Federer clinches last-eight spot

Roger Federer served his way into the quarter-finals at Wimbledon with a straight-sets victory over Lleyton Hewitt.

Federer fired down 21 aces as he beat 2002 champion Hewitt 7-6 (9/7) 6-2 6-4 in the fourth round on Centre Court.

"I think I served really well, which was important against Lleyton," Federer admitted. "I saw he was struggling with his hip but nevertheless, he was dangerous. I think the key was the first set tie-break and afterwards I played consistently well and saved a lot of break points."

Neither player could force a break point, or even take a game to deuce, in a cagey opening set which required a tie-break to decide it.

Hewitt, the last man to win Wimbledon before Federer's five consecutive titles, looked like going 3-0 down before a correct challenge via Hawk-Eye, but the Australian still found himself having to save three set points.

It was then Federer's turn to win a crucial challenge at 7-7 and the champion took full advantage.

A brilliant backhand winner down the line, after he had drawn Hewitt into the net, gave the Swiss star another set point, and he took it with an ace to win the tie-break 9-7.

Top seed Federer looked to have plenty in reserve as he won the next two sets, wrapping up victory in one hour 49 minutes.