rogerfederer.com - 40th victory in series

40th victory in series

Roger will face Mikhail Youzhny in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open on Saturday. Our star stopped Tommy Haas' winning streak, defeating the number five seed from Germany 6-4, 7-5.

Roger had to work hard for the victory: “It was extremely physical out there tonight, a lot of tough points. I knew it was going to be tough, a lot of running, patience as well. I thought that was an excellent performance. I rate it very high.” Haas did not take advatage of a total of five break points in the first set; Roger in return seized the opportunities he was given. The second set was a lot tougher still and Roger had to break Haas twice before making everything clear on his first matchball after 1:31 h. Haas last beat Roger at the Australian Open in 2002, their head-to-head is now at 8-2.

Roger will attempt to extend his phenomenal series and regain the trophy he surrendered last year to Rafael Nadal. He will also be able to match Björn Borg's mark of 41 victories in series. Meanwhile, Russia's Youzhny will try to claim a second title in a week after winning in Rotterdam last Sunday.