French Open: Ferrer into semis with Robredo thrashing

Spain’s David Ferrer returns the ball to compatriot Tommy Robredo during their quarterfinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Tuesday, June 4, 2013 in Paris. AP Photo/Michel Euler

PARIS — Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer reached the French Open semi-finals for the second successive year on Tuesday with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 win over compatriot Tommy Robredo.

Ferrer will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for a place in Sunday’s final.

Ferrer won in just 1hr35 to lift his series to 7 wins for two losses against his 32nd-ranked rival as the 31-year-old from Javea continued a fine run of form which has seen him reach the last four without dropping a set.

Robredo, also 31, had by contrast spent five hours more on court – including three consecutive five-setters, as he missed out on a first appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final.