Federer flays Gonzales to reach final against Nadal

Apr 22, 2006, 16:52 GMT

Roger Federer of Swiss eyes the ball during his semi final match against Fernando Gonzalez of Chile at the ATP Master Series Monte Carlo Open tennis tournament in Monaco, Saturday 22 April 2006. EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA

Monte Carlo - Roger Federer crushed Fernando Gonzalez for the sixth straight time, securing a 6-2, 6-4 trip into his first career final at the 2.08-million-euro Monte Carlo Masters Saturday.

The Swiss master will face off the second time in just over a month against Spain's world number 2 Rafael Nadal, who wore down Gaston Gadio in a lengthy opening set, then pounced on a tiring opponent to earn a 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 semifinal victory.

Federer, now 33-1 this season, put in a ruthlessly efficient performance lasting just 69 minutes.

The Swiss, one victory away from a fifth trophy this season, had never advanced past the quarterfinals in the principality.

The desperate Gonzalez saved two match points in the ninth game of the second set before Federer turned the screws to claim victory a few minutes later.

It was his 29th straight in a Masters Series tournament.

'I was very focused on this match, very concentrated,' said Federer. 'I got off to a fast start.

'Even though I've never lost to him, Gonzalez is always a tough opponent. I had to play well to beat him. I'm pleased with my form, which has gotten better as the week goes on.

Federer lost to Nadal in early March in the final of Dubai. The Spaniard holds a rare winning career record over the Swiss, standing 3-1.

'I want to take my revenge for Dubai in the final,' said Federer. 'I've had a great week and I'd love to finish it with the title.'

Nadal, the defending champion, needed one hour, 18 minutes to slog through a lengthy opening set against the feisty Gaudio, who entered with a 3-2 mark against Nadal.

But as both men battled through multiple break points, it was Nadal who finally prevailed in the opening set. He then took full advantage of his momentum to blow the South American out of contention on the clay in two hours, 39 minutes.

Nadal notched a 41st consecutive win on clay, his last defeat coming in April, 2005, in Valencia.

Nadal has now won his last three matches against Gaudio. The Spaniard improved to 13-1 at Monte Carlo as he plays for the third time.