Formidable Federer cruises through

The Swiss star strolled through the first set in 20 minutes and only the rain could hold him up in the second.

Drizzle kept the players off court for just over two hours, but when he returned, Federer continued where he left off to see off the Croat in one hour 41 minutes without even facing a break point to set up a meeting with Marat Safin, who beat Feliciano Lopez 3-6 7-5 7-6 (7/1) 6-3.

Ancic was the last player to beat Federer at the All England Club back in 2002, but the Croat knew he was in for a tough afternoon when Federer took the first set in 20 minutes.

The rain came with the players tied at 1-1 in the second and, when the players finally returned, Ancic immediately looked in a better frame of mind - holding his first service game with only a double fault going in Federer's favour.

Ancic was made to battle in game seven, producing some stout defence before holding with his sixth ace, but Federer showed off his silky forehand to hold to love once more, levelling at 4-4.

At 5-5, Ancic netted a backhand volley to give Federer break point - and he duly handed the Swiss the advantage with a double fault and Federer held his serve to claim a two-set advantage.

When Federer converted the first of two break points for a 3-2 advantage early in the third, there was no way back for Ancic. The number one seed held to love in his next three service games to advance in serene fashion.

World number 75 Safin blasted past Lopez to reach his first Wimbledon semi-final at the ninth attempt.

Safin produced glimpses of the skills which turned him into a double grand slam champion as he battled past the serve-and-volley Spaniard.