Rome: Roger Federer remained on course for a semi-final clash with Spanish rival Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open after cruising past Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-3 in just over an hour yesterday. Federer has made the final in Rome three times in the past 12 years but has been beaten on every occasion -- twice by Nadal and once by Felix Mantilla, in 2003.

Roger Federer celebrates his victory over Tomas Berdych in Rome yesterday. Pic/AFP