Second-seeded Roger Federer was dumped out of the French Open quarterfinals in straight sets by countryman Stanislas Wawrinka on Tuesday.
Federer struggled to find top gear as eighth-seeded Wawrinka deservedly moved into the semis courtesy of a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) victory on Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros.
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In only his third victory over the Swiss-born Federer in 19 attempts, Wawrinka was dominant from the baseline and showed great accuracy further up the court to capitalize on a lethargic showing from the world No. 2, who failed to break serve in a grand-slam match for just the first time since the 2002 US Open.
Wawrinka will contest his first Roland Garros semifinal against either Kei Nishikori or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The 30-year-old Wawrinka held his own early on and secured the first break of the match with an impressive backhand pass that evaded Federer and nestled on the line.
Federer, the 2009 French Open champion, struggled to find his rhythm and failed to convert his trademark passing shots, although he was able to save set point when Wawrinka netted a routine backhand.
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However, Wawrinka saved break-point with a fierce winner before Federer found the net at the last as the eighth seed clinched the opener. Federer sought to ramp up his serve-volley game to offer Wawrinka a different problem, but his Swiss opponent continued to frustrate.
Neither player gave an inch until the seventh game, when the usually ice-cool Federer began to show frustration at the netting again to drop serve.
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Wawrinka piled on the pressure with a number of big forehands — aided by sloppy play from Federer — to claim the second set. Some masterful play from deep allowed Wawrinka to keep Federer at bay, before the world No. 9 sealed victory on the breaker with a smart volley.
The French Open continues to prove something of a tricky competition for Federer, who is absent from the semis for a third-consecutive year.