Roger Federer is chasing his fifth consecutive Wimbledon crown. Here are five reasons why the Swiss is the big cheese:

1. serve: Federer’s serve might not be the most powerful in the game, but he is still able to rack up the aces and it is one of the most accurate and most consistent deliveries on the ATP Tour. It is also wonderfully disguised and sets him up well for his second shot. He has the ability to serve-and-volley, too, which is something he has been doing a lot more this year and which is such an effective tactic on the lawns of the All England Club. His first-serve percentage has been relatively low lately and that is something he will want to improve next fortnight.

2. versatility: Federer has such a wonderful repertoire of shots and a complete mastery of the ball that allows him to construct points better than anybody else. He can vary the pace, depth, height, spin and direction at will and can hurt opponents from every part of the court. He will use his sliced backhand to keep the ball low and short on the cross court (especially on the return of serve from the advantage court), forcing opponents to hit up and will also use it aggressively down the line as an effective approach shot. Slice keeps the ball so low on the grass that it can neutralise his opponent’s attacking shots. It is the shot that usually unravels big-hitters like Andy Roddick.

3. Athleticism: Physically, Federer is in great shape and is deceptively powerful. He is a natural athlete and has great speed. It is not just speed off the mark and around the court, but speed of reaction too. He has tremendous reflexes, allowing him to adapt quickly to the biggest serves and unpredictable bounces on grass. It is another of the reasons why he is one of the best volleyers out there.

4. Ambition: Federer wants to be the best in the world, to win the biggest titles and to create tennis history. That is why the defeat by Rafael Nadal in the final at Roland Garros will have left him emotionally drained. But he is a great competitor, always relishes whatever challenge is thrown at him and he will be out to lift a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. He may find the opening rounds a little tricky since he will have had no grasscourt match practice but, like all great champions, he will find a way to win even when he is not playing his best. His ability to play the big points well is uncanny.

5. Centre Court: It is like his own backyard — there is no better place for Federer to show his superiority. He is totally at home there and has complete faith in his own ability. He is equally effective on both wings on grass — his slight vulnerability on the high backhand is tough to expose on low-bouncing turf. And with all of the weapons at his disposal and the crowds behind him, the odds are that he will retain his crown.