Defending champion Roger Federer dispatched unseeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-3 to reach the semi-finals of the Hamburg Masters.

The world number one, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament, was supremely comfortable throughout and delivered a virtuoso display of shot-making to hint at a return to his imperious best.

Left-hander Verdasco began well and held his first two service games, but Federer's stubborn resistance garnered a break in his third and the Swiss capitalised to ease home 6-3 in the first set.

As is so often the case, Federer's gameplan was masterful. He stayed in points, took his chances when they arrived, and relied on his adventurous opponent making mistakes.

Verdasco's impatience cost him dearly, and when the sensible option was to play safe, he blasted wild attempted winners wide of their target.

The 24-year-old briefly threatened to mount a serious challenge at the start of the second set, but an injury to his ankle put pay to any lingering hopes and Federer breezed home 6-3 with two breaks.

He will now face either Nicolas Kiefer or Andreas Seppi in the semi-finals on Saturday as he continues his drive towards a potential fifth Hamburg Masters title.

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Will Tidey / Eurosport