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Federer, Nadal Cruise To Victories

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The Associated Press

Published: July 3, 2008

Updated: 07/03/2008 12:12 am

WIMBLEDON, England - Lest anyone forget that Roger Federer has, indeed, lost at Wimbledon, the BBC filled time during a rain delay Wednesday by rolling tape of his 2002 first-round exit against Mario Ancic.

That, of course, was the last time Federer stepped onto a court at the All England Club - or anywhere on grass, for that matter - and walked away without winning.

Once Wednesday's weather cleared up, Federer faced off against Ancic on Centre Court once more, only this time they were playing in the 2008 quarterfinals, and it was no contest whatsoever. The top-ranked Federer dismissed Ancic 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 to extend all manner of streaks: 39 consecutive wins at Wimbledon, 64 consecutive wins on grass, and 17 consecutive semifinal appearances at Grand Slam tournaments.

There were other numbers at which to marvel, not the least of which was this: Federer won 61 of 71 points on his serve.

Asked afterward if he could pick one match during his career that stands out from the rest in terms of quality, Federer replied, "Thankfully, I get those moments quite often, actually."

So there.

Second-ranked Rafael Nadal overwhelmed 12th-seeded Andy Murray of Britain 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 for his 22nd consecutive victory overall. Nadal faces the winner of the Rainer Schuettler-Arnaud Clement match, which was suspended because of darkness at one set apiece.

Federer will face Marat Safin, who beat No. 31 Feliciano Lopez 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-3.

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