Top-seeded Roger Federer reached the semifinals of the Paris Masters for the first time by defeating Jurgen Melzer of Austria 6-1, 7-6 (4) yesterday.

Federer, who earlier this week called the Parisian indoor tournament his “worst” Masters, had previously lost three times in the quarterfinals.

Following victories in Stockholm and Basel, the Swiss star won a 12th consecutive match and delighted the crowd by sending winners all over the court during a 20-minute first set he opened with an ace.

Federer, who fired 18 aces and had 33 winners overall, will next face the winner between No. 3 Andy Murray against local favourite Gael Monfils.

Melzer showed a better face in the second set but missed an easy forehand volley in the tiebreaker to give Federer a 5-4 lead. The 16-time Grand Slam winner set up match point with an ace and converted it with a service winner.

Fourth-seeded Robin Soderling also reached the semifinals, using 18 aces to defeat Andy Roddick 7-5, 6-4.

Soderling will play Michael Llodra after the Frenchman made light work of 10th-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, winning 7-5, 6-1.

Llodra, the only unseeded player remaining, had never advanced beyond the second round at Bercy before. But after upsetting defending champion Novak Djokovic in the previous round, he continued to make the most of the fast surface, which has been made quicker this year and perfectly suits his serve and volley style.

Llodra and Davydenko traded breaks in the first set before the Frenchman won seven consecutive games for a 7-5, 5-0 lead.

Cheered by his son and French Davis Cup captain Guy Forget in the stands, Llodra produced 30 winners and sealed the victory with a service winner on his second match point.

“It will be tough against Soderling,” he said. “He is a great indoor specialist and he is full of confidence.”