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Roger Federer booked his place in an 18th Wimbledon quarter-final as he secured a straight-sets victory over Lorenzo Sonego.
The Swiss great took firm control after winning a topsy-turvy opener to run out a 7-5 6-4 6-2 winner on Centre Court at the All England Club.
He will now face either Hubert Hurkacz or Daniil Medvedev for a place in the semi-finals as he pursues a 21st grand slam title in SW19.
Sonego's resolve was eventually broken in a thrilling first set that saw Federer go a break up before losing his advantage and then getting it straight back when his opponent double-faulted after a brief rain delay.
And although the Italian had two break points in the final game of that set, his failure to take either marked the end of his challenge in earnest.
A Federer break in the fifth game of the second set helped the eight-time Wimbledon champion extend his advantage to two with little fuss.
And he required just 30 minutes to wrap up the third and continue another deep run in a tournament that has seen some of his best tennis down the years.
Data slam: Federer errs despite victory
Although Federer ultimately cruised to victory in this one, things could have been very different had Sonego taken a nip-and-tuck first set.
And the Italian was given every chance to do so by his opponent, whose 17 unforced errors in the opener – to Sonego's nine – ensured the contest remained cagey.
If Federer is to keep his Wimbledon dream alive as the quality of his opponents increase, he will need to play with greater precision.
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Federer – 32/26
Sonego – 23/26
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Federer – 4/1
Sonego – 4/2
BREAK POINTS WON
Federer – 5/15
Sonego – 1/3