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Federer powers past Haas

Author: Rose Young
Date: 05/07/2009

Roger Federer eased into yet another Wimbledon final after thrashing Tommy Haas in straight sets.

In Sunday's final the Swiss star will meet Andy Roddick, who upset the third seed Andy Murray in four sets.

Federer is on course for a sixth Wimbledon success in seven years and a record 15th Grand Slam title after beating Haas 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-3.

The German held Federer in the first set but capitulated in the tie-break and there was only ever going to be one winner from that moment on.

In May, Haas had let a two-set lead slip against Federer at the French Open before eventually losing but it was never as close a contest as that in the last four at SW19.

It was Federer's 21st consecutive Grand Slam semi-final and he can now prepare for a 15th appearance in the last 16 finals of the big four tournaments.

He goes on to meet Roddick who has twice lost to Federer in previous finals.

The 26-year-old has struggled for the last three years but beat Andy Murray in four sets to set up his clash against the world number two.

The American won 6-4 4-6 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-5) in a tense encounter which could easily have gone the Scot's way.

However, Roddick held his nerve in the two tie-breaks when his big serve ultimately won the day as he powered accurate aces past Murray.

Can Roddick upset the odds and win Wimbledon? - Latest Tennis Betting

Meanwhile, Venus and Serena Williams won through to the final of the ladies doubles with a straightforward 6-1 6-2 victory over Cara Black and Liezel Huber.

The online betting favourite sisters had already powered their way into Saturday's singles final and were in equally destructive mode in the doubles.

In the final, the Americans face Australian duo Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs who beat the second seeds, Anabel Medina Garriques and Virginia Ruano Pascual, 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-2.

In rugby league's Super League, St Helens were left stunned as Salford recorded an historic 20-10 victory over the table toppers.

The star of the show was half-back Stefan Ratchford who touched down twice inside the opening 10 minutes to give the Reds an early advantage.

A 16-0 half-time lead was thoroughly deserved and the second-half fightback from the Saints failed to materialise.

In Friday's other match, Wigan coasted to 40-12 victory against Harlequins.

The Lancashire outfit were already well in control before Quins had David Howell sent off for a dangerous high tackle, allowing Wigan to take full advantage and ruin in eight tries in total.

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