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Federer in Toronto finals
Roger Federer defeated Fernando Gonzalez 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 to progress to the final of the Rogers Cup - the latest stage in the ATP Masters Series.
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 10:36 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Toronto:
Roger Federer defeated Fernando Gonzalez 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 to progress to the final of the Rogers Cup - the latest stage in the ATP Masters Series. The top seed and world number one needed only 20 minutes to clinch the opening set. But the Chilean improved his service game and ensured that Federer's 53rd consecutive victory in North America wouldn't be a walkover. Awaiting the Swiss in Sunday's final in Toronto is the young Frenchman, Richard Gasquet. He'd been stretched by Xavier Malisse in the quarter finals. But Roger Federer appeared to be in for a much gentler work out when he met Fernando Gonzalez for a place in the final of the Rogers Cup. The top seed and world number one totally dominated the opening exchanges of Saturday's encounter in Toronto, requiring just 20 minutes to take the opening set, 6-1. Early problems It was a different story in the second. Granted, the Chilean was still dragged around the court. But he was now getting to the ball on occasion. And an improved service game dramatically increased Gonzalez's competitiveness - and Federer's problems. The self-belief flooded back - and the crowd in the Rexall Centre were now witnessing a genuine high-class tussle. The 15th seed went on to level the match at one set-all after taking the second, 7-5. Gonzalez was starting to look comfortable - and the prospect of a shock started to loom larger. Federer though, was still producing those trademark flashes of brilliance. And a break of serve in the seventh game would prove crucial. Gonzalez was now battling for his survival in the tournament. Federer was in no mood to see his run of 52 straight victories in North America come to an end. Afterwards, Federer professed himself satisfied with his evening's work. "I was happy to come through, once again. I am very, very pleased with the way I am playing at the moment. You know, for one month having not played since Wimbledon and being back right away in the finals in my 17th final in a row, actually. It is quite incredible for me," he said. A 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 win was completed in 110 minutes. (AP)Topics mentioned in this article
Tennis Stanislas Wawrinka Roger Federer David Ferrer Novak Djokovic Bernard Tomic Rafael Nadal Andy Murray
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