PARIS, June 6: Roger Federer got straight to the point as he drives towards a potential French Open final with Rafael Nadal, thrashing Mario Ancic 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to power into the semifinals on Tuesday.

The world number one, with a first-ever trophy at Roland Garros the over-riding goal of his spring clay campaign, spent a bare-bones two hours, 17 minutes in sending the ailing Croatian packing.

Federer is bidding to win his fourth straight major and thus complete a non-calendar year Grand Slam.

Federer converted on four of 18 break points as he defeated an opponent who was seen once by the trainer and once by a doctor on court during changeovers.

David Nalbandian will lineup as the next opposition for the Swiss after a 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 defeat of Russian Nikolay Davydenko - another win completed with minimal fuss.

The Argentine lost to Federer little more than a fortnight ago in the Rome semi-final. But Nalbandian remains one of the few players to have a career edge - six wins, five losses - over the world number one.

Federer admitted he likes his Grand Slam matches short and sweet.

Federer, who has a 43-3 win-loss record this year with all three of his losses coming against Nadal in finals, said he got even after losing serve for the only time in the match during the second set.

Nalbandian's victory over Davydenko compensated for a loss to the Russian in the Estoril final a month ago at the start of the European clay campaign.

The South American also reached the Paris final four in 2004, losing to compatriot Gaston Gaudio, the eventual champion.—AFP