WIMBLEDON - ROGER Federer neutralised Ivo Karlovic's huge serves on Wednesday to reach the Wimbledon semifinals and move a step closer to a record 15th Grand Slam championship.

In a match featuring short points and few rallies, Federer conjured up a few great returns to break the 2.08 metre Croatian twice and secure a 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (3) victory on another sunbaked day at the All England Club.

Federer, closing in on his sixth Wimbledon title, reached his 21st consecutive semifinal at a Grand Slam tournament and extended his winning streak to 17 matches with another vintage performance on his favorite Centre Court.

'I love the record I have of reaching so many semifinals in Grand Slams in a row - 21 is quite a number,' Federer said. 'It shows how consistent I've been.'

It was Federer's ninth win in 10 matches against Karlovic, who was playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Federer's next opponent will be Germany's Haas, who upset fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic 7-5, 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-3 to advance to his first Wimbledon semifinal. The 31-year-old Haas was the oldest player in the quarters, while the 22-year-old Djokovic was the youngest.

Haas led Federer two sets to love in the fourth round of the French Open, only to lose in five. He said he hopes to make amends on Friday.

'That would be nice,' he said. 'I'll give it my best shot.

There's not much (Federer) can't do. He's obviously the favourite to win the title. I'm going to go out there and try to annoy him a little bit and see what happens.' -- AP