adminSeven-time champion Roger Federer eased into the last eight of the men’s singles at Wimbledon with a commanding straight-sets win over Tommy Robredo. The fourth seed lost to the Spaniard when they met at last year’s US Open.
But on grass, Federer reigned supreme against a player who had never made it past the third round in his 12 previous visits to SW19, winning 6-1 6-4 6-4.
Federer’s quarter-final opponent will be fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who beat Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 7-6 7-6 6-3.
The Australian Open champion, seeded five, prevailed in an ill-tempered encounter which led to the players having a heated debate at its conclusion.
Also through to the last eight is Canadian eighth seed Milos Raonic, who was a 4-6 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 winner over 10th seed Kei Nishikori from Japan to reach his second consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final.
But Federer, 32, is relishing the chance to take on his fellow countryman, who he has beaten in 13 of their 15 encounters.
“For a small country we are doing well in sporting teams,” said the Swiss, who said he would be watching his nation’s World Cup last-16 tie against Argentina.
“It will be amazing to play Stan in the quarter-finals here, hopefully on Centre Court, because things like that don’t happen too often in Swiss sport.
“I’m pleased with the way I am playing. I’m moving well, serving well and doing all the things right that you need to be doing to go deep into this tournament.” — BBC Sport
Bongani Ndlovu