Federer motors on, Safina survives again

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-5  |     ONLINE EDITION

ROGER Federer's pursuit of an elusive French Open crown gathered momentum yesterday while Dinara Safina again tottered on the brink of elimination before salvaging her title dreams to reach the semi-finals.

As Safina booked an all-Russian last-four date with fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, Federer overcame a slight hiccup to record a 2-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 win over Chilean Fernando Gonzalez.

"To make four (semis) in a row (here) is a great accomplishment, but this year I'm obviously aiming for the title so I hope it's not going to stop here," said Federer, who is eyeing a third straight final with champion Rafael Nadal.

Next up for world number one Federer will be local favourite Gael Monfils, who became the first Frenchman to reach the last four since Sebastien Grosjean in 2001 with a 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1 win over Spanish fifth see David Ferrer.

Safina reached the last four of a major for the first time with a 4-6 7-6 6-0 win over fellow Russian Elena Dementieva, while Kuznetsova overcame Estonian Kaia Kanepi 7-5 6-2.

Doing things the easy way is not a mantra known to Safina and for the second match in succession, the Russian produced a stirring comeback from a set and 5-2 down, saved a match point and then took pleasure in trampling all over her hapless victim.

"It's not easy to come back every time because once it's going to be too late," a grinning Safina told reporters.

"(But) Impossible is nothing," she added, adopting the slogan of a famous clothing sponsor.

Kuznetsova managed to avoid any high drama. Kanepi opted to contest her first grand slam quarter-final wearing sunglasses but it was not long before she was dazzled by the Russian's charge towards victory.

Kuznetsova's win over Kanepi guaranteed for the second grand slam running, Russia and Serbia will do battle for the honours.