London: Seven-time champion Roger Federer defeated big-serving Australian Sam Groth to reach the Wimbledon last 16 on Saturday.
Second seed Federer clinched a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2 victory over the world No. 69 who fired a 147mph ace in the third game.
Federer will next face Spanish 20th seed Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the quarter-finals.
After a small hiccup, Federer quickly found his stride again to advance at Wimbledon.
Federer dropped a set for the first time this week but never looked in real trouble against Sam Groth, beating the hard-serving Australian.
He never faced a break point on Centre Court and only failed to break Groth's serve in the third set, where he double-faulted to give the Australian a 4-3 lead in the tiebreaker.
This year, Federer is bidding for a record eighth Wimbledon title. He has not lost to an Australian at a major since his first Grand Slam tournament, when he was beaten by Pat Rafter at the 1999 French Open.
(With inputs from AP)
