Federer races into last eight

AFP

Roger Federer will meet Davis Cup team-mate Stan Wawrinka in the French Open quarter-finals after racing past Gael Monfils on Monday.

Resuming at one-set all after bad light halted proceedings on Sunday, Federer wasted little time in sealing a last-eight spot for the 44th time at a grand slam, the 2009 champion at Roland Garros progressing 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-1.

A competitive encounter with the popular Frenchman saw a string of entertaining rallies, but it was Federer who had the quality when it counted, sealing his win as a Monfils forehand flew long.

The second seed set the tone for a comfortable hour on court with a break in the first game of the third set, Federer whipping a cross-court forehand that was too good for Monfils.

Federer was not having it all his own way, though, as the Frenchman showed good athleticism around the court and executed some exquisite drop shots around the net.

Monfils showed his battling qualities in the fifth game, battling back from 0-40 to hold serve.

The home favourite then had a chance to break back trailing 4-3, but 17-time grand slam winner Federer upped his game and went on to seal the set with an emphatic forehand winner.

Monfils again faltered at the start of the fourth set, and with it his spirit seemed to dwindle, Federer taking full advantage as the world number 14 lacked quality in the key moments.

Four successive games went the way of the Swiss to confirm his last-eight place, with volleyed winners and a superb running forehand the highlights in a quick end to proceedings.

That forehand came in the final game and another unforced error from Monfils - who spurned a clear opportunity to hit a winner with an errant forehand - brought his tournament to an end.


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