MONACO — A ninth Monte Carlo Masters title is getting closer for Rafael Nadal with most of his rivals out of the way — including Roger Federer, who again misses out on one of the few trophies not already in his glittering collection.
But Federer — a four-time runner-up on the French Riviera — was not too disappointed, considering that his priority was to come back safely after more than two months out following knee surgery.
Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-4 on Friday to set up a third semifinal here against Andy Murray. Federer lost 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, despite being two points from victory when 5-4 up in the decider with Tsonga 15-30 down on his serve.