Gaudio beats Hewitt to reach semi-finals

Unseeded Argentinian Gaston Gaudio claimed the prized scalp of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt as he marched into the French Open semi-finals.

Gaudio joined compatriot Guillermo Coria – who will play British number one Tim Henman on Friday – in the final four by racing to a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory against the 12th seed in just under two hours.

After taking through the first set 6-3 in 39 minutes, 25-year-old Gaudio broke Hewitt twice in the second set which he sealed when the Australian netted with a forehand.

Hewitt was broken at the outset of the third set and from that point there was no way back, with Gaudio shrugging off a heavy fall in the second game to breeze past the former US Open and Wimbledon champion.

Although he bled at one stage from the injury which followed his fall, medics patched up Gaudio and he was able to cruise through.

Hewitt blasted a forehand wide on match point as Gaudio booked a ticket to the first grand slam semi-final of his career.