Federer into Semis; All-Russian Women’s Semi

He hasn’t been splashy either, but Roger Federer is into the semi-finals of the French Open after defeating Fernando Gonzalez. Federer lost the first set in a big way with Gonzalez teaching him how it’s done to the tune of 6-2. Federer then turned the tables in the next three sets, winning the second 6-2, the third 6-3, and the fourth 6-4.

I think the King might be in for a spot of trouble in the semis though. Gael Monfils has been impressive in his run throughout the tournament. The unseeded Monfils needed four sets to overcome fifth-seeded David Ferrer and is the first Frenchman to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals in seven years.

On the women’s side, the all-Serbian semifinal will be paired by an all-Russian semifinal on the other half of the draw. Dinara Safina came back from a set down to defeat seventh-seeded countrywoman Elena Dementieva. The first set went to Dementieva at 6-4 before Safina won a tight second set tiebreak. Safina unleashed in the third with the big 6-0 score to show for it.

In the other quarterfinal, Svetlana Kuznetsova eased past Kaia Kanepi with a 7-5 first set before comfortably moving into the semis with a 6-2 second set.

And this is when it gets really exciting! The whole two weeks are fun, but when it comes down to the wire, I stay glued to the web and the television. Can’t wait! (Speaking of down to the wire…anybody a hockey fan? How ridiculously insane were the last 10 seconds of the sixth game?!?)

(Image: Newscom)
Roger Federer concentrates on his backhand in his victory over Fernando Gonzalez in the French Open quarterfinals.