Federer set for semi-final showdown against Djokovic
Defending champion Roger Federer advanced to a semi-final showdown against Novak Djokovic with a straight-sets win against 12th seed James Blake.
The world number one remained composed during key points at the end of each set, though Blake won each of his three break points and made Federer work much harder than the scoreline of 7-5 7-6 (7/5) 6-4 would suggest.
The victory sends Federer into his 15th grand slam semi-final in a row and ensures he remains unbeaten against Blake in their eight matches.
Federer was not stretched beyond three sets as he won despite not consistently finding top form.
The Swiss took a rapid and evenly-contested first set 7-5 in 38 minutes, immediately breaking Blake after winning the first game.
Blake was inconsistent at times but showed moments of brilliance as he immediately broke back with strong forehands.
Each then held until the 12th game, when Federer broke again to take the set.
Federer broke to love in Blake’s first service game of the second set, but again Blake immediately broke back as both players continued to struggle with unforced errors.
Blake took the sixth game with a spectacular smash and each began to find rhythm.
The 28-year-old American saved two break points in the eighth after losing his composure, shouting at a line judge. He then saved a set point in the 10th, as the second set continued with serve to a tie-break.
The Swiss earned three further set points, two of which were saved before Federer finally clinched the set.
Federer was visibly more relaxed in the third and took a double-break to race into a 5-1 lead.
Blake broke back but Federer proved too strong, serving out the match on his first match point.
