Federer making perfect progress

had to win the resulting tie-break to have any chance.

The crowd roared on Safin while Federer let out an uncharatcteristic 'Yo' of his own after one forehand winner to earn a set point which he converted with a heavy ace.

A piercing scream from Safin was testimony to the effort he put into the third set but Federer's 38 winners and just 14 unforced errors spoke loudest of all.

At the end the two players hugged warmly at the net and then Safin gave an insight into what it is like to share the stage with Federer and Nadal.

Safin said of Federer and Nadal: "They will be the greatest tennis players in history. Nadal didn't lose a match on clay since, I don't know, he was 10 maybe. And Federer, he's going for his sixth Wimbledon. He's definitely going to pass the 14 grand slams (Pete Sampras's record). I guess I can say to my kids that I played against him."