Federer eases past Sonego to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals

Roger Federer made short work of Lorenzo Sonego on Monday to ease into the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.

The eight-time champion survived a testing first set to eventually swat aside the 23rd seed 7-5 6-4 6-2.

Federer served for the first set at 5-4 only for Sonego to break the Swiss great back.

Federer had another break-point when the rain came, causing a delay while the roof was closed.

On the resumption, he did not even have to hit a shot to win the game as Sonego double-faulted.

From then on it was plain sailing for the 20-time grand slam champion on Centre Court.

“I’m extremely happy,” he said. “It was a tricky condition inside and outside and Lorenzo is a tough player but I felt after the first set I was able to control things.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be in the quarter-finals.”

Federer, who turns 40 next month, must wait until Tuesday to find out who his next opponent is.

Second seed Daniil Medvedev was two sets to one up and 3-4, on serve, in the fourth when his match against Hubert Hurkacz was curtailed by rain.

“These guys are young, they can recover, it’s not a problem for them,” smiled Federer. “Hopefully it rains again —- I’m kidding!”