Federer books semis berth
Friday, 5 June 2009
PARIS, Jun 4 (Reuters) : World number two Roger Federer was back to his brilliant best as he eased past local favourite Gael Monfils 7-6 6-2 6-4 to book his place in the French Open semi-finals Wednesday.
The Swiss will play his 20th consecutive grand slam semi-final against Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro, who he has beaten in their five previous encounters.
After three successive matches in which he dropped sets, Federer finally found his groove Wednesday, much to the frustration of Monfils.
Federer, the hot favourite after four-times champion Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the fourth round, saved a set point in the first-set tiebreak before clinching it 8-6 with a forehand volley winner.
It was then much easier for the Swiss, who is gunning for the only major title to have eluded him.
The Swiss will play his 20th consecutive grand slam semi-final against Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro, who he has beaten in their five previous encounters.
After three successive matches in which he dropped sets, Federer finally found his groove Wednesday, much to the frustration of Monfils.
Federer, the hot favourite after four-times champion Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the fourth round, saved a set point in the first-set tiebreak before clinching it 8-6 with a forehand volley winner.
It was then much easier for the Swiss, who is gunning for the only major title to have eluded him.