Federer Reaches Record Seventh Straight Wimbledon Final; Roddick Ousts Murray
July 3, 2009 2:35 p.m. EST
Topics: Sports, TennisWimbledon, England (AHN) - Five-time champion Roger Federer, seeking his sixth Wimbledon title, breezed past 24th seeded German Tommy Haas in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5, 6-3, in the semifinal Friday.

In his historic French Open win, the Swiss master was nearly derailed by Haas, who took the first two sets of their last 16 tie before crumbling down stretch.
Haas, 31, playing in his first Wimbledon semi-final, quickly got on board and was aiming to put pressure, but errors gave the lead to Federer, who wrapped up the opening set in less than 50 minutes.
After Federer notched the first break point of the day in the second set, his German opponent managed to save two set points, but failed to sustain a grueling rally.
The 27-year-old Swiss ace now improves to 10-2 over Haas.
The win enabled Federer to reach a record 20th Grand slam final.
He will also be making a record seventh consecutive Wimbledon final Sunday when he faces American sixth-seeded and two-time runner-up Andy Roddick.
The former world No. 1 Roddick needed four sets to oust Britain's Andy Murray, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6.
In women's doubles action, three-time defending champions Venus and Serena Williams swept past top seeds Cara Black of Zimbabwe and America's Liezel Hueber 6-1, 6-2.
Venus and Serena, who will be contesting the women's singles at the All-England Club final Saturday, will face the Australian duo and third seeds Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs in the doubles final.

