Three-time Miami Open champion Roger Federer has produced a vintage performance to advance to the semi-finals after he overwhelmed Kevin Anderson in a commanding victory.
The 37-year-old Swiss collected four consecutive breaks of serve that were complimented by Anderson errors in the 6-0 6-4 win.
South African Anderson broke the Federer serve to level at 3-3 but a fifth break for Federer helped the 20-time grand slam champion serve out the match after one hour and 25 minutes.
The No.4 seed cracked a smile after a stunning close-range volley in the first set caused the crowd to go wild.
"Are you kidding?" a commentator exclaimed as Federer clinched the point two shots later.
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"I hit it late and that's why it went short," the veteran said.
"That's not what I wanted to do but maybe what it took. I got a bit lucky there at the end."
Federer is looking forward to his first match-up with Canadian Denis Shapovalov after the 19-year-old prevailed 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2 against American Frances Tiafoe to make the final four of the ATP Masters 1000 event.
"He's one of the big shotmakers in the game. I love his forehand," Federer said.
One of two Canadian teens in the men's semi-finals, Shapovalov will face Federer on Friday night while 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime will meet defending Miami champion John Isner earlier in the day.
"It's great for the game because they will carry the sport when we're long gone and we'll be sitting on the couch watching those guys slug it out," Federer said about the young duo.
"It'll be a joy to watch because not only are they great, great players but they're good people, too."
