Roger Federer has overcome Mikhail Youzhny with a 6-3 6-4 victory to reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Championships.

After Federer snatched the first break of serve early in the contest, Youzhny tried to make an impact and enforce his game in Dubai.

Despite putting three games on the scoreboard, his Swiss opponent was too much for him and Federer managed to ease through the early stages of the set and take the lead.

While Youzhny attempted to keep his serve, the former world number one took control and prevented the 29-year-old from forcing a third and final set.

Federer will face either Juan del Potro or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-final.