Roger uses licence to thrill after tricky start

To say that Roger Federer was floundering, having lost the second set, would be a tad dismissive of the Swiss Meister's capacity for extricating himself from tricky situations. But there was no denying the timing or the source of the transformation which carried him into a fifth successive Wimbledon semi-final.

Scroll down to read more:

On serve, early in the third set, Federer was being matched by the dogged Ferrero, whose cat-like scampering around the court was allied to groundstrokes that were the basis of his French Open triumph four years ago. For the first time this fortnight, inspiration was lacking in the world No 1.

Enter, stage right, Pierce Brosnan returning to his seat in the Royal Box. In a trice, Federer reverted to James Bond mode, used his licence to thrill and swatted away the baddie on the other side of the net with ridiculous ease.

He had been clearly shaken but not stirred. Less than an hour later a 7-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory was his and he was on his way out of the All England Club by the time his prospective semi-final opponents, Andy Roddick and Richard Gasquet, were walking on to No 1 Court to begin their match.

It was nothing less than we should expect from a superhero.

With his suave delivery and selfassurance, the four-time Wimbledon champion was every bit as smooth as he defended his employers, er, hosts, the All England Club, against the criticism from other players, including arch rival Rafael Nadal, that play should have gone ahead last Sunday because of the rain.

Federer said: "I don't think it's really the right way to go after the tournament. Wimbledon has raised prize money. They're building a new roof over Centre Court. They built the Millennium Building in 2000. We're not upset when they do those things. When it rains once and we have a scheduling problem, I don't think we should start going after the club right away. I disagree with what the players said."

Never someone afraid to stand apart, James Bond could not have put it better.

So is there an anti-hero out there who can prevent the Swiss star equalling Bjorn Borg's record of five successive Wimbledon triumphs in front of the Swede tomorrow afternoon?

There is certainly no one who can match the relaxed preparation that Federer enjoyed while all around were waiting for the rain clouds to clear since last Friday.

Typically untroubled by the elements which affected lesser mortals, a light cold notwithstanding, Roger's week had been a serene stroll through some of life's gentler activities.

"I was waiting like all the other guys but instead of being in the locker room, I was at home which was a bit more cosy. I went to the city once or twice. Went to the hairdresser. Watched movies. Played cards. Hung out. My mum went home to Switzerland after the Safin match and came back on Wednesday. She didn't miss a thing."

Even James Bond's mum isn't that cool.

Having been stranded at 5-5, 40-40 overnight, Federer eased his way to a tiebreak and kept the ball in play while Ferrero struggled to find his range. Normal service resumed, we thought.

Not so. The Spaniard played his role to perfection, foiling our hero at every turn while the 15,000 spectators slapped on their shades and sun hats. Suddenly, the strawberries and suncream pre-Wimbledon motif to this year's Championships did not seem quite so absurd.

Out of nowhere Ferrero levelled the match, serving more forcefully than he does on clay and surprising Federer with the tactic.

Something had to be done. Enter 007 in the Royal Box and his alter ego with the Nike headband on the court. Suddenly, Ferrero was swamped with shots fizzing at him from every which way.

The Swiss Meister unleashed the secret gadget which Q had furnished him for just such a difficult occasion — an imperious backhand that struck winner after winner past his tottering opponent.

For comic relief, Federer fluffed a serve so ridiculously at set point that the ball floated on the wind and plopped down close to the baseline. Only Ferrero, the fall guy, wasn't laughing.

A final, wickedly sliced backhand on to the sideline and a whipped forehand pass and the baddie was beaten.

Pierce Brosnan rose in admiration. It takes a superhero to recognise one.