Germany, Jun 16: Five-time champion Roger Federer reached the Gerry Weber Open final for the seventh time by beating Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday.
The second-seeded Federer broke the 31st-ranked Russian twice to wrap up the first set in just 21 minutes. He was in such control that one fan implored him to slow down.
The 16-time Gram Slam champion responded by breaking twice more, before dropping serve to lead 5-3.
Federer wasted three break points in the next game, but sealed the match in the following one with his seventh ace.
“It was nice to come out and play some decent tennis after yesterday's shootout drill,” Federer said, referring to his tiebreak win over Milos Raonic of Canada in the quarterfinals.
The 29-year-old Youzhny has never beaten Federer in 13 attempts.
“Mikhail played a great tournament, and he deserves respect for the way he fought back in the second set,” Federer said.
Later Saturday, defending champion Philipp Kohlschreiber plays wild card Tommy Haas in an all-German semifinal.
“Both of them are good pals of mine,” Federer said. “Whoever it is, (the final) will be hard.”
