Roger Federer outclasses Kevin Anderson in under one hour in Cincinnati

Roger Federer engineered a 6-1, 6-1 rout in less than an hour, outclassing the big-serving Kevin Anderson to join Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters on Thursday.

Switzerland’s Federer swept the first set in 21 minutes and began the second set with a break of South African Anderson.

“I’m pleased with a rock-solid performance,” said the six-time champion. “I know it’s only the quarters but I’m playing great tennis. I hope I can keep it up tomorrow.”

While the second seed was able to make it all look easy, it was a slog for an exhausted Andy Murray as the third-seeded Montreal title-winner needed a shade under three hours to put down Grigor Dimitrov 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5.

Dimitrov led a set and two breaks before Murray hauled the second set back. The Bulgarian then owned the third 5-2 but could not close it out despite getting to match point.

Murray gathered the last of his reserves to take the win, his 26th at the tournament which he won in 2008 and 2011.

Sixth seed Tomas Berdych crushed Spain’s Tommy Robredo 6-0, 6-1.