Federer sinks Ferrer to reach Madrid semis

Roger Federer is one step closer to reclaiming the No. 2 spot in the South African Airways ATP Rankings after recording his 13th consecutive win over Spaniard David Ferrer to reach the Mutua Madrid Open semi-finals. The Swiss, who must win the title to displace current No. 2 Rafael Nadal, did not face a break point en route to a 6-4 6-4 win over Ferrer, who has never beaten the Swiss.

"I'm always pleased beating a local hero in their own country, it's never an easy thing to do," said Federer. "I'm extremely pleased to be in the semi-finals because it's really been a tough draw for me."

Federer, who will play Serb Janko Tipsarevic in Saturday's semi-finals, has dropped serve just once this week, saving seven of eight break points in his opener against Milos Raonic and two of two against Richard Gasquet in the third round.

Federer broke in the third game of the opening stanza and, while never hitting his top level, was ruthless when it came to capitalising on Ferrer's shortcomings.

Should Federer win the Madrid title, he will equal Nadal’s record of 20 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles.  Federer is looking to win his third title from his past six ATP World Tour Masters 1000 appearances, dating back to his victory last November at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris. During that time he also won a record sixth Barclays ATP World Tour Finals crown.

The match was watched by several Real Madrid's players Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.

Date: 12.05.2012, Source: ATP & ESPN