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Federer Earns Final, Will Face No. 23 Seed

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 5, 2009 3:28 PM CDT

(AP) – Striving to complete a career Grand Slam, sentimental favorite Roger Federer came from behind twice in the semifinals to beat big-serving Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a French Open semifinal today in Paris. Playing in his fourth consecutive Roland Garros final, Federer will try for his 14th major title to match Pete Sampras' record.

"There's still one more step," Federer said. "I was a bit lucky but I fought well." His opponent Sunday will be No. 23-seeded Robin Soderling of Sweden, who extended his improbable run by beating No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4. With nemesis Rafael Nadal eliminated in the fourth round, Federer faces a less daunting path to the elusive championship. He's 9-0 against Soderling.

Switzerland's Roger Federer hugs Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro after their semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday June 5, 2009.
Switzerland's Roger Federer hugs Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro after their semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday June 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
Sweden's Robin Soderling reacts after defeating Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in their French Open semifinal today in Paris. THe 23rd-seeded Soderling will face Roger Federer in the final.
Sweden's Robin Soderling reacts after defeating Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in their French Open semifinal today in Paris. THe 23rd-seeded Soderling will face Roger Federer in the final.   (Michel Euler)
Sweden's Robin Soderling, left, and Chile's Fernando Gonzalez walk off the court after Soderling's victory in their French Open semifinal today in Paris.
Sweden's Robin Soderling, left, and Chile's Fernando Gonzalez walk off the court after Soderling's victory in their French Open semifinal today in Paris.   (Lionel Cironneau)
Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts as he defeats Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro during their French Open semifinal today at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris.
Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts as he defeats Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro during their French Open semifinal today at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris.   (BERNAT ARMANGUE)
Sweden's Robin Soderling returns the ball to Chile's Fernando Gonzalez during a semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday June 5, 2009.
Sweden's Robin Soderling returns the ball to Chile's Fernando Gonzalez during a semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday June 5, 2009.   (Bernat Armangue)
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Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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