Relaxed Roger ready for Sunday showdown

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:39

The Swiss ace produced another masterclass to ease past Tommy Haas in straight sets in the first men’s semi-final on Centre Court and reach a record magnificent seventh successive final. Federer, who broke Bjorn Borg’s record of five consecutive Wimbledon victories two years ago, drew level with Sampras with his 14th slam at Roland Garros last month and is not expecting any big-match nerves on Sunday.

“I don’t think so because it helped me a lot trying to achieve the fifth straight Wimbledon, equalling Borg’s record,” he said. “For some reason that meant the world to me. I was in a bubble for two weeks just trying to achieve it.”

He added: “So this time around I think I’m much more relaxed. Maybe it’s also because of Paris but I really think that experience, trying to go for my fifth Wimbledon, was a really big one.”

Federer is still waiting to see if Sampras will come to Wimbledon for the final, but Borg was in the Royal Box to witness the world number two edge to within one win of his own Wimbledon total of 51.

It was all too easy as Federer maintained his 100% record in Wimbledon semi-finals with a 7-6 (7/3) 7-5 6-3 victory.

Haas has a warning for Federer’s opponent on Sunday but insists he is not unbeatable.

“There aren’t really any weaknesses (in his game),” he said. “I think he moves in such smooth ways and has such good defensive play.

“I think sometimes maybe if he feels a little bit of pressure or gets a little bit tight, he can make some unforced errors, especially against those players that move really well and keep the ball in play, such as maybe Andy Murray or (Rafael) Nadal.”

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