Roger Federer has booked his place in the last four of Wimbledon after defeating Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets in a light-hearted encounter on Centre Court.

The six-time champion began well by holding serve before breaking his Russian opponent at the first time of asking after six deuces.

Youzhny got himself on the board in his next service game but was again broken in the sixth game as Federer raced to a 6-1 success in the opening set in under half an hour.

World number 33 Youzhny again lost his serve in the first game of the second as Federer continued to produce arguably his best tennis of the tournament.

The set continued in much the similar vein as the first, with Federer breaking twice before finishing off the set in exactly the same time of 29 minutes.

Youzhny yet again surrendered his serve in the opening game of the third set and at one point looked up to the Royal Box and asked the watching Andre Agassi if he had any advice on how to dismantle the Swiss.

Despite flashes of brilliance off the backhand wing, Youzhny could do little to stop Federer, who again secured a double break in the fifth game of the third to take a 4-1 lead.

Federer's forehand in particular dazzled and he wrapped up victory by taking the third 6-2 to advance in just over an hour and a half.

The 30-year-old looks set to take on Novak Djokovic, who is leading Florian Mayer on No.1 Court, in the semi-finals at the All England club.