Federer finally fends off Ferrero

After waiting overnight to continue yet another rain-delayed match at this year's damp Wimbledon, Federer pulled-off a four set victory (7-6(2) 3-6 6-1 6-3) over Spanish former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals.

Federer shook off any rustiness due to his five-day holiday with an ace on his way to hold serve as the two continued their match which was suspended due to rain the day before with the Swiss serving at 40-40, 5-all in the first set. Then although he managed to secure that set via a tiebreak, he lost the second with a series of uncharacteristic errors--no thanks to swirling winds in Centre Court--in the eighth game. But the loss of a set for the very first time in this grand slam tournament this year appeared to have jolted Federer from his holiday hangover as he went on to completely dominate in the third set to take it in just 20 minutes. He refused to let down his guard after that to secure a place in semi-finals for the fifth straight year.

He now faces first-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Richard Gasquet from France who pulled a thrilling five-set upset over third seed Andy Roddick in the other quarterfinal match in the top half of the mens' singles draw.