London, Sept 5 (ANI): Roger Federer brushed aside France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu in straight sets to move one step closer to a quarter final showdown with Sweden’s Robin Soderling.

According to Fox Sports, five-time US Open winner Federer and Soderling, who lost the French Open final to world number one Rafael Nadal, are on a collision course with added drama after Soderling’s lone victory in 13 meetings against the Swiss star.

Federer easily overcame Mathieu who conquered Lleyton Hewitt in round one, rounding out a 6-4 6-3 6-3 victory to move into the final 16 while Soderling defeated Dutchman Thiemo de Bakker 6-2 6-3 6-3 in brisk winds after one hour and 42 minutes.

“Everybody has been telling me since the draw came out I’m playing Roger in the quarters. It’s still far ahead,” Soderling said.

“It’s always difficult to play against Roger and I have played him a lot of times. In any tournament they play, Roger and Rafa will be the favorites, but there are a lot of players who can beat them,” he added. (ANI)