Roger Federer beats Gilles Simon to reach semi-finals

Roger Federer cruised into the semi-finals of Wimbledon with a comfortable straight-sets win over Gilles Simon on Wednesday.

Playing on No.1 Court, the seven-time winner's progress was twice briefly stopped by rain at the All England Club, but he eventually prevailed 6-3 7-5 6-2.

Simon did at least become the first man to break the second seed at these championships, but a trademark showing of power and elegance proved too much for him to handle.

The 17-time grand slam champion's success sets up a mouth-watering last-four showdown with Andy Murray, who overcame Vasek Pospisil in straight sets.

Federer struck early to break for a 2-0 lead in typical fashion with a superb one-handed backhand winner down the line and then held to make it 3-0 before the first spell of rain came.

Simon improved after the interruption, but could do nothing to prevent Federer from taking the first set, which was sealed with an ace.

And the match looked to be turning into something of a procession when Federer upped his game in the second to take a 4-3 lead, with his powerful groundstrokes paying off as Simon gave up another break by lashing the ball wide.

But Federer's streak of 116 consecutive service holds in all competitions came to an end in the 10th game of the set, Simon breaking to love thanks to a cross-court forehand that the Swiss sent wide.

Federer immediately responded, though, as he retook control of the set, only for the rain to arrive again and halt his momentum.

Yet the second stoppage appeared to have no impact on Federer as he closed out the set to love, not allowing Simon to get a look-in on his serve.

World number two Federer then took a big step towards triumph by breaking Simon in the first game of the third, the Frenchman sending a volley off target.

A forehand into the net from Simon provided a double break for Federer, who subsequently finished things off with a volley after some imperious play at the net.