By Simon Austin BBC Sport at Wimbledon

The match as it happened

Chilean Gonzalez had not dropped a set on his way to the last eight, yet was powerless to stop an in-form Federer.

Gonzalez secured his only break midway through the first set, but Federer then took control to win 7-5 6-2 7-6 (7/2).

The Swiss star served well, was almost faultless from the baseline and timed his forays into the net excellently.

World number one Federer will now play Lleyton Hewitt - who is ranked second in the world - in the last four.

Gonzalez, the 21st seed, was the only man in the draw not to have dropped a set going into the quarter-finals.

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He was quickly in trouble against Federer though, falling 4-1 behind in the first set.

The Chilean did fight back to level at 4-4, but Federer broke again to take the set 7-5 and he raced through the second 6-2.

The Chilean had a break point at 4-4 in the third, but wastefully hit his return into the net and went on to the rue the error as Federer dominated the tie-break.

How Federer kept away from Gonzalez' forehand

Federer said he was delighted with his form after winning a place in his third straight Wimbledon semi-final.

"All in all, I'm really pleased - it was like the match I wanted to play against him and I targetted his backhand quite well," Federer said.

"It's always interesting to play against him - he's quite unique I'd say. I still enjoy it though.

"You have to weather the storm because he hits the ball with so much pace."