Federer Finds Hewitt a Breeze

World No1 Roger Federer brushed aside Lleyton Hewitt's 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to reach the Wimbledon final and stay on course for a hat-trick of titles.

Third seed Hewitt, the 2002 champion, knew he would have to be at his best to beat Federer but his play in the first two sets was littered with errors and even his famous doggedness could not keep him in the match.

Federer, who extended his winning streak on grass to 35 matches, defied blustery conditions to secure victory in just over two hours by taking the third set tiebreak 7-4.

Afterwards Federer said: "I'm really pleased to reach my third consecutive final at Wimbledon.

"I can't believe I did it so smoothly in straight sets but I really had to fight hard in the end and it was a huge relief.

"I've got two more days of pressure but I'm looking forward to the chance to repeat my title defence."

Despite his relatively serene progress Federer insisted his nerves still begin to fray at important moments.

He added: "My heart-rate starts to go up when the occasions are big and the semis at Wimbledon are almost as big as it gets."