WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Five-time champion Roger Federer delivered a masterful grass-court performance Friday to beat Tommy Haas in straight sets and reach his seventh straight Wimbledon final, putting him within one win of a record 15th Grand Slam title.Seeming to get stronger with every match, Federer put on a serving clinic and took advantage of his break-point chances to subdue the 31-year-old German 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-3 in just over two hours.
Federer never faced a break point as he beat Haas for the ninth straight time to reach his record 20th Grand Slam final, pulling out of a tie with Ivan Lendl.
"I'm very happy with my performance and it's unbelievable to back into another Wimbledon final," Federer said. "I've had a lot of pressure over all the years, so this is just another great match, great opportunity for me to get into the history books."
Federer is the first man to make it to seven consecutive Wimbledon finals in the history of a tournament that began in 1877.
Federer, who will meet the winner of the second semifinal between Andy Murray and Andy Roddick, has won 18 straight matches as he closes in on his 15th major title. He is currently tied with Pete Sampras with 14.
If Federer wins Sunday, he will be the third player to win six or more Wimbledon titles. William Renshaw and Sampras both won seven.
"It's not the only reason why I'm playing tennis, because mostly because I love it and I enjoy playing tennis, but sure going for something that big this coming Sunday, it's quite extraordinary," Federer said.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland, right, shakes hands with Tommy Haas of Germany after defeating him in their men's singles semifinal at Wimbledon, Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland, right, shakes hands with Tommy Haas of Germany after defeating him in their men's singles semifinal at Wimbledon, Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Tommy Haas of Germany appeals a point, during his men's singles semifinal against Roger Federer of Switzerland, on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Switzerland's Roger Federer waves after winning against Germany's Tommy Haas during their semi final match on Day 11 at the 2009 Wimbledon tennis championships at the All England Club on July 3, 2009. The event, the third Grand Slam tournament of 2009, runs from June 22 to July 5, 2009. Federer won 7/6,7/5,6/3. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
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Switzerland's Roger Federer (L) waves after winning against Germany's Tommy Haas (R) during their semi final match on Day 11 at the 2009 Wimbledon tennis championships at the All England Club on July 3, 2009. The event, the third Grand Slam tournament of 2009, runs from June 22 to July 5, 2009. Federer won 7/6,7/5,6/3. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
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Switzerland's Roger Federer plays against Germany's Tommy Haas in a Men's Semi-Final match during the 2009 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Tennis Club, in southwest London, on July 3, 2009. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
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Switzerland's Roger Federer plays against Germany's Tommy Haas in a Men's Semi-Final match during the 2009 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Tennis Club, in southwest London, on July 3, 2009. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland leaves the court after defeating Tommy Haas of Germany in their semi-final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN SPORT TENNIS)
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Tommy Haas of Germany reacts during his semi-final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN SPORT TENNIS)
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US Serena Williams (L) and US Venus Williams play against Zimbabwe's Cara Black and US Lizel Huber during their doubles match on Day 11 at the 2009 Wimbledon tennis championships at the All England Club on July 3, 2009. The event, the third Grand Slam tournament of 2009, runs from June 22 to July 5, 2009. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-03-2009 @ 12:16PM
knightwatchmon said...
For a player to overcome the pressure of #1 in the entire world status the way Federer has for 5 years running might be the greatest feat in any professional sport. The man does not let any distractions get in the way. 21 Slam semis in a row, when the next best is Lendl with 10!!! His records are innumerable, and his game is still improving with each passing year; now his serve can carry him too.....amazing stuff
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