Federer must clear Nadal hurdle

With the one missing grand slam title in his collection now just two matches away, Roger Federer’s dream of winning the French Open is closer to being realised.

He will have to pass the supreme test of Rafael Nadal of Spain, though, arguably the hottest player in the game.

Top seed Federer beat Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-3, while fourth seed Nadal, who has five titles this season, progressed to the semi-finals after ousting compatriot David Ferrer 7-5 6-2 6-0.

“I am not there yet, but if I win here it will be like a dream coming true,” said Federer.

“It would mean that I’ve won them all and it would be quite an achievement at the age of 23.”

Federer, the top-ranked player in the world, won three of the four grand slams on offer in 2004 but the French Open was not one of them.

Before this year, he had never advanced beyond the quarter-final round.

This time, Federer has not dropped a set in his march to the semi-finals.

Federer breezed through his match against Hanescu, the world number 90, with his usual elegance.

After the convincing win on Philippe Chatrier centre court, the Swiss star said: “I have more faith in my game now, not only on clay, I mean, overall.

“I am very happy about my performance, I think this was one of my best matches. I am glad about my game.

“I don’t fear anyone but I respect them all. And this is a big thrill for me to be in the semis.”

Federer has already beaten Nadal once this year in a five-set thriller at the Miami Masters.