Roger Federer of Switzerland waves after defeating David Ferrer of Spain during their quarter-final match in the Monte Carlo Masters Series tennis tournament in Monaco April 20, 2007. [Photo: Reuters]

World number one Roger Federer breezily took his 500th professional victory at the Monte Carlo Masters Series on Friday, beating Spaniard David Ferrer in straight sets to reach semi-finals.

The Swiss, winning 6-4, 6-0, will play 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain for a place in Sunday's final after the latter took Frenchman Richard Gasquet 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 in two hours 26 minutes.

Another Spaniard Rafael Nadal, the defending champion and second seed in Monte Carlo, also reached his milestones Friday as he extended his winning streak on clay to 65 matches by seeing off German qualifier Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-3.

The twice French Open champion will meet Czech Tomas Berdych, who fought back to knock out Swede Robin Soederling 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.