Roger Federer celebrates as he defeats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during their semifinal match at Qatar ATP Open Tennis.
/ AP photo
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Two-time champion Roger Federer reached the final of the Qatar Open by beating third-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 6-3, 7-6 (2) Friday.
Federer, who has yet to drop a set at the Khalifa Tennis Complex this week, could face Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final. The top-ranked Spaniard was to play Nikolay Davydenko later Friday.
"I have played good tennis this week so whoever I play against, I am sure it will be a good match," the 16-time Grand Slam champion said. "I have played two finals here so I have the experience."
Federer improved his record to 22-3 in Doha. He won the title in 2005 and '06.
Although the second-seeded Federer was pushed to a tiebreaker in the second set, he said his early first-set break set the tone for the match.
"It was a crucial service break for me. That set me up nicely for the remainder of the match," Federer said. "The second set was more competitive as I was serving really well."
Federer broke Tsonga in the second game of the first set with well-placed returns from the baseline as Tsonga struggled for rhythm. In the tiebreaker, the two were even at 2-all before Federer won the final five points.
"Obviously, I am excited to have reached another final," Federer said. "This sure has been a great week and I am looking forward to my next match."
