PARIS — Fresh off a ragged, rugged, five-set French Open semifinal victory Friday, Roger Federer was leaving for the night when a dozen or so fans drew his attention.
They wanted photos and autographs, and Federer obliged, signing hats, a poster, even one guy’s white polo shirt. As Federer ambled off, a man shouted: “Win on Sunday! Please!”
Pausing for a moment before sliding into a car, Federer turned and, with a quick wave of his skilled right arm, replied, “OK.”
Ah, if only it were that simple. For all his accomplishments, for all his trophies and records, Federer now wants — needs? — to do something he never has: win a final at Roland Garros.
By coming back to beat No. 5-seeded Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 3-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, Federer moved within one victory of his first French Open championship — and of so much more.
If he can beat No. 23 Robin Soderling of Sweden on Sunday, Federer also will tie Pete Sampras’ career mark of 14 Grand Slam singles titles. And he will become only the sixth man with a career Grand Slam.
“There’s still one more step,” Federer said.
He’s come exactly this close in the past, losing each of the past three French Open finals to Rafael Nadal, along with a semifinal four years ago. But this time, Nadal is not around to torment him, having been stunned by Soderling in the fourth round.
“Obviously,” Federer said, “it’s nice to see someone else for a change.”
Since the start of the 2005 French Open, Federer is 0-4 against Nadal at Roland Garros, 29-0 against everyone else. Similarly, over the course of his career, Federer is 2-5 against Nadal in Grand Slam finals, 11-0 against all other opponents.
Federer just so happens to have a 9-0 career record against Soderling, who will be playing in his first Grand Slam final. He’d never been past the third round in 21 previous majors but reeled off the last five games of a 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory over No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in Friday’s first semifinal.
“The way he came through was impressive,” Federer said. “He’s playing the tennis of his life.”
Does Soderling believe he has a chance against Federer?
“He’s going to be the favorite, by far,” the big-serving Soderling said. “But I think Nadal was the favorite against me as well.”
Soderling’s first Grand Slam championship match will be Federer’s 19th, matching Ivan Lendl’s record, and the Swiss star’s 15th in the past 16 majors.
Then again, Federer held similar edges in experience and head-to-head matchups against del Potro, a 20-year-old playing in his first major semifinal. Federer was in his 20th consecutive Grand Slam semifinal — double the second-longest streak any man compiled — and had won all 12 previous sets across five matches with del Potro.
Asked if he’ll miss seeing Nadal across the net Sunday, Federer smiled.
“No,” he answered. “Not really.”
French Open
A look at the tournament on Friday:
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 68 degrees.
Attendance: 16,890.
Men’s semifinals: No. 2 Roger Federer def. No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4; No. 23 Robin Soderling def. No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4.
Stat of the day: 19 — The number of Grand Slam finals Federer has reached, tying Ivan Lendl’s career record.
Quote of the day: “I’ve played against him 20 times, so it’s always nice to play against somebody else.” — Federer, speaking about Rafael Nadal, who beat him in each of the past three French Open finals.
Women’s final today: No. 1 Dinara Safina vs. No. 7 Svetlana Kuznetsova. Safina is trying for her first Grand Slam title, Kuznetsova for her second.
Today’s forecast: Cloudy. High of 64 degrees.
Today’s TV: NBC, 7-10 a.m. MDT
