London: Defending champion Roger Federer overcame 2002 winner Lleyton Hewitt in four sets to reach the Wimbledon semifinals, edging closer to a possible final against No 2 Andy Roddick.

Federer lost his serve and dropped a set for the first time this tournament during the 2-hour, 19-minute match, but served 19 aces and had 50 winners to prevail 6-1, 6-7 (1), 6-0, 6-4 in a high-quality Centre Court match that ended close to dusk yesterday (June 30, 2004). It was Federer's 22nd consecutive win on grass.

Roddick, who hasn't lost a set in five matches, served 18 aces and outslugged Sjeng Schalken 7-6 (4), 7-6 (9), 6-3, closing out the match with a leaping overhead.

Roddick advances to meet Croatia's 20-year-old Mario Ancic, who upset fifth-seeded Tim Henman 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2.

Federer will face Sebastian Grosjean, who swept Florian Mayer 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the semis for the second straight year.

In women's play, two-time defending champion Serena Williams beat a listless Jennifer Capriati 6-1, 6-1 in 45 minutes in a Centre Court match that never lived up to expectations. Williams goes next against Amelie Mauresmo, who beat Paola Suarez 6-0, 5-7, 6-1 to make her second Wimbledon semifinal.

The Federer-Hewitt match, interrupted twice by rain for about an hour each time, featured a contrast between the all-court Swiss player with a big serve and the hustling Australian baseliner with a fantastic return.