http://www.masters-cup.com/en/news/2005/tuesday1.asp Federer Pushed to Limit by Ljubicic Federer extended his streak to 33.By Bill Scott Two-time defending champion Roger Federer has booked the first semifinal place at the Tennis Masters Cup 2005 after surviving a stern test against Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4) in their Red group match Tuesday. The Croatian saved three match points before falling. Federer said he expected a battle - and he got one. "This is exactly the match I expected," said the Swiss, who suffered ankle ligament damage a month ago. "I expected a close one. "I thought maybe he was even slightly the favorite because of what I've been going through the last few weeks. Obviously, I'm very pleased with the result. "A win is a win no matter if it's two or three sets." Federer's fourth semi in as many Tennis Masters Cup appearances came as David Nalbandian defeated Guillermo Coria 7-5, 6-4 in an all-Argentine showdown. Coria dropped to 0-2. Federer needed two hours, 17 minutes to squeeze through at the Qi Zhong tennis stadium. Federer's victory assured him But he escaped a close call against the Croatian whom he has now defeated five times this season - three in February and March finals. Federer stands 8-3 in the series. Ljubicic saved three match points in the final set and broke Federer as the Swiss served for victory leading 5-4 in the third. Federer, despite coming back just in time from ankle ligament damage suffered a month ago, extend his current win streak to 33 matches. The in-form Croat came in as a threat, owning the best indoor record on the tour this year being 34-6 through his first match in Shanghai. Ljubicic said he could find little wrong with his opponent. "He's not struggling. I just think that he's not top-fit. He's not sharp as he usually is - but it's not like you can take advantage of it. "If he plays the way he can play, it's really very little you can do. I just tried to play my best tennis. It was almost enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't." Federer now holds a 15-1 career record in TMC and has a perfect 11-0 record in round robin play. -- Federer的單手反拍穿越球 就如同瑞士出產的鐘錶 精準無比!! --

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