Federer too good in semi battle vs. Hewitt

The world's No. 1 player won in straight sets.

WIMBLEDON, England -- The best view of Roger Federer's latest masterful performance at Wimbledon belonged to Lleyton Hewitt, and even he felt compelled to call out, "Too good, mate!" when one perfectly placed forehand flew past.

It certainly sounded like an attractive semifinal: Federer vs. Hewitt, No. 1 in the rankings vs. No. 2, Wimbledon champions both. Instead, it was just another showcase for all of Federer's talents.

Taking charge almost from the start, Federer subdued the normally resilient Hewitt 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) Friday to move within one victory of joining Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg as the only men to take three consecutive Wimbledon titles since 1936.

"This performance is definitely good enough to win Wimbledon," Federer said. "I sort of still can't believe that I did it, so smooth in straight sets."

He hit stretch volleys, sent big serves at Hewitt's body or spun them nearly to the stands for aces, mixed flat backhands with confounding slices, and, as always, used his forehand to put quick ends to rallies.

Federer finished with 46 winners to Hewitt's 31 and faced only one break point.

"I've got no doubt that I feel like I'm the second-best player going around right at the moment," said Hewitt, who won Wimbledon in 2002 and the U.S. Open in 2001 but has been beaten at four of his past six majors by Federer. "It's just that the best player going around is pretty bloody good."

Federer has won 35 matches in a row on grass, second only to Borg's 41 from 1976 to 1981.

His next opponent will be Andy Roddick or Thomas Johansson. Their semifinal was stopped because of rain Friday with Roddick ahead 6-5, and Johansson about to serve.

Roddick, the runner-up to Federer last year, and Johansson will resume their match today on Centre Court.