Tennis
Federer reaches Qatar Open final
Tennis

Federer reaches Qatar Open final

Published Jan. 7, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

Two-time champion Roger Federer reached the final of the Qatar Open by beating third-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 6-3, 7-6 (2) Friday.

Federer, who has yet to drop a set at the Khalifa Tennis Complex this week, could face Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final. The top-ranked Spaniard was to play Nikolay Davydenko later Friday.

''I have played good tennis this week so whoever I play against, I am sure it will be a good match,'' the 16-time Grand Slam champion said. ''I have played two finals here so I have the experience.''

Federer improved his record to 22-3 in Doha. He won the title in 2005 and '06.

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Although the second-seeded Federer was pushed to a tiebreaker in the second set, he said his early first-set break set the tone for the match.

''It was a crucial service break for me. That set me up nicely for the remainder of the match,'' Federer said. ''The second set was more competitive as I was serving really well.''

Federer broke Tsonga in the second game of the first set with well-placed returns from the baseline as Tsonga struggled for rhythm. In the tiebreaker, the two were even at 2-all before Federer won the final five points.

''Obviously, I am excited to have reached another final,'' Federer said. ''This sure has been a great week and I am looking forward to my next match.''


 

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