WIMBLEDON -- There came a point Monday when you wondered whether Steve Johnson might have thought, "OK, now I get it."
Johnson denied any intimidation going into his match against Roger Federer, whom the former two-time NCAA champion idolized growing up. But not until facing the lethally precise and efficient manner in which Federer can take apart an opponent did the 26-year-old appreciate how overwhelming the task of playing him can be.
"You realize when he hits these shots and finds his way out of tricky situations with such ease, that's just what he does and why he's arguably the best ever," said Johnson, who fell to Federer 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in 1 hour, 37 minutes.
With hopes that he would join his close friend and part-time doubles partner Sam Querrey in the quarterfinals -- which would have marked the first time more than one American man has gone that far here since 2011 -- Johnson never threatened the seven-time Wimbledon champ.
"I feel like his level is as high as ever," Johnson said.
The prevailing theory going in was that Johnson, ranked 29th, might have had a chance if he used his power to neutralize Federer with his forehand and serve, while taking advantage of his athletic ability to at least stay in the match.
Instead, Federer dictated points, hitting 35 winners and only 13 unforced errors. He converted five of 10 break-point opportunities and 33-of-40 net points.
Federer broke Johnson twice in the first set and answered Johnson's sole break in the third -- only the second time Federer has lost serve in the tournament. Federer then broke again to go up 6-5 and spoil any notion the American would somehow rally back.
"I think it was by far my best match," said Federer, showing no effects of the back injury that kept him out of the French Open.
With the victory, Federer, 34, accumulated a few more records, most notably tying Martina Navratilova for the most Grand Slam singles wins by a man or woman at 306 against just 50 losses.
He also equals Jimmy Connors' Wimbledon Open era record with his 14th quarterfinal appearance.
With Novak Djokovic out of the tournament, Federer's chances of becoming the first man to win an eighth Wimbledon title is increasing steadily, according to Ladbrokes. As of Monday, Federer's odds were 7/2, second to only Andy Murray (10/11).
Federer, the highest-ranked player in the top section of a draw, has yet to drop a set in four matches. But Wednesday, he should face his strongest challenge yet in No. 9 Marin Cilic, who also expended little effort in getting past No. 5 Kei Nishikori, 6-1, 5-1 (ret.) in just 45 minutes.
Federer practiced with Cilic when he arrived at Wimbledon and said it was a good indication of what he can expect next.
"He was playing great," Federer said. "[It was] 1-2, 1-2, 1-2, serving, boom, forehand, serving, boom, backhand. He's very aggressive. He blew me off the court at the [2014] US Open. I know what I'm getting into.
"He's really tough to play. He's really improved his serve in the last few years, especially since US Open. I've never seen him serve that consistently well. He can clearly do it here at Wimbledon, too."