Stanislas Wawrinka is into the semi-finals of the French Open for the second consecutive year, having defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas in straight sets on Wednesday afternoon.
The world number four, who defeated Novak Djokovic to win the trophy last year, wrapped up a 6-2 6-1 7-6(7) victory over the Spaniard in just under two hours on Suzanne-Lenglen.
© AFP
Wawrinka began strongly by saving two break points and then snatching serve from Ramos-Vinolas, who struggled to get on the front foot in the opening set.
The two-time Grand Slam champion claimed a second set point to take the lead before comfortably wrapping up the second set in 27 minutes.
Ramos-Vinolas could only put one game on the board in the second set, but he had more fighting power in the third as he came from a break down to pull the set back to 4-4.
The Spaniard tried to upset the narrative by holding and taking a 5-4 lead, before a tie-breake was called upon to separate the pair.
Ramos-Vinolas refused to give up and did threaten to take the encounter to a fourth but Wawrinka eventually came good, converting a second match point to take the tie-breake 9-7.
Wawrinka will now face either Andy Murray or Richard Gasquet in the last four on Friday.
Danielle Joynson
