Federer into final
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ByEurosport
Published 13/05/2006 at 15:25 GMT
Roger Federer fought back from a break down in the final set to beat David Nalbandian 6-3 3-6 7-6 on Saturday and reach the final. The world number one battled back to take a final set tie-break and book a clash with either Rafael Nadal or France's Gael M
TENNIS 2006 ROME MASTERS 1/2F Federer
Image credit: Reuters
In a strange opening set, the players broke serve four times in as many game in a quite extraordinary start.
But a blistering forehand return from Federer helped the Swiss claim a vital break in the 8th game, and he went on to serve out the set.
But Nalbandian responded immediately in the second set, taking advantage of some weak second serves from the world number one to break before sealing it 6-3.
And the Argentine looked set to repeat his Masters Cup final victory over Federer when he broke in the opening game of the fourth set.
But Federer broke back immediately, and then again in the sixth game to move 4-2 ahead.
But Nalbandian responded, forcing Federer into mishitting a forehand to level the decider at 4-4.
And the match was sealed at 5-4 in the tie-break when Federer unleashed a rasping backhand return winner to bring up two set points.
The Swiss duly held serve to clinch the match and a potentially mouth-watering final against Rafael Nadal, who takes on Gael Monfils in the second match of the day.
Full report to follow..
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