Federer survives early scare to reach Paris semi-finals
Federer came storming back to beat Gonzalez in his quarter-final
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Wednesday, 04, Jun 2008 10:02
Roger Federer has qualified for the semi-finals of the French Open having come back from a set behind against Fernando Gonzalez to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 6-4.
The Chilean won the last encounter between the pair at the Shanghai Masters last season and started the match in good form.
He broke Federer an incredible three times in the opening set, winning it in a mere 26 minutes.
However, the world number one came storming back in the second set, much to Gonzalez's frustration.
Federer broke to go 3-1 ahead in the second set and then saved three break-back points as Gonzalez's grip on the match began to slip. The Swiss star then closed out the set by breaking Gonzalez for a second time.
A break at the start of both the third and fourth sets was enough to see Federer through, although he was unlucky not to have gained a bigger advantage over his opponent having completely dominated the second half of the match.
Federer will face Frenchman Gael Monfils in the semi-finals after he beat fifth seed David Ferrer.
It is the first time a Frenchman has made the semi-finals at Roland Garros since 2001 and there is sure to be plenty of pressure from the home crowd when the 21-year-old faces Federer.
However, he came through his quarter-final looking good against Ferrer, winning 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1.
Monfils broke twice in the first set but Ferrer matched that feat in the second set to level the match. But Monfils would not be denied and dour further breaks of serve ensured him a place in the final four of the competition.