Melbourne, Australia – 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, who is 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.
Roddick had hoped his net-charging tactics, implemented by new coach Jimmy Connors after Wimbledon last year, would help him close the gap with 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 from serving at 3-4 in the first set. He blunted Roddick’s powerful 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 just 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. “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 the racket hit an Associated Press photographer on the knee, and received a conduct warning from the chair umpire.
Select company
Consecutive men’s Grand Slam finalists:
7 – Jack Crawford: 1933 Australian, French, Wimbledon, U.S. Open; 1934 Australian, French, Wimbledon
7 – Roger Federer: 2005 Wimbledon, U.S.; 2006 Australian, French, Wimbledon, U.S.; 2007 Australian
6 – Don Budge: 1937 Wimbledon, U.S.; 1938 Australian, French, Wimbledon, U.S.
6 – Rod Laver: 1961 Wimbledon, U.S.; 1962 Australian, French, Wimbledon, U.S.
