Federer overcomes second set blip to reach semis

PARIS, June 5 (Reuters) Roger Federer's 36-set record winning streak in grand slam tournaments was snapped by Tommy Robredo today but that did not stop the Swiss from sweeping into the French Open semi-finals with a 7-5 1-6 6-1 6-2 victory.

The world number one and Australian Open champion had not dropped a set at a major since losing the second in his four-set triumph over Andy Roddick in the US Open final last September.

Spanish ninth seed Robredo took the second set with a forehand crosscourt winner but it was not long before Federer was once again meting out punishment.

The Swiss won the next five games in a row and after steaming towards victory, he sealed his passage to the last four with an exquisite backhand volley.

He will next face either Russian fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko or Guillermo Canas, the Argentine who beat Federer in successive tournaments earlier this season.

REUTERS AM RK2144