Roger Federer marched a step closer to capturing his dream title with a straight-set victory over Gael Monfils on Wednesday at the French Open.
World No. 2 Roger Federer is just two matches away now from his first French Open title, and with no Rafael Nadal in the way, he is the odds-on favorite do so. Federer has not had an easy path to the semifinals. He struggled somewhat in nearly every match he has played along the way – until Wednesday.
Gael Monfils hung with Federer through the first set. In fact, the Swiss started off the match needing to fight off break points. Once he did so though, Federer rolled through the rest of his service games until 5-5, when he sent a shot into the net to give Monfils another break point. An over-zealous forehand from Monfils sailed long to erase the chance.
The Frenchman earned himself his first set point in the tiebreak, but Federer erased it with a fantastic serve and volley winner. Monfils sent a passing shot wide to give Federer his first mini-break. The world No. 2 then captured the set with a volley winner.
The missed opportunity seemed to get to Monfils. He came out flat in the second set and immediately gave Federer a break of serve. The Swiss raced out to a 4-0 lead before Monfils finally got back on the board again. Federer never blinked as he pressed to a 6-2 second set and the lead.
The Frenchman put all he had into the third set in an attempt to stay in the tournament. Federer was clearly the better player, but Monfils was able to keep up until the game at 4-4. With the finish line in sight, Federer put heavy pressure on the Monfils serve, and was rewarded with a netted forehand for the break of serve.
Federer served out the match at love and he will take on Juan Martin Del Potro in the semifinals.
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