Football
Associated Press 18y

Federer saves four match points to extend grass-court streak to 39

HALLE, Germany -- Roger Federer saved four match points and
overcame 57 unforced errors to beat Olivier Rochus 6-7 (2), 7-6
(9), 7-6 (5) Friday at the Gerry Weber Open for his 39th straight
win on grass.

The top-ranked Swiss will play Tommy Haas of Germany, who
defeated Robin Soderling of Sweden 7-5, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Federer had 26 winners -- including 19 aces -- but converted only
four of 10 breakpoint opportunities.

"It was really close," Federer said. "It could have gone
either way. I was definitely upset at being up three service breaks
in two sets and not winning the match."

Federer can equal Bjorn Borg's record of 41 straight wins on
grass if he wins the title Sunday. Borg set his mark from 1976-81.
Federer's last loss on grass came to Mario Ancic in the first round
at Wimbledon in 2002.

Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic defeated Fabrice Santoro of
France 7-5, 7-6 (3) and will play Kristof Vliegen, who escaped with
a 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4 win over crowd favorite Florian Mayer of
Germany.

Federer saved the match points in the second set, including one
while trailing 6-5 and three in the tiebreaker.

"I have a way of blocking things out going into that stage of
the match," he said. "I can do it and just concentrate on the
point. "

Federer, who beat Richard Gasquet of France in three sets on
Thursday, denied he was out of form.

"I have the feeling that my opponents played very well, it's
not that I'm playing badly," he said.

The three-time Wimbledon champion extended his record to 5-0
against Rochus. The Belgian had 31 unforced errors.

"He covers so much ground," Federer said. "It's tough to hurt
him with a second shot. Every time he gets an opportunity, he can
pass you. He understands the court so well.

"He used to toy with me when we were in the juniors. In fact,
he told me he never thought I would get to be this good."

^ Back to Top ^