Wawrinka oldest man in 31 years in French Open SF

Paris - Defending champion Stan Wawrinka became the oldest man since 1985 to reach the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday with a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (9/7) win over Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Third seed Wawrinka, 31, will face British second seed Andy Murray for a place in Sunday's final.

Jimmy Connors was 32 when he reached the last four in Paris in 1985.

Wawrinka fired 49 winners past world number 55 Ramos-Vinolas.

"Overall, I played a good match with an incredible level in the first two sets," said Swiss star Wawrinka.

"I had to dig deep to finish the match. To win in three sets, it's ideal."

Wawrinka added: "I watched the start of the Murray-Gasquet match and now I am going to see the end."

Wawrinka, who beat Novak Djokovic in last year's final, will be playing in only his second Roland Garros semi-final.

He had needed five sets to see off Lukas Rosol in the first round but has looked increasingly confident as the tournament has progressed.