Federer storms into fifth Wimbledon final

LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) Roger Federer stormed into his fifth successive Wimbledon final with a 7-5 6-3 6-4 humbling of France's Richard Gasquet today.

The four-times defending champion overwhelmed his 21-year-old opponent in a display of sheer brilliance before a mesmerised Centre Court crowd.

After unleashing 20 aces and a series of scorching passing shots, Federer clinched victory after one hour 44 minutes with a forehand winner into the corner of the court.

The Swiss will face Spanish second seed Rafael Nadal in tomorrow's final after Serbian Novak Djokovic withdrew with an injury during the other semi-final.

Federer will attempt to join Bjorn Borg by becoming only the second man in the professional era to win five consecutive Wimbledon titles.

REUTERS DH PM1840