Ice cool Federer turns up the heat

Share

London: Roger Federer was the epitome of Swiss cool as the mercury soared at Wimbledon on 'Manic Monday'. Defending champion Federer, who a week ago came within three points of an astonishing first-round defeat by Colombia's Alejandro Falla, produced a masterclass to thrash close friend Jurgen Melzer 6-3 6-2 6-3 and move to within three victories of a record-equalling seventh title.

"This was a one shirt-change kind of match," a serene Federer old reporters after an 84-minute exhibition on a sizzling Centre Court where temperatures shot into the high 80s.

The 16-times grand slam champion had never played Melzer before on Tour despite coming through juniors together and he showed the surprise French Open semi-finalist no mercy.

"He said straight after that he hopes he does not have to wait 10 years to play me again," said Federer. "He's a guy I know well, he's a good friend of mine and I know him too well to play tricks against him."

Federer sprinted into a 3-0 lead in the opening set and although Melzer managed to break back quickly that was as close as got to the 28-year-old who will play either Tomas Berdych or Germany's Daniel Brands in the last eight.

Image:Roger Federer celebrates after his win over Austria's Jurgen Melzer

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

Coverage: Wimbledon