Federer welcomes Prince William to center court

MELBOURNE: Prince William made a surprise visit to the Australian Open to watch world No 1 Roger Federer yesterday and the Swiss star turned on the style.

After touring communities near Melbourne affected by bushfires last year that killed 173 people, William arrived at the Rod Laver Arena in time to see the 15-time Grand Slam champion demolish Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

The crowd gave William a warm ovation as he took his seat with Tennis Australia officials and he applauded enthusiastically as Federer marched into the third round.