Monte Carlo Masters: Roger Federer knocked out by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Roger Federer was knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters when he slumped to a 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 defeat by local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Swiss Roger Federer plays a return to France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Swiss Roger Federer plays a return to France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Photo: AP

The Swiss third seed, back in action this week after a 10-week lay-off, started brightly as he breezed through the opening set but Tsonga, targeting Federer's forehand, played tighter and levelled with a strong display in the second.

The Frenchman broke in the 11th game of the decider with a passing shot winner and he closed it out on serve on his first match point to set up a meeting with compatriot Gael Monfils, who beat Spain's Marcel Granollers 6-2, 6-4.

Earlier, there were glimpses of the formidable Rafa Nadal as the eight-time champion swept aside French Open winner Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-4.

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The Spaniard, who set a tournament record of 46 wins in a row in the principality from 2005 to 2013 when he finished runner-up, will take on Andy Murray for a place in the final.

World No.2 Murray raced into last four with a 6-2, 6-0 demolition of Canadian Milos Raonic.

Opening proceedings on centre court, the Briton, who struggled in the previous round, was never bothered by 10th seed Raonic in a one-sided match.

Murray, who hit 19 winners and did not face single break point, was beaten twice by Nadal in the semi-finals of the first claycourt Masters of the season.

The fifth-seeded Nadal, who broke decisively in the ninth game of the second set, has yet to win a title this year.

"It's exactly what I need, it's what I'm looking for, it gives me confidence," Nadal said.

Reuters