Defending champion Roger Federer dispatched former mentor Dominik Hrbaty at Wimbledon before warning the rest of the field he won't be nervous again until the final.

The 26-year-old world number one cruised into the second round with a straight sets 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory on Centre Court on the opening day of the Championships.

Federer, who once played doubles with his Slovakian opponent, looked in supreme touch against a man who tipped the Swiss star for the top as a youngster.

Hrbathy sat alongside Federer court side, but it was as close as he got to the five-time champion as he kicked off his campaign to land a record sixth straight title.

And Federer admitted ruthlessly dispatching a good friend was a far better alternative to defeat.

"I was a little bit weak in the beginning of my career. I couldn't practice real hard and Dominik showed me how it works," he said.

"He said if I ever beat him in practice I'd probably be world number one. That's exactly how it went.

"He said it might be his last Wimbledon so it was almost a little bit emotional.

"You always know it would be much worse if the whole match ends up turning around and you end up losing.

"You try to block the feeling of playing a good friend out and hope you have a good match. It was just a great day of tennis."

Federer enjoys a rest day before facing Robin Soderling in the second round on Wednesday, and after coming through the opening round unscathed he is already eyeing a spot in the final.

"I was able to get through the first round that was key," he added.

"That gives me an extra day practice, so it is good to pass the pressure test.

"The first round and the finals are extra nerve-wracking, but the rest is okay."