Federer, Soderling move up in Wimbledon

LONDON - Roger Federer and Robin Soderling delivered knockout blows to third-round Wimbledon opponents Friday to set up a re-play of their French Open final three weeks ago.

Second seed Federer, who claimed his career-first Roland Garros title at the expense of Soderling, dropped his first set of the week in a defeat of German Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1.

The 13th-seeded Soderling defeated Spain’s Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (9-7), 6-4, 6-4, producing 19 aces to 20 for the loser.

Federer was certainly satisfied with a performance in two and a quarter house marked by 15 aces, 48 winners and conversions on seven of his 22 break chances.

He has now won his last 15th matches and improved his overall Wimbledon record to

47-5.

“It was a good first week, it’s nice to be through pretty convincingly as well,” said Federer.

“This was my best match of the tournament, even if I dropped a set.”

“I’m excited about the second week. It’s good to come through without losing too much energy, but you have to be ready for even seven five-setters.

“I don’t mind the shorter ones, the crowd was good the sun was out - it was fun to play. I’m pretty relaxed and happy to be here. It will be an exciting second week.”

Federer’s victory looked like setting standard for efficiency on a day when clouds which had threatened rain burned off to a sunny afternoon, leaving no need for Centre Court’s new moveable, translucent roof to be moved into place.

But the Swiss got caught up in a third-set tiebreaker, which Kohlschreiber won to keep his thin hopes alive.

Federer re-established normal service by cleaning up for victory in the fourth set against the number 32 German, holder of two titles to 59 for the Swiss.

Federer is seeking a record 15th Grand Slam honour if he can lift his sixth trophy in seven years at the All England Club next weekend.

Number two Serena Williams led women’s seeds to straight set wins, than paid homage to late pop idol Michael Jackson less than 24 hours after his death in Los Angeles.

“Words can’t express my shock and horror, just thoughts and prayers that go out to him and his family,” said the ten-time Grand Slam champion. “It’s just terrible, terrible, terrible thing.

“I’ve met him a few times, I was honoured. He had such a great heart and wonderful kids. You know, it’s just really a shame.”

Williams booked her place in the fourth round over Italy’s Roberta Vinci, 6-3, 6-4, while Russian fourth seed Elena Dementieva put out compatriot Elena Kulikova 6-1, 6-2.

France’s Virginie Razzano got an injury walkover against Russian seventh seed Vera Zvonareva, and Daniela Hantuchova defeated Ai Sugiyama 6-4, 6-3.