Roger Federer praises Xavier Malisse

World number three Roger Federer has praised Xavier Malisse ahead of their fourth-round meeting at Wimbledon.

The pair, who know each other well after Federer beat the Belgian at the same tournament 11 years ago, will meet again at SW19 on Monday.

Despite his opponent being ranked as the world number 75, the Swiss is not taking Malisse lightly.

"This is his best surface," conceded Federer

"He's a player with great talent, with a good first serve and smooth movement, especially on the grass.

"Xavier is one of the first guys I ever saw in international junior tournaments, so we go way back."

Malisse beat Fernando Verdasco in five sets to reach this stage.