Federer disarms Karlovic serve to set up Haas semi-final (1st Lead)

London - Roger Federer motored into his 21st consecutive Grand Slam semi-final as the second seed moved closer to more tennis history with his 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) defeat of Ivo Karlovic Wednesday at Wimbledon. Federer put forth an efficient effort in taming the towering Croatian in one hour, 42 minutes, but now faces another big challenge after German veteran Tommy Haas stunned fourth seed Novak Djokovic 7-5, 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-3. The win for Haas repeated a grass victory over the Serbian three weeks ago in Halle, Germany. Federer needed five sets at the French Open to get past Haas, 31, a one-time number two with a history of shoulder operations. British hero Andy Murray was bidding for the final four against one-time number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, while two-time finalist Andy Roddick was playing 2002 champion Australian Lleyton Hewitt. Federer is now two victories away from setting the all-time mark for the most Grand Slam singles titles, 15, one more than himself and Pete Sampras currently hold. He levelled with the American by winning his first French Open last month. But he is putting all thoughts of records out of mind after getting past the game's premier server. 'Sure it's not easy to return it, but it's thrilling because at some stage it's going to get close,' said Federer. 'That's why I was very happy the way I was able to play against him today. 'I thought it was an excellent match. I'm relieved I'm through.' The Swiss broke the fearsome Karlovic serve twice in their contest, which runs his record against the towering Croatian to 9-1. After taking the first two sets with a break apiece, Federer produced four love games in the third under bright sunshine to set up a tiebreaker. He earned a margin of four match points, with Karlovic raining down a 23rd ace to save the first, only to be caught by a silky forehand winner from Federer, who has now won his last 17 matches. 'During a match, I'm there, and I know I will believe in (myself). The opponent knows it, too. I'm trying to create, to make it as difficult as possible for my opponent, especially if he's a big server like Karlovic today.' 'It's difficult to play him, there are no rallies with him,' said Federer, who reached his seventh consecutive semi-final at the All England club with 39 winners. 'I'm playing very consistently and injury-free,' said the father- to-be whose wife Mirka was in the stands perhaps a month from her due date. 'I've played well this week and I'm moving into a position to win the event again,' added the five-time champion who was beaten in the 2008 final by Rafael Nadal. 'I really couldn't be more confident with my game, I'm coming in on a win streak. Maybe I'd be more confident if I'd won last year, but I have a great feeling on the court. Whatever comes in the semi-finals will be difficult.'