Tim Henman swept aside Irakli Labadze 6-3 6-2 to reach the final of the Indian Wells Master Series tournament. The British number one broke the unseeded Georgian twice in the opening set with some powerful first serves and an impressive combination of shots.
Henman broke Labadze in the first game of the second set and grabbed another in the seventh game before comfortably wrapping up the match.
The Briton will now face Wimbledon champion Roger Federer for the title.
Henman has won six of his seven previous encounters with the Swiss world number one but he insists that will have no bearing on the outcome of the final.
"Playing Federer is the toughest challenge in tennis right now," said the 29-year-old.  |  I stayed aggressive and it was a solid performance |
"In the past I've caught him on off-days and that gives me confidence. "But we will both wipe the slate clean tomorrow and try and show our authority on the court."
Henman took just over an hour to see off Labadze, largely thanks to some consistent serving which saw him fire down five aces.
The British number one secured four break of serves but stifled Labadze's threat, allowing him just one break in the third game of the first set.
"I wanted to dictate the play to him because if you allow him to use his power you can get in trouble, " said Henman.
"I stayed aggressive and it was a solid performance."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
