Roger Federer Cruises Into Aussie Open Final

29 January 2009

0Comments | Comment on this Article

Roger Federer showed his intent to capture his fourteenth Grand Slam title as he strolled into the final of the Australian Open.

The Swiss world number two barely broke a sweat as he saw off American Andy Roddick in straight sets 6-2 7-5 7-5 and will now face the winner of Friday's semi final between Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco.

Federer showed he meant business in the first set breaking Roddick's serve in the third game sealing the first set 6-2.

But Roddick kept his cool and has benefited from a tough pre-season fitness regime under new coach Larry Stefanki which has seen him drop several pounds.

But that wasn't to be enough as classy Federer served well producing eight aces as the first ten games went with serve before, despite facing break point, closing out the second set.

It was Federer's sixteenth win over the American in eighteen matches, Roddick is yet to beat Federer in a Grand Slam match. Federer is now in his eighteenth Grand Slam final, just one short of the record held by Ivan Lendl.

Should he win Federer will equal Pete Sampras' record of fourteen career Grand Slam titles.

Tomorrow is an all Spanish affair as world number one and top seed Rafael Nadal aims to make it to his first Australian Open title, after being knocked out at the semi final stage twelve months ago.

However he will face tough competition from compatriot Fernando Verdasco, who saw off Andy Murray earlier in the week.

In the women's semi finals Serena William saw off an in form Elena Dementieva in straight sets 6-3 6-4.

The number two seed took advantage of Dementieva's crumbling serve and will face Dinara Safina who overcame Vera Zvonareva 6-3 7-6 (7-4).

As well as the Australian Open title at stake the two women will also fight it out for the world number one spot.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

0Comments | Be the first to comment!