Federer blasts Bjorkman to claim Wimbledon finals place

By Bill Scott Jul 7, 2006, 16:48 GMT

London - Roger Federer destroyed smiling Swede Jonas Bjorkman 6-2, 6-0, 6-2 after a rain-delayed start to blast into his fourth straight final at the Wimbledon Championships on Friday.

As expected against the 34-year-old surprise semi-finalist rated a 200-1 outsider, Federer was ruthless in his demolition.

'It was difficult since I was such a big favourite,' said the winner, who never faced a break point while breaking Bjorkman seven times.

'I was hoping to live up to expectations - especially my own. Jonas is a veteran and knows how to play and he's been in a Grand Slam semi-final before.

'I had to be careful, play to a tough, secure game plan early on. Then I got on a roll and played played excellent tennis,' he said.

It took just 77 minutes for the Swiss world number 1 to claim a place in Sunday title match. He will play the winner from second seed Rafael Nadal and Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis.

Bjorkman was the oldest men's semi-finalist at Wimbledon since Jimmy Connors in 1987. He was made to look his age in only his second Grand Slam semi after losing to Greg Rusedski at the US Open in 1997.

Federer wrapped up the first set in 27 minutes and took four less to claim the second.

The Swiss master was never threatened in the tennis mugging as he moved into the title match without the loss of a set. Bjorn Borg was the last man to win the title without loss of a set, achieving it in 1976.

Federer struck 30 winners with just 13 unforced errors, while limiting Bjorkman to 13 winners.

The Swiss can now put his feet up while his potential opponents go at it in a match which could easily go the draining five-set distance.

'Nadal and Baghdatis are both very good and have given me a run for my money. It would be great to play Nadal. but Baghdatis and I had a great final at the Australian Open,' said Federer.