French Open: Wawrinka topples Federer
June 2, 2015
Stanislas Wawrinka beat countryman Roger Federer at the French Open to march on to the semifinals for the first time in his career at Roland Garros.
Last year's Australian Open champion has only reached the quarters in Paris before, but smashed the 17-time Grand Slam winner with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) win.
"Everything clicked today, the wind made it tough, but I hit the ball very well. It was just an incredible match for me," Wawrinka said.
With one championship to his name, Roland Garros hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the second-seed who is looking to become the oldest winner of Wimbledon, the next Grand Slam on the calendar.
"That's where I want to play my best," said Federer. "This year is a bit different as we have an extra week to prepare but there is nothing positive about losing today because I don't need the extra days."
Elsewhere, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga added his name to the semifinal draw, beating US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3.
Wednesday's play sees Andy Murray take on David Ferrer and the grand showdown between last year's French Open final re-run between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Ivanovic sails into semis
Former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic will face Lucie Safarova in the semifinals after beating Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-2.
Cheered on by Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ivanovic looks to be back in great form having slumped from No.1 in 2008, failing to reach the quarterfinals in 17 Grand Slam tournaments.
"There were so many expectations and so many exciting moments at that time in my career, and my life in general," she said.
"I feel like people around me were not as experienced. Of course, it was happening for first time for them, too. So I don't feel like I was guided really well."
Safarova of the Czech Republic defeated Garbine Muguruza 7-6 (3), 6-3 on Tuesday. World number one Serena Williams is in action on Wednesday against Sara Errani.