A Federer masterclass

Five-time champion Roger Federer put on a tennis masterclass on Wednesday, routing Richard Gasquet to reach his 10th US Open semifinal, where he will face close friend Stan Wawrinka.

The 34-year-old, bidding to become the oldest champion in New York in 45 years, took just 87 minutes to beat Gasquet for the 15th time in 17 meetings, his 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory only revealing half the story.

The Swiss fired 50 winners and 16 aces and did not face a single break point.

Federer hasn't dropped a set at the tournament in five rounds and has been broken just twice.

But he will be wary of the danger posed by Wawrinka despite holding a 16-3 career edge.

Wawrinka defeated him in their last meeting in straight sets in the quarterfinals on his way to the French Open title in June.

"I faced the big serves of John Isner in the last round so I felt tonight I had a little extra time," said second seed Federer.

"I stayed aggressive and enjoyed myself."

Also enjoying themselves watching the master at work on Arthur Ashe Stadium were Andre Agassi and Bjorn Borg as well as celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Bradley Cooper.

"Stan played wonderfully against me in Paris and I was happy for him that he won the title. He really deserved it," added Federer, who was playing in his 46th Grand Slam quarterfinal to Gasquet's fourth.