Monfils sets up showdown with Federer

Gael Monfils battled through to the quarterfinals of the French Open on Monday by beating David Ferrer 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 1-6, 8-6, in a match that stretched over two days and lasted more than four hours.

The ninth-seeded Monfils, a semifinalist at Roland Garros three years ago, will next play Roger Federer.

The Frenchman sealed the win on his fourth match point with a forehand passing shot. Monfils was leading Ferrer 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 0-2 on Sunday when their match was suspended because of darkness.

Monfils is playing in his sixth tournament of the year after being hampered by a left wrist injury. This is the first time since 2002 that two French players will be in the French Open quarterfinals. Marion Bartoli has also advanced.