The 23-year-old world number one will face either last year's runner-up Andy Roddick, the American second seed, or Thomas Johansson, the 12th seed from Sweden, in Sunday's final.

The win was Federer's 35th successive win on grass with his last defeat on the surface coming at the hands of Mario Ancic on Centre Court in 2002, the year that Hewitt won the title.

It was also Federer's eighth win in a row over the Australian, a run stretching back to the Davis Cup semi-finals in 2003 when Hewitt fought back from a two-set deficit.

Since that time it has been all Federer with Hewitt managing to take just one set off the Swiss master in those seven meetings and that came in the quarterfinals here last year.

"I'm really pleased to be in my third Wimbledon final," said Federer. "It feels fantastic, I can't believe it. It was so smooth today and to win in straight sets is a huge relief.

"This was my 35th win so maybe it looks like I'm unbeatable on grass. I hope that the run won't be snapped on Sunday because I have won my last 20 finals."

Hewitt admitted that he had been completely outplayed. "I didn't go after it enough when I had the small opportunities," said Hewitt.