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Federer cruises into last four

2009-06-04 10:40 BJT

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Latest from the French Open, World No.2 Roger Federer's dream of a first title at Roland Garros remains on track. The second seed cruised into the last four following a straight sets victory over local favourite Gael Monfils.

Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts as he defeats France's Gael Monfils during their quarterfinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday June 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) 
Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts as he 
defeats France's Gael Monfils during their 
quarterfinal match of the French Open tennis 
tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in 
Paris, Wednesday June 3, 2009. 
(AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
 

The Frenchman had faced Federer on four occasions, with Federer winning each time. But the Swiss star was probably still well aware of the many problems that Monfils presented to him in last year's semis here at the French Open. And in a repeat of last year's encounter, Federer had to save a set point against the 11th seeded Frenchman before taking a tiebreaker by eight points to six.

But after that it was virtually plain sailing for Federer, with Monfils making a number of errors. Federer made the most of his backhand and baseline strokes to take the second set 6-2.

After Monfils had time out to have an injury seen to, he found his form after coming back to the court. But Federer didn't give his opponent any chances, taking the third set 6-4 to close out his fifth win in a row over Monfils. Federer also moved into his 20th successive Grand Slam semi-final as a result and will face number five seed Juan Martin Del Potro.