Hewitt labours past Ferrer into quarters

LONDON, July 3 (Reuters) Lleyton Hewitt moved into the quarter-finals of Wimbledon today with an unconvincing 6-4 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory over Spain's David Ferrer.

The sixth seed, champion here in 2002, laboured through the opening two sets on a subdued court one with Ferrer squandering several break points.

Ferrer, one of a professional era record three Spaniards in the last 16, hit back to win the third set and forged a break ahead in the fourth before Hewitt snapped out of his lethargy.

The Australian broke back and then pounced again at 5-5 before sealing victory when Ferrer dumped a volley into the net.

Hewitt will play either Marcos Baghdatis or Briton Andy Murray for a place in the semi-finals.

Reuters PDS RN2254