Federer to meet Roddick in Cincinnati final
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-21 17:03

RODDICK'S ACES

Roddick smashed 24 aces to exorcise a few demons with his victory over Hewitt, having lost six of his seven previous meetings with the Australian.

"I felt like I was serving really well, especially on my second serve and I didn't want him to just be able to bunt the ball back in and battle from there," an elated Roddick said.

"(Against Federer) I'm excited. I have nothing to lose. I am just going to go out there and be really aggressive."

Serving and volleying much more than normal, and slicing his backhand to deny Hewitt the pace he thrives on, Roddick saved two break points in the sixth game before breaking Hewitt in the next game and taking the opening set on his fifth set point.

As the second set wore on, Hewitt began to get hold of a few more service returns and Roddick was always playing catch-up as the set headed to a tiebreak.

A backhand in the net handed Roddick the mini-break, and then Roddick enjoyed a big piece of luck at 5-4, when a linesman appeared to call his second serve out, only for the umpire to call the point to the American. Hewitt's protests went unheard and Roddick produced another ace to clinch victory.

"I felt like I had opportunities out there and didn't quite take them," Hewitt said.

"Tonight, a few points here and there and it could have been a different result."

Federer has a 9-1 record against Roddick.

"I have a great record against anybody right now," he said. "I'll be in there as the big favourite.

"I had losses in the early part of my career in finals. But I play my best in the finals, in the important matches. That's why I'm number one. There's no secret."

Ginepri, who is likely to climb to the verge of the top 40 when the new rankings are released on Monday, was unhappy about his elimination.

"I'm a little disappointed to lose today but I'll look at this tournament and be extremely pleased. I know I can compete," he said.

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