The number two seed appeared to be in complete control of the match and with the help of two net-cords in the second set tie-break pulled off a 6-3 7-6(4) 6-3 victory.

Federer will now play Sweden's Robin Soderling for a place in the semi-finals after Soderling defeated Spain's Albert Montanes 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-3.

Federer lost the match the last time the two played each other at the French Open this year and is not expecting an easy match here.

"I expect it to be really tough, especially now that he has gotten a taste of how to beat me," said Federer.

"It's up to me to clean up my game and put in a good performance."