Federer storms into seventh final

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer stood one match away from a record 15th grand slam title after he snuffed out the challenge of Germany's Tommy Haas 7-6 7-5 6-3 to reach the Wimbledon final on Friday.

The five-times champion edged his 31-year-old rival in a display of sheer brilliance before a mesmerised Centre Court crowd, ending the contest with a slam-dunk smash.

By downing Haas in just over two hours, the Swiss became the first man to reach seven successive Wimbledon finals since the abolition of the Challenge Round in 1922.

It did not take him long to turn his thoughts to what will be at stake on Sunday.

"It's unbelievable to be back into another Wimbledon final," said Federer, who shares the record of 14 majors with American Pete Sampras.

"I've had a lot of pressure over the years so this is just another great opportunity for me to get into the history books.

"It's not the only reason why I'm playing tennis because I love it but going for something that big this coming Sunday it's quite extraordinary."

Federer will next face Andy Roddick in the showpiece match after the American shattered Andy Murray's dream of becoming the first British man to play in a Wimbledon final since 1938.