Federer Ousts Gonzalez to Keep Roland Garros Dream Alive

Roger Federer kept his hopes of a career grand slam alive after he secured his semi-final berth with a four-set victory over Fernando Gonzalez.

The Swiss world No1, who has never won the title at Roland Garros, lost three of his first four service games to drop the opening set against his Chilean opponent before finding his stride to triumph 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 and secure a place in his 16th consecutive grand slam semi-final.

Federer had won 10 of 11 matches played against Gonzalez, but his only defeat was the most recent, and the Chilean had won all 16 matches he had played on clay so far this year.

Gonzalez gave an early indication of his form when he opened up a 2-0 lead in the first set. Federer broke back immediately, and then held his own serve to level at 2-2.

But they were the only games the Swiss won in the set as Gonzalez, seeded 24, seized on several uncharacteristic misfires from Federer to wrap up the next four games.

The tables were turned from there on, however, as Federer built on an early break to take the second set 6-2. And he earned the crucial break in the third set, which he completed with his 10th ace of the match.

It was a similar story in the fourth set, with Federer breaking once and holding all his service games to win 6-4.

"I was really under pressure in the first set," Federer said. "I felt uncomfortable. I was missing a lot of shots, and he defended well ... After that it was a good match."

Federer will now play Frenchman Gael Monfils, who beat David Ferrer of Spain 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

The defending champion Rafael Nadal takes on Novak Djokovic, seeded five, in the other semi.