Federer keeps grip on Roddick

Even top-ranked Roger Federer was stunned by his domination of Andy Roddick.

After looking vulnerable in some of his earlier matches, Federer was virtually untouchable as he beat sixth-seeded Roddick, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2, on Thursday at the Australian Open to reach his seventh consecutive Grand Slam final, tying a record set by Jack Crawford in 1934.

“This was definitely one of my best matches I ever played,” said Federer, seeking his 10th major title. “I had one of these days when everything just worked, I was unbeatable. It’s just unreal. I was playing out of my mind. I am shocked myself.

“The tournament is not even over yet, so let’s not get carried away. Let me do it one more time.”

Federer will play the winner of today’s semifinal between 10th-seeded Fernando Gonzalez and No. 12 Tommy Haas. Both had to be at least a little concerned if they watched him rout Roddick.

Roddick had hoped that his net-charging tactics, implemented by new coach Jimmy Connors after Wimbledon last year, would help him close the gap on Federer. He beat the Swiss star at an exhibition tournament less than two weeks ago.

Federer made sure it didn’t happen again when it counted.

“He was playing so well,” Federer said. “I thought I would see 50 aces going past me. That’s why I didn’t read the papers today, didn’t switch on the TV, and I just tried to focus on my game.”

Federer ran off 11 games in a row starting at 3-4 in the first set. He blunted Roddick’s serve and whipped passing shots seemingly at will, leaving Roddick flat-footed and staring in disbelief.

Roddick won only nine of his 31 net approaches and had only 11 winners. Federer had 10 aces, 45 winners and only 12 unforced errors.

“I caught an absolute beating tonight,” said Roddick, who lost a set 6-0 for the first time in 25 Grand Slam events and fell to 1-13 against Federer. “It was miserable. I’m going to try to take this like a man as much as I can.”

Federer yielded only six points in the second set to Roddick, who tried to bash a ball into the air after falling behind, 5-0, only to lose his grip on the racket and toss it toward the side of the court. Roddick apologized when it hit a photographer on the knee, and received a conduct warning from the chair umpire.

Afterward, Roddick said he would have paid “a lot of money” not to have to come to the news conference, noting that the fine for not appearing is $20,000.

By the end, Roddick appeared to be almost enjoying himself, delivering deadpan one-liners and jokes that revealed a wry sense of humor. One reporter even said his effort in the news conference was better than his effort on court.

No kidding, Roddick said.

“If there were rankings for press conferences, I wouldn’t have to worry about dropping out of the top five.”

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One and done

In his career, Andy Roddick is 1-11 against the world’s No. 1 players:

*--* Year, event Result Score (Round defeated) 2000 Miami Masters lost to Andre Agassi 6-2, 6-3 (R64) 2000 Washington lost to Agassi 6-4, 6-4 (QF) 2001 Montreal Masters def. Gustavo Kuerten 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2 (R16) 2001 Cincinnati Masters lost to Kuerten 7-6 (4), 6-1 (R64) 2004 Wimbledon lost to Roger Federer 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-4 (F) 2004 Toronto Masters lost to Federer 7-5, 6-3 (F) 2004 Bangkok lost to Federer 6-4, 6-0 (F) 2005 Wimbledon lost to Federer 6-2, 7-6 (2), 6-4 (F) 2005 Cincinnati Masters lost to Federer 6-3, 7-5 (F) 2006 U.S. Open lost to Federer 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 (F) 2006 Tennis Masters Cup lost to Federer 4-6, 7-6 (10), 6-4 (RR) 2007 Australian Open lost to Federer 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 (SF)

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Source: Associated Press