Another perfect start

THERE’S perfection. And then there’s Roger Federer.

When Federer (pictured) sauntered on to centre court to open Wimbledon’s 132nd Championships, he did so as top seed, defending champion and owner of a new clothing deal said to be worth $410 million.

The freshly-minted 10-year deal with Uniqlo is touted to cost the Japanese manufacturer $41 million annually until Federer turns 47 — with a clause which allows the Swiss to pocket the bounty whether he plays or not. As he does in virtually all facets, Federer excels on an unmatched scale.

Rumours over a split from Nike after a 24-year connection had swirled for months.

Federer, 36, deftly avoided confirmation or denial, wearing a business jacket to his pretournament interview to avoid discussion over sponsorship.

With signature timing and impact, Federer waited for the ideal moment to uncork the truth — when he walked on to the most famous tennis arena in the world clad in Uniqlo.

The first man in Open era to contest 20 consecutive Wimbledons, Federer marked the transition by sweeping into the second round in a style befitting his pristine clobber.

Serb Dusan Lajovic became the Swiss’ 92nd All England Club scalp.

By day’s end, with his wife Mirka and the couple’s four children in tow, Federer was left to reflect on another productive day at the office.

Five seeds — including his Halle conqueror Borna Coric and Grigor Dimitrov — had tumbled from the maestro’s quarter of the draw.

By anybody’s standards, it was a perfect day.

By Federer’s, it was standard. Standard perfection.