FEDERER BEATS HAAS
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Federer reaches seventh successive Wimbledon final
Published on Fri, Jul 03, 2009 at 19:49, Updated on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 at 00:35 in 
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London: Roger Federer stood one match away from a record 15th Grand Slam title after he snuffed out the challenge of Germany's Tommy Haas 7-6, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the Wimbledon final on Friday.
The five-times champion edged his 31-year-old rival in a display of sheer brilliance before a mesmerised Centre Court crowd, ending the contest with a brilliant slam-dunk smash.
By downing Haas in just over two hours, the Swiss became the first man to reach seven successive Wimbledon finals since the abolition of the Challenge Round in 1922.
It did not take him long to turn his thoughts to what will be at stake on Sunday.
"It's unbelievable to be back into another Wimbledon final," said Federer, who shares the record of 14 Majors with American Pete Sampras.
"I've had a lot of pressure over the years so this is just another great opportunity for me to get into the history books," he said. "It's not the only reason why I'm playing tennis because I love it but going for something that big this coming Sunday it's quite extraordinary."
The rest of Britain will now wait to see if Andy Murray can join Federer in the final as the Scot takes on American sixth seed Andy Roddick in the second semi-final.
Federer did not care who he faces in the showpiece match even though he holds a commanding 18-2 record against Roddick but trails the British third seed 6-2 in career meetings.
"I don't mind. I've had some great matches with Roddick over the years, twice here in the finals which I thought were fantastic," said the 27-year-old, who achieved another milestone on Friday by becoming the first man to reach a record 20th Grand Slam finals.
"I have a great record against him so obviously that would be a good thing. He's never to be underestimated with the wonderful serve he has and his great fighting spirit. Murray, playing at home, it's special too. I have not that a good record against him but he's really proved he's a contender for grand slams and we had a great match at the US Open so either one is fine but I'm happy I'm through," said the Swiss player.
Posed threat
Federer has every right to feel confident as on Friday he did not face a single break point and there has been little indication that anyone will be able to match his precise footwork or sublime touch at these championships.
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