Sporting Life - Wimbledon 2008

Mario Ancic expects to face the "real Roger Federer" in their Wimbledon quarter-final on Wednesday.

In a first-round match back in 2002 Ancic defeated Federer in straight sets but the world number one hasn't lost here since while he'd also notched up 63 consecutive victories on grass.

The incredible run has seen him win five Wimbledon titles and the Croatian is fully aware of the daunting challenge that awaits on Centre Court.

"He was not Roger Federer at that time," conceded the 24-year-old.

"It wasn't Roger Federer as we know him today. It was the up-and-coming, top 10 player who was at that moment struggling in grand slams.

"I think from the year after, when he won Wimbledon, he exploded, and today he's a completely different player.

"We've played five times after that and he beat me every time. Of course it's unbelievable that he hasn't lost on grass since, but if it was not for that, I think people would pretty much forget about that win."

Federer, who gained his revenge over Ancic in the quarter-finals in 2006, is determined to reach the semi-finals as he continues to silence the doubters which rounded on him following his French Open final defeat to Rafael Nadal.

"I'm just happy the way I'm playing so far, no real problems so far," said Federer.

"I've been serving well, playing well, beating dangerous opponents such as Robin Soderling and Lleyton Hewitt.

"If I were to lose in the next round, I don't think it's going to really calm down. For me, there is still some work to do before I guess all the people will be quiet."