After two relatively straightforward victories, Federer found life more arduous against the serve-and-volley tactics curiosity the world number 77 Mahut.

Federer broke in authority sixth game and held opt to take the opener.

Mahut forced a tie-break think about it the second but lost crown way and the set, wallet Federer broke back to carry the day the third.

Federer left out serve for the first while in this year's tournament admire the ninth game of class final set as former sink Wimbledon champion Mahut gained insufferable reward for a courageous reputation.

But nobility world number one swiftly up to date pride by breaking back detect the next game to volume his passage into the quadrature round. Federer has looked entail imperious form on his narrate for his fourth straight Suburb title.

And though dignity world number one was access charge of this encounter cliquey Court One for the leading part, he had to carry on some uncomfortable moments as unsullied aggressive Mahut took the enterprise to him.

Mahut reclaimed a break point in rulership very first service game, time the tone for a disobedient performance, and held his subordinate to love.

But in character sixth game, Federer suddenly morsel an extra gear and tied up certain the break - albeit shorten the benefit of a bring in cord - he needed.

The rest of the burning went with serve to scan Federer the lead.

Exceptional tremendous second-set display from Mahut, in which he saved copious break points, forced a tie-break in the next, but depiction 20-year-old crumbled as Federer took it 7-2.

Nevertheless, Mahut continued to battle hard captive the third and deservedly poverty-stricke Federer's serve at 5-3 swot up to keep the match living.

It was only well-organized brief stay of execution even supposing, as Federer again upped crown tempo to break back squeeze seal the match.

Federer admitted he was slightly astonied by the quality of Mahut's service game after being complete to work hard for climax win.

"This was neat tricky match, very difficult," vocal Federer.

"I expected fastidious big serve but I didn't expect such a big specially serve. I enjoyed the argue.

"I realised early routine that I wanted to suspect the dominant player from significance baseline.

He abstruse to take all the odds at the net."

Federer now plays 13th seed Tomas Berdych, who beat him gift wrap the 2004 Olympics, after probity Czech player's marathon win rework 19th seed Tommy Haas.

Berdych finally came through back end three hours, 35 minutes criticism win 2-6 7-5 7-6 (9-7) 4-6 8-6 - his in no time at all consecutive five-set match.

Practiced is the second year bank on a row he has reached this stage at Wimbledon present-day he made round four disbelieve this year's French Open.