Federer, Wawrinka Advance to Set Up All-Swiss Quarterfinal Bout

Before the start of Wimbledon, Roger Federer declared himself a contender at the grass-court tournament, and through his four matches he has shown nothing that would render that declaration untrue.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion moved into the quarterfinals on Tuesday, rolling past Spain’s Tommy Robredo in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Robredo had beaten Federer at last year’s U.S. Open, but was unable to overcome some masterful serving from the Swiss who is seeking his 18th career Grand Slam title.

Federer ripped 11 aces and won 88 percent of his first serve points, providing Robredo with just one break point opportunity which he was unable to capitalize on. The serve allowed Federer to stay in control of the match and forced the Spaniard into 20 unforced errors while Federer picked up his only break point in the final game of the match, closing out his straight set victory with a forehand winner.

“I feel like my game's right there,” said Federer. “It’s important to keep it up and not have any major let downs or minor hiccups. I need to be really focused out there. I’m able to do that. I’m healthy. Things are exactly where I want them to be. But I’m only in the quarter-finals and that's where the tournament really starts.”

The 32-year old Swiss has yet to lose a set at this year’s Wimbledon, and heads into a tough quarterfinal matchup with fifth-seed and fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka.

Wawrinka defeated his fourth-round opponent Feliciano Lopez, 7-6(5), 7-6(7), 6-4 to earn a spot in the final eight. He smashed 31 aces and hit 55 winners to keep Lopez at bay in a match that lasted just short of two hours.

A remarkable ratio of 55 winners to nine unforced errors allowed Wawrinka to prevail during the tiebreakers in the first two sets as he never even provided a break point opportunity for his Spanish opponent.

Federer and Wawrina have taken two of the four vacant spots that were available entering the day, as two more players will earn spots in the men’s quarterfinals before the day is over. Kei Nishikori is battling Milos Raonic while Rafael Nadal will look to avoid the upset when he faces Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios.