Novak Djokovic eases past Florian Mayer into Wimbledon semi-final against Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic played the best tennis of his Wimbledon campaign to see off Florian Mayer and set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Roger Federer.

Mayer, ranked 29th in the world, played some excellent tennis, particularly in the first set, but Djokovic's experience, power and superior placement allowed the world number one to record a rousing 6-4 6-1 6-3 win on Court One.

Federer, who is looking for his seventh Wimbledon title, has a 14-12 win-loss record against Djokovic, although the Swiss has not beaten the defending champion in 12 months and the two have never met on grass before.

The meeting with Federer will be Djokovic's ninth consecutive grand slam semi-final appearance.

Djokovic, whose last defeat to Federer came in the semi-finals of the French Open last summer, is relishing the prospect of another showdown on a big stage.

"I am looking forward to it," Djokovic said.

"It's always a pleasure playing him. He is a great champion. He has reached 33 consecutive grand slam quarter-finals.

"He has dominated for so long. He is so consistent and for me it will be the ultimate challenge."

Djokovic was impressed with the way that Mayer played today.

"It was a tricky match," he said.

"There were quite a few breaks and there was a rain delay and the conditions were quite windy.

"It could have gone either way but overall I was happy with my performance."

PA