World number one and top seed Roger Federer strided on his course for the French Open title as he subdued Chilean Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 (11-9), 7-5, 6-2 Friday to book a berth in the fouth round.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Federer cracked 11 aces and hit 36 winners while Gonzalez, doubles titlist in Athens Olympics, produced 66 unforced errors in the two-hour-nine-minute match on court Philippe Chatrier.

The Swiss ace next faces Spanish 14th seed Carlos Moya, who clinched a five-set thriller over compatriot Fernado Vicente.

Federer, never going beyond the quarter-final stage in the claycourt showpiece, has yet to drop a set in the tournament.

"Today was dangerous. It was all about handling his pace and his forehand. So I got close a way tougher match. I'm happy to be through, in three sets especially," he said.

Federer lost to three-time French Open winner Gustavo Kuerten in straight sets at this stage last year and only reached the fourth round on two occasions in 2000 and 2001.

"I definitely improve every year. And with experience as well, you know better where you're good at, where maybe you're not as good at, how you get around your weakness and the way you improve also. Those things definitely make a difference," he said.

Source: Xinhua