Wimbledon 2017: Federer expects `exciting` last-16 clash against Dimitrov

Johannesburg [South Africa], July 9 (ANI): 18-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has said he is expecting an exciting encounter against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov as the two tennis stars prepare to take on each other in the fourth round of the men's singles event at Wimbledon on Monday.

Federer, the seven-time champion of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, booked his place in the pre-quarterfinals for the 15th time on Saturday when he swept aside Germany's Mischa Zverev 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 6-4.

Reflecting on his win against Zverer, Federer said that it was fun to play against a `serve-and-volley` player, adding that he is now looking forward to come back with even stronger performance in the upcoming match.

"I thought it was a fun match to play against a serve-and-volley player. You'll always see some lobs, passing shots and drop shots. I'm very happy now to sit back, relax a day and come back strong, hopefully on Monday,"Sport24 quoted Federer as saying after he registered his fifth win over Zverev.

It was the Swiss maestro's 317th triumph at a Grand Slam as he continues his bid to become the oldest player ever to become a Wimbledon champion.

Federer has never lost to 13th seeded Dimitrov, who is yet to drop a set at this year's Wimbledon.

Labelling Dimitrov as a `great shotmaker`, Federer admitted that he is expecting a tough match against the former before adding that the Bulgarian star comes out with even better performance every time he faces him.

"Every time I play against him he's stronger than the time before. He's in the perfect age right now where he starts to understand his game best. He's physically strong, he's mentally taken the next step again. That's what you expect from a player of his calibre," Federer said.

"I'm ready for a tough one but sure again, another exciting match because he's a great shotmaker," he added.

Meanwhile, in another men's singles clash, world number two Novak Djokovic also stormed into the last-16 after posting a 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) win over Latvian player Ernests Gulbis. (ANI)