Federer sets up Nadal clash

ROGER FEDERER set up a French Open final showdown with Rafael Nadal for the third year in succession after defeating the battling Gael Monfils in four sets yesterday.

The Swiss star struggled at times against the world number 59, allowing himself to be pegged back at one set apiece before posting a hard-fought 6-2 5-7 6-3 7-5 win in a little over three hours.

“It was hard to play against him. He is such a great talent and now he has shown it on a big stage,” said Federer.