Federer, Tsonga to clash for sixth time this season

By Bill Scott Nov 12, 2011, 19:26 GMT

Paris - Roger Federer will bid for his first title at the Paris Masters on Sunday as the Swiss citizen lines up against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the sixth time this season.

Third seed Federer crushed Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-3 in less than 90 minutes, while Tsonga could well feel his three-hour exertion as he finally imposed a semi-final defeat on American John Isner 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-3).

Victory in the final would make the 30-year-old Federer the first man to win all nine of the current ATP Masters 1000 titles during a career.

The day fell into place as Federer finally reached the title match of the only current Masters event where he has failed to do so.

Tsonga, the 2008 champion in Paris, insured a local will play in the fourth consecutive final at the indoor event.

The winner needed all of his skill to overcome Isner, saving three match points in the 12th game of the final set to force a tiebreaker and finally going through on his own first match point, a return to the empty court.

Tsonga did not have to take to the court in his previous match on Friday as opponent Novak Djokovic withdrew with his shoulder injury. The Frenchman owns indoor titles from Metz and Vienna over the past months.

But he stands 2-3 this season against Federer, who is on classic form.

'The way I played today was really nice,' said the Swiss, winner of 16 Grand Slam titles.

'And on top of that getting the 800th win (Thursday) and today making my first final and being the first player to make all of those nine Masters Series finals.

'I really played great today. I didn't give Tomas much. I was able to play aggressive and serve good, so it was overall a wonderful performance.'

Federer improved to 10-4 over Berdych, who had the recent edge with wins in three of their past four meetings, including their only 2011 match, the Cincinnati quarters.

'It's another final. It's something that's always very exciting, even though I've played so many already. I think my experience is going to control my nerves a bit. I hope I get off to a good start,' said Federer. 'That's what I'm nervous about.'

The Swiss stands 58-12 on the season after winning his second trophy of 2011 last weekend at his home event in Basle.

Federer broke Berdych to start the match as he claimed the 49-minute opening set and got off to a fast start in the second with a similar quick break on his way to the sweep, in which he lost just 10 points on serve.

Berdych fired 10 aces, which did little to stop the Federer juggernaut in 80 minutes, with the winner never facing a break point.

The Czech was amazed at the recent improvement in the mighty Federer game.

'Over the last couple of months, I'm pretty confident to say that he's the old Roger - like he used to play during the years when he was really winning everything.

'We can count the unforced errors he did like maybe on the fingers on one hand, which is incredible, he's playing really well.

'He started every set great and didn't give me any chance at all.'

Federer is looking to become only the second player after Andre Agassi to win titles at the French Open at Roland Garros and at Bercy, the cross-town indoor venue.

He beat Tsonga in straight sets in their last meeting at the US Open.

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