Classy Federer again puts aside Soderling challenge

ROGER Federer again got the better of Robin Soderling to smoothly maintain his winning momentum at Wimbledon.

SOME LIKE IT HOT: Roger Federer shone on Centre Court as temperatures sizzled on the second Monday at Wimbledon tennis

The second seed advanced to the quarter-finals with another efficient display, progressing 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in just under two hours.

Soderling has come of age in recent weeks and followed up on his win over Rafael Nadal at the French Open to reach a first Grand Slam final, which he lost in straight sets to Federer.

He won more games today than at Roland Garros - 16 to 11 - but the gulf in class was still there for all to see and when the big points came, Federer shone.

The five-time champion and second seed took the first set after tempting Soderling into one error too many in the ninth game.

Federer left Soderling flatfooted with his precision serving and unleashed a succession of ferocious forehand winners that the Swede could only watch whizz past.

But Swedish number 13 seed found his rhythm in the second set, although Federer stayed cool in the searing heat of Centre Court to double his advantage with a 7-5 tie-break win.

Federer then won three consecutive service games to love as the third set stayed close, and even saved a break point in the ninth game as the match edged towards another tie-break.

And ominously Federer believes he’s rarely felt better.

“It was a serving contest without many rallies but I just stayed calm and waited for my chance,” said Federer.

“He had nothing to lose and it was a very dangerous match but I’ve got some confidence against him and I knew I had to serve well.

“I thought my first week was great and I’m playing well.

“I’m nice and relaxed on court and there is no sign of panic that I might have had six months ago, when I was feeling uneasy with my game.

“I’m moving well, serving well and my rhythm from the baseline is great.”

Meanwhile, Soderling admitted there was little he could do stop the 14-time Grand Slam winner, who will play big-serving Ivo Karlovic in the quarter-finals after he beat Fernando Verdasco 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6.

"I didn't lose it - he won it," said Soderling, who has lost 11 consecutive matches to Federer.

"Every time I go on court I believe I'm going to win but it's always tough against Federer.

"I think I'm getting closer to him and, at least I played better than I did in the French Open.

"There is a lot of good players left in the tournament but he is the biggest favourite because of what he has done here in the past."

Elsewhere, Andy Roddick beat Tomas Berdych 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 and now faces in-form former champion Lleyton Hewitt in the last eight.

The unseeded Australian, a winner here in 2002, reached a first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2005 after a sensational comeback to beat Radek Stepanek 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

Fourth seed Novak Djokovic beat unseeded Israeli Dudi Sela 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 while Juan Carlos Ferrero neat Gilles Simon for the right to play either Andy Murray or Stanislas Wawrinka.

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