ATP

• Federer reaches record seventh straight Wimbledon final

  
  

  Wimbledon, England (Sports Network) - Five-time champion Roger Federer defeated Tommy Haas in Friday's men's semifinal action at Wimbledon. The iconic Federer will now appear in a record seventh straight Wimbledon final on Sunday.

  The second-seeded former world No. 1 Federer topped a 24th-seeded Haas 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 6-3 on another sun-filled day at the All England Club. Federer would supplant Rafael Nadal atop the men's rankings with a victory here on Sunday.

  The Swiss Federer titled here from 2003-2007 and was last year's runner-up to his great rival Nadal in arguably the greatest tennis match of all-time.

  Federer's opponent on Sunday will be third-seeded Brit Andy Murray or sixth- seeded American Andy Roddick. Murray was last year's U.S. Open runner-up to Federer, while Roddick was the Wimbledon runner-up to Federer in 2004 and 2005.

  The great Federer is trying to become the men's all-time leader in Grand Slam singles titles, as he's currently tied with American great Pete Sampras at 14. The super Swiss equaled Sampras and became the sixth man in history to complete a career Grand Slam when he titled at the French Open last month.

  Federer will also appear in a record 20th Grand Slam final (14-5).

  The confident Federer snuck out an ultra-tight first set against Haas by cruising in the tiebreak on Day 11 of the fortnight.

  In the second set, things were air-tight again, as Federer finally broke through on his third set point when a game Haas misfired long with a forehand in the 12th game of the stanza.

  Federer then charged across the finish line in the third set and converted on his first match point with a resounding overhead smash winner.

  The sublime Swiss advanced in 2 hours, 2 minutes and never faced a break point against his German counterpart. Federer broke Haas only twice, but also fired 21 more winners (49-28) en route to victory.

  Federer is now 10-2 all-time against Haas, including wins in their last nine meetings. The 31-year-old former world No. 2 Haas was appearing in his first- ever Wimbledon semifinal in 11 trips here. He's also played in three Aussie Open semis, losing all three.

  Haas, who lost to Federer in the fourth round at the French Open last month, had been a perfect 10-0 on grass this year, including his first-ever grass- court title in his native Germany just three weeks ago.

  The 27-year-old Federer played in a record 21st straight Grand Slam semifinal on Friday, and he's now won seven straight at the AEC.

  Federer is now 46-1 at Wimbledon and 71-1 on grass overall since 2003.

  The reigning French and U.S. Open titlist Federer is 59-22 in his career finals, including a 2-1 mark this year. He lost to Nadal in the Aussie Open finale back in January.

  The 2009 Wimbledon champ will pocket $1.39 million. Federer is the all-time leader in prize money, with more than $48 million earned.

  07/03 10:34:43 ET