Novak Djokovic played the best tennis of his Wimbledon campaign to see off Florian Mayer and set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Roger Federer.
Mayer, ranked 29th in the world, played some excellent tennis, particularly in the first set, but Djokovic's experience, power and superior placement allowed the world number one to record a rousing 6-4 6-1 6-4 win on Court One.
Federer, who is looking for his seventh Wimbledon title, has a 14-12 win-loss record against Djokovic, although the Swiss has not beaten the defending champion in 12 months and the two have never met on grass before.
The meeting with Federer will be Djokovic's ninth consecutive grand slam semi-final appearance.
Djokovic, whose last defeat to Federer came in the semi-finals of the French Open last summer, is relishing the prospect of another showdown on a big stage.
"I am looking forward to it," Djokovic said.
"It's always a pleasure playing him. He is a great champion. He has reached 33 consecutive grand slam quarter-finals.
"He has dominated for so long. He is so consistent and for me it will be the ultimate challenge."
Djokovic was impressed with the way that Mayer played today.
"It was a tricky match," he said.
"There were quite a few breaks and there was a rain delay and the conditions were quite windy.
"It could have gone either way but overall I was happy with my performance."
Federer had Mikhail Youzhny in such knots as he breezed through that the Russian turned to the Royal Box for help.
Six-time champion Federer coasted to a 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory against a player he has never lost to. This was their 14th career match and there was never any doubt the outcome would be a familiar one.
With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watching on, sitting just along from Wimbledon royalty in Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, Federer was out to impress and certainly accomplished that mission.
If the royal couple came for Andy Murray, second on Centre Court against David Ferrer, the main course would have to go a long way to trump their starter.
Indeed after Federer put away a delicious backhand drop volley to seal victory, the Royal Box led a standing ovation.
"I thought I played great out there," Federer said.
"I'm extremely happy to be back in the semi-finals here at Wimbledon.
"I think it helps when royalty shows up and other legends of the game come to see me play. I think it's inspiring. I'm happy they came to support tennis and support me. It was very special."
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga marched through to his second Wimbledon semi-final and this time hopes to go one step further.
The Frenchman came through a tight battle with Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber, finding his best form in the fourth set to survive 7-6 (7/5) 4-6 7-6 (7/3) 6-2.
He lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic at the last-four stage in 2011 and will tackle Andy Murray or David Ferrer on Friday.
"For me it's going to be a second chance after last year," Tsonga said.
"I will try to pay my best tennis.
"I enjoyed this moment again and I will try to win of course."
