Federer beats Hewitt in epic match
Roger Federer made to work hard for win
Saturday, 18, Aug 2007 09:45
Roger Federer came through a gruelling semi-final match against Lleyton Hewitt this evening to reach the Cincinnati Masters final.
The world number one came back from a break down in the third and final set to prevail 6-3 6-7 7-6 (7/1), and claim his 11th consecutive win against his Australian opponent.
Federer eased though the first set but then the tenacious Hewitt found his fighting spirit and won the second set on a tiebreak, saving two match points in the process.
Hewitt broke the Swiss star in the deciding set to lead 3-1, but Federer went up a gear when it mattered and broke back. He then sailed though the tiebreak to set up a final clash against either Russian Nikolay Davydenko or home favourite James Blake.
A relieved Federer paid tribute to his tough opponent at the end of the match.
He said: "It's a tough struggle against him always. He makes you miss so much, so I am very happy I came through. I had a match point in the second set and it is a great win."
Federer will make his 20th Masters Series final appearance tomorrow and he has an amazing record of 13 victories and six losses.