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Federer reaches home final


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:55

Chiudinelli, 28, who also hails from Basle, more than matched Federer in the first set but the top seed proved too strong in the tie-break and then broke early in the second on his way to a 7-6 (9/7) 6-3 victory.

Not for the first time in this tournament, Djokovic needed all his battling skills to come through a tough three-set semi-final encounter against Radek Stepanek.

The Serbian had to come from a set down to beat another home player, Stanislas Wawrinka, on Friday, and he cut it even finer against Stepanek.

The Czech was fighting to keep alive his slim chances of qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London later this month, and he looked well on course when he took the first set on a tie-break.

Stepanek had a golden chance to close out the win when Djokovic slipped to 0-40 serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the second, but the second seed held his nerve and then immediately broke.

The decider was more comfortable for Djokovic as he sealed a 6-7 (4/7) 7-5 6-2 triumph.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.