Roger Federer Rolls Into Aussie Open Finals To Face Andy Murray

Sports News - January 29th, 2010 - Written By Bryan

Roger Federer made quick work of his semifinal match-up at the Australian Open with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, advancing to his 22nd career Grand Slam final. The top seed won in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Federer has won the Australian Open three times prior, but last season he was defeated in the Final by Rafael Nadal. Federer will try and get back to his winning ways, as he is now set to face Scotland's Andy Murray for the championship. Murray and Federer last met at the final in the 2008 U.S Open, with Federer winning in straight sets.

Murray defeated Marin Cilic in the first semifinal match-up, and looks to become the first man from Britain since 1936 to win a Grand Slam title.

"I know he'd like to win the first for British tennis since what is it, 150,000 years?" Federer said in a post-match interview of his upcoming match with Murray. "The poor guy who has to go through those moments over and over again."

Federer never once faced a break point in his match with Tsonga. After the semifinal, Tsonga was asked in an interview of any advice he had for Murray in the final against Federer.

"I don’t know. I don’t know,” Tsonga said. “Be ready to run".

The result surprised even Federer, who enters the final against Murray very comfortable with the way he is playing.

“Obviously I feel good about my game, you know. I didn't expect something even close to this kind of scoreline, so obviously it feels great,” Federer remarked.

If Federer plays anything like he did against Tsonga, the British will have to wait another tournament before ending their Grand Slam drought. With the pressure building on Murray's shoulders, Federer thinks that the 23 year-old has handled it as well as he can.

"That's the question he probably gets asked quite a bit. [I] wouldn't be surprised if he's a bit fed up by it. I think he's done really well, you know, handling the pressure and considering, you know, sort of the media in England is very strong. So I think he's done great, you know, under the pressure,” Federer answered.

Federer has oddsmakers, such as Bodog Sportsbook, convinced that he will claim a record 16th Grand Slam title against Murray. He has been installed as a -190 favorite to collect the Australian Open Title, according to the Tennis Betting Lines. Murray assumes the role of the underdog, and is set at +150.

Federer is aware that he will have to bring his best game to defeat Murray.

"He's consistent,” Federer said. “He's one of the best return players we have in the game. He's been able to improve many things in his game that make it harder today to beat him. I'm really where I want to be. Being back in a Grand Slam final is always an amazing thrill for me.”