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Federer downs Kiefer to set up final with Kohlschreiber

Switzerland’s Roger Federer watches the ball before playing a return to Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer during their semi-final match at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, on Saturday. Federer won 6-1, 6-4. PHOTO: AP

World No. 1 Roger Federer picked up his 58th consecutive win on grass to breeze into the final of the Halle ATP tournament by seeing off Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer 6-1, 6-4 in Saturday’s semi-final.

Federer has yet to drop a single set at Halle, his traditional grass court warm-up for Wimbledon later this month, where he will bid to win a sixth consecutive title.

In Saturday’s one-sided semi-final, Federer took the first set 6-1 in just 22 minutes. Kiefer rallied briefly in the second at 3-2 up, but squandered four break points.

Federer leveled the set at 3-3, before breaking Kiefer for a 5-4 lead and serving for the match Federer used his first match point to claim victory in just 65 minutes.

“I served well today and I could go through Nicolas’ second serve — that helped me a lot, especially in the first set,” Federer said.

He is looking to win his fifth Halle final where he will face Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber who put out American second seed James Blake 6-3, 7-5 in Saturday’s other semi-final.

“I was hitting some good shots, although Kiefer had some nice ones from the baseline,” Federer said. “I am happy to be in another final.”

With his arch-rival and world No. 2 Rafael Nadal in action at the Queens’ club tournament, Federer said he is paying little attention to the Spaniard’s transition from clay to grass.

“I don’t really follow what he is doing,” Federer said. “I don’t know what has to happen before you guys [the media] understand Nadal is not only the clay court specialist, but a superb all-rounder, he has been in a Wimbledon final twice. I only know that [Andy] Roddick and [Ivo] Karlovic are there, so there are good guys he has to beat. However, I am surprised about my good form and the way how I manage to keep calm and not get nervous or under pressure on court.”

Kohlschreiber is sure to have the Halle crowd on his side in the final and the 24-year-old said he is hoping to achieve what 58 other players have failed to do before.

“It will be great to be in a final in Germany and playing in front of the home crowd,” said the German, ranked 40th in the world. “This is very special for me. He has not lost a game on grass 58 times in a row now, so this is going to be very tough. But, everything has to come to an end once, so my game plan is to be as aggressive as I can and keep my balance. With Roger on grass, you are always punished for the smallest mistake. If you hit too hard it’s bad and if you’re too soft it’s bad. I will have to give it the very best I can, but I want to do that, enjoy this great opportunity and have fun.”
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