Federer, Roddick, Williams move into Wimbledon semifinals

WIMBLEDON, England — Defending champion Roger Federer overcame 2002 winner Lleyton Hewitt in four sets Wednesday to reach the Wimbledon semifinals, edging closer to a possible final against No. 2 Andy Roddick.

Federer lost his serve and dropped a set for the first time this tournament, but served 19 aces and had 50 winners to prevail 6-1, 6-7 (1), 6-0, 6-4 in a high-quality Centre Court match that ended close to dusk. It was Federer's 22nd consecutive win on grass.

The 2 hour, 19-minute match ended when Hewitt double-faulted.

Roddick, who hasn't lost a set in five matches, served 18 aces and outslugged Sjeng Schalken 7-6 (4), 7-6 (9), 6-3 — closing out the match with a leaping overhead.

Roddick advances to meet Croatia's 20-year-old Mario Ancic, who upset fifth-seeded Tim Henman 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2. Roddick is 3-0 against Ancic, including a three-set win on grass at Queen's Club last month.

Federer will face either Sebastian Grosjean or Florian Mayer.

In women's play, two-time defending champion Serena Williams beat a listless Jennifer Capriati 6-1, 6-1 in 45 minutes in a Centre Court match that never lived up to expectations. Williams will next face Amelie Mauresmo, who beat Paola Suarez 6-0, 5-7, 6-1 to reach her second Wimbledon semifinal.