London - Roger Federer put on a master class in just over
two hours Friday to school Tommy Haas 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 6-3 for a place
in a seventh straight final at Wimbledon.
The Swiss, who has won five of the last six editions, will await
an opponent as Scot Andy Murray faces Andy Roddick, twice a losing
finalist to Federer in 2004 and 2005.
Britain has not placed a man in the home final since Bunny Austin
in 1938.
Federer's victory was his ninth in a row against Haas, who led the
Swiss by two sets to love in the French Open fourth round before
losing a month ago to eventual titleholder Federer.
Federer admitted that he couldn't have played much better in what
turned into a rout.
'Tommy's been playing well since Paris,' said the second seed who
never faced a break point in the contest featuring 11 aces for each
man and 49 winners for Federer.
'I knew the danger. I'm happy I came through, It's unbelievable to
be back in another final.'
Federer worked his magic in front of 15,000 fans on Centre court
and a Royal Box with former greats Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver in
attendance.
The Swiss is aiming for history on Sunday, where a victory will
put him on an all-time best of 15 Grand Slam singles titles, one more
than the record he now shares with Pete Sampras.
The retired LA-based American must now decide if he will accept an
invitation and fly over for the final as he has said in the past he
would like to do.
Seven-time champion Sampras has not set foot on the grounds of the
All England Club since losing in 2002 to Swiss George Bastl in the
second round.
'Pete might come, it's his choice. I'd love to see him. I'm
honoured to share the record of 14 with him,' said Federer.
Federer said he's not going into the final with any additional
worries.
'I've had a lot of pressure over the years,' said the 27-year-old.
'This is just another great opportunity to get into history books. I
don't play for that, I enjoy the game. But going for something this
big on Sunday will be quite extraordinary.'
The Swiss is unconcerned about who finally becomes his opponent.
'I have a fantastic record against Roddick (he's won six of their
last seven matches). But Murray playing at home is special. He's
improved over the last 18 months and is now a contender,' he said of
the number three who has won all four of the pair's meetings
since Federer beat him in the US Open final last year.
'Either guy is fine - I'm just happy I'm through.'
Federer's victory over Haas came in the Swiss player's 21st
consecutive Grand Slam semi-final. His record at the event where he
owns five titles improved to 50-5.
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