It is an ominous sign for rivals hoping to steal the Swiss world number one's Wimbledon crown when the Grand Slam grasscourt event begins on Monday.

Federer, 22, strolled to a second consecutive Halle title without dropping a set, crushing American Mardy Fish 6-0 6-3 in the final on Sunday in less than an hour and extending his winning streak on grass to 17 matches.

"I'm much more confident this year than last year and I'm definitely playing better," said Federer, who was travelling to London on Tuesday to begin training.

"There are always little things I would like to improve but if I'm playing at this level already then obviously things are looking good for Wimbledon too," he added.

Federer's success at last year's Halle tournament, when he beat local favourite Nicolas Kiefer 6-1 6-3 in the final, paved the way for his ascent to the top of the world rankings and for his triumphs at the All England Club and the Australian Open.