record at the grasscourt grand slam, Federer said: "Well, maybe, obviously a little bit because I'm aware of the great things he achieved, being one title away from it.

"But then again, you have to break it down and make it simple for yourself, trying to win the first round, being here, trying to defend the title before everything."

The Swiss top seed plays Falla for the third time in consecutive tournaments, having beaten him at the French Open and Halle.

Last year's beaten Wimbledon finalist, Andy Roddick, is second on No.1 Court against fellow American Rajeev Ram.

Following that match, five-times champion Venus Williams, playing in her 50th grand slam, takes on Paraguay's Rossana De Los Rios.