The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsRoger Federer produced another masterclass to see off Richard Gasquet, as Stan Wawrinka also posted a comfortable victory. In addition, Simona Halep survived in three sets whilst Petra Kvitova was less fortunate, as she fell to Flavia Pennetta.
The tenth day of the tournament saw the rest of the quarter-final matches completed, as Roger Federer was up against Richard Gasquet. In the opening set, both players held their early service games but Federer’s attacking intent was soon too much for the Frenchman to handle, as the Swiss maestro produced an exquisite volley to gain the break. Federer remained imperious on serve, and one break was enough for him to take the first set comfortably.
In the second set, there was a similar pattern, as Federer continued to manoeuvre Gasquet around the court with his variety, and a forehand winner sealed the early break of serve for the Swiss maestro. Gasquet simply had no answer to the brilliance and shot-making from the world number two, and Federer quickly established a two set lead when the Frenchman double faulted to concede his serve again.
The third set saw Federer maintain his dominant form, as the Swiss maestro continued to mix up his game with power and precision, leaving Gasquet helpless. The dispirited Frenchman went down a double break, as the world number two continued to reel off backhand and forehand winners at will. Federer was in total control, and he dismantled Gasquet to complete a clinical 6-3 6-3 6-1 win.
Federer will face his fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka in the semi-finals, as the reigning French Open champion dispatched Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-4 6-0.
On the women’s side, Petra Kvitova exited the tournament, as Flavia Pennetta fought back from a set down to upset the Czech 4-6 6-4 6-2. The Italian will play Simona Halep in the semi-finals, after she overcame Victoria Azarenka 6-3 4-6 6-4.
