Roger Federer eases into semis

Roger Federer moved closer to becoming only the sixth man in tennis history to complete the grand slam of tournaments (Wimbledon, and the Australian, French and US Opens) when he beat France's Gael Monfils into the semi-finals at Roland Garros in a routine straight-sets win.

Federer's 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory sets him up for a clash with world No5, Juan Martín Del Potro, who beat Spain's Tommy Robredo 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. With the defeat of Rafael Nadal earlier this week the Swiss player is overwhelming favourite to add the French Open to his 13 grand slam titles and will equal Pete Sampras' record if he lifts the title here on Sunday.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Stephen Bierley, the Guardian: "The French are willing him on: one for all, and all for one in pursuit of the Coupe des Mousquetaires. Even today, when the Frenchman Gaël Monfils stood between Federer and the title, the crowd were just as inclined to cheer the Swiss rather than their own. They could sense the tension and, when Federer challenged a call and continued to argue with the umpire, they were remarkably reserved. Such moments can see the vitriol uncorked and hurled at almost anybody. Federer was all but exempt. Roland Garros, or so it seems, is determined to host history at the weekend."

Neil Harman, the Times: "In his wildest dreams, Roger Federer could not have imagined that two of three from Juan Martín Del Potro, his semi-final opponent, Robin Söderling and Fernando González would stand between him and this leviathan of grand-slam tournament titles, the last on his list. The calming manner of Federer's 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Gaël Monfils on Court Philippe Chatrier yesterday should not be underestimated. The ovation for it was stupendous."

Ian Chadband, Daily Telegraph: "Federer's win means that he will be playing in his 20th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final. Yet semi-finals mean nothing to Federer any more. Only victory can possibly satisfy him now. He knows, Paris knows, tennis knows and somewhere in Majorca a bloke with muscles knows that he will never get another chance quite like this." ·