Defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland defeated Sweden's Robin Soderling to reach the third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The Swiss, bidding for a sixth consecutive title at the grand slam, scored a routine 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6 (7-3) victory.

Federer was completely in control until he was broken for the first time to trail 5-2 in the third set.

But Soderling wasted a set point at 5-3 and the world number one stormed back to take the match on a tiebreak.

"I'm relieved because it could have gone to four and Robin is a good player and I was really pleased to come through," said Federer.

Federer's 61st consecutive victory on grass never looked in doubt as Soderling appeared in awe.

After winning the first two sets, Federer saved one break point at 2-3. After Soderling wasted a set point at 5-3, Federer quickly broke back and rushed to 5-0 in the tiebreak which he eventually won 7-3.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2008)