Federer continues string of major semis

LONDON, July 1 (UPI) -- Roger Federer used a straight-set win Wednesday at the Wimbledon Championships in London to reach his 21st consecutive major tournament semifinals.

Federer, who won five consecutive Wimbledon titles before losing in the finals last year, will go against 24th-seeded Tommy Haas in Friday's semifinals. The other semifinal pits third-seeded Andy Murray against sixth-seeded Andy Roddick.

The No. 2-seeded Federer can regain the world No. 1 ranking and set a record with his 15th Grand Slam title should he win his next two matches. He looked to be on that mission Wednesday in a 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) win over 22nd-seeded Ivo Karlovic. He had just seven unforced errors and won 87 percent of the points on his serve.

Haas upset fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic, who had been dominant in his first four matches. Haas had just two breaks but those were the difference in the first and fourth sets in the 7-5, 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-3 victory.

Federer owns a 9-2 career edge over Haas. Their most recent meeting was in the French Open when Haas had a two-set lead before Federer came back.

Murray, from Scotland, is seeking to be the first British men's player since Fred Perry in 1936 to win Wimbledon. His game Wednesday showed that potential as he took out Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. He had 18 aces among his 49 winners and piled up five service breaks. Murray is 6-2 in his career against Roddick.

Roddick survived a tight battle with Lleyton Hewitt 6-3, 6-7 (10-12), 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-4. Roddick won just nine more points in the nearly four-hour match. He had a six-point edge in the final set.