Newz Forum: OTHER: TENNIS: Federer reaches final in Halle

Halle, Germany (AP) - Defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland advanced to the final at the grass-court Gerry Weber Open with a straight-set victory over Jiri Novak in Saturday's semifinals.

The top-seeded Federer ousted the third-seeded Novak, 6-3, 6-4. The reigning Wimbledon, Australian Open and Masters Cup titlist Federer improved to 38-4 this season, including a tour-best four titles. He has also won his last 16 matches on grass.

The world No. 1 Federer improved to 5-4 lifetime versus the Czech Novak, who had won the previous encounter between the two on grass at Wimbledon in 1999.

Federer will face sixth-seeded American Mardy Fish in Sunday's title match. Fish, who has one career singles title to his credit, outlasted second-seeded German Rainer Schuettler in the other semifinal on Saturday, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4). Fish is 0-3 all-time against Federer.

Federer, who beat Nicolas Kiefer in last year's final, will be looking for his 16th career singles title. The winner of this $975,660 Wimbledon tune-up will claim $137,767.

i feel as though federer is one of the most talented players ont he atp.