 Federer has not lost on grass since Wimbledon 2002 against Ancic |
Roger Federer came through a tight encounter with sixth seed Tommy Haas of Germany on Saturday to reach the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle. The world number one clinched a 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 victory - his 40th straight win on grass, leaving him one behind Bjorn Borg's all-time record of 41.
He will play fifth seed Tomas Berdych in Sunday's final.
"It was very hard today, Tommy really pushed me round the court and I'm glad to be in the final again," he said.
"This is a tournament I like to be part of. It's also good preparation for Wimbledon."
Federer, who is trying to win his fourth consecutive title in Halle, converted only two of 16 break-point chances against Haas.
"I could have - should have - closed it out earlier," said Federer. "Overall I played pretty solid, but I didn't serve as well as I wanted.
"I returned well on the deuce side and had some difficulty on the advantage side. Tommy either served better, or I couldn't get the ball in play."
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