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Federer beats Paradorn in Bangkok
Roger Federer dashed the hometown victory dream of fourth seed Paradorn Srichaphan 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to blast into the final of the 550,000-dollar Thailand Open over Asia's tennis hero.
Federer, the runaway success story of this year with three of the four Grand Slam titles to hand, won his 68th match of the season against just six losses.
The Swiss dropped the second set as Thai idol Paradorn, playing in front of a sellout 10,000-strong crowd at the Impact arena, saved three set points and squared the match as Federer missed a volley.
But the Swiss hung tough in the final set as it stayed on serve, striking at the last moment from his array of weapons.
The top seed broke his Thai opponent for 5-3 after Paradorn saved three break points, only to lose on a fourth from a backhand error.
A minute later, Federer struck for victory, smashing over a winner on the first of three match points.
The polite Thai crowd gave both players the respect they deserved -- and Federer felt their warmth.
"I'm sorry I had to beat Paradorn in Thailand," said Federer, who has already secured this year's world number one ranking. "I know how much he wants to win here.
"But I'm very happy to win, we had some great points and rallies. We can thank the crowd for that."
Paradorn, seeded fourth, holds one title this season, on grass at Nottingham. The world number 20 has a 39-25 record in 2004 as he still strives to lift a first title in Asia.
"Paradorn was playing with a lot of confidence," said Federer. "He was winning a lot of the rallies in the first set. In the third, I got lucky enough to get the first break.
"I hope Paradorn can win this tournament someday. I know how much it means to him."
Federer fired over seven aces to five for Paradorn. The Swiss saved four of the seven break points he faced in the struggle which lasted nearly two hours.
Roddick and Safin will face off for the fourth time in their careers, with the Russian holding a 2-1 edge.
Roddick, number one in 2003, is aiming for his 70th victory of the season. Safin is battling for a place in the season-ending Masters Cup next month and kick-started his late run with a title last month in Beijing, the 12th of his career. |
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