California - Roger Federer steamrolled Tomas Berdych to notch a lucky 13th win in their series, advancing 6-4, 6-0 on Friday into the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.
Federer now stands a solid 51-10 at the venue and 13-6 over all against his Czech rival after his runaway win in 68 minutes: He broke four times and never faced a break point against his own serve.
The Swiss world number two, who had earned titles in two of his three starts this season, is bidding for a record fifth trophy at the Tennis Garden.
He will Saturday play the winner from second seed Rafael Nadal and Canadian Milos Raonic, the number six.
Federer is the only player in the last decade to defend the desert title, winning back-to-back trophies in 2004-06 and lifting a fourth three years ago.
“It all worked well for me, after the first set I was able to get into control,” said Federer. “I was playing well and Tomas did not have his best day on serve. I'm very pleased with the outcome.”
The second seed - who came to the Californian desert from his base in Dubai after winning that ATP title a fortnight ago - was dominant on serve in the opening set, producing love games to start and dropping just five points on serve in the set.
The Swiss took a grip on the contest played in brilliant sunshine, going up a double break on Berdych for a 3-0 second-set lead and never looking back.
“Early in the first set it was all about trying to find rhythm, seeing how you go,” said the 17-time grand slam champion. “I pushed hard for the break and finally got it. From then I was able to play with confidence.”
Federer stands 15-1 in 2015, his only loss coming at the Australian Open to Andreas Seppi, whom he beat at Indian Wells to earn his revenge in the third round.
Sapa-dpa