Federer smashes Dent in game 900

Roger Federer marked his 900th match on the men's circuit by unleashing his full repertoire of shots to thump American Taylor Dent, 6-1, 6-2 in just 51 minutes in the second round of the Stockholm Open yesterday.

Federer had few problems dispatching his hapless opponent, whose day went from bad to worse after he twisted his ankle in the second set.

The Swiss top seed was delighted with his swift workout. "Things worked better than expected. We never expect scores like 6-1, 6-2 in the men's game because your opponent always has a say with his serve," said Federer, who will next face fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka.

"If I look back, in '98 I played my first one and 900 matches later, I'm here. It's quite crazy but look, I've done so well, I have a great win-loss record and obviously I couldn't ask for a better career.

"Winning my 900th match is obviously better than losing it," he added after taking his win-loss record to 727-173.

The 16-times grand slam champion was also looking forward to facing Wawrinka, with whom he won doubles gold at the Beijing Olympics.

"Obviously we share something incredible, which is the Olympic gold, and I really feel like he's taken a step forward by beating players such as myself at Monaco [in 2009] or [Andy] Murray at the US Open. He's been really consistent... and that's why it's a tough draw for me."