Russian Marat Safin blasted his way into the Hamburg Masters final on Saturday when Spain's Tommy Robredo retired with an ankle injury when trailing the sixth seed 6-2, 4-2. The Russian held the upper hand throughout on a sun-drenched Rothernbaum centre court before Robredo, who received treatment on his right foot and ankle at the end of the first set, finally called it a day after being broken in the second.
Safin will now face Roger Federer after the Swiss earlier beat his doubles partner Max Mirnyi 6-4, 6-4 to advance to his second Masters Series final of the year. Federer had been a first round loser on both previous visits to the north German port in 2000 and 2001, but the 20-year-old looked completely at home.
"It was a tough match to play against a friend, he left me a message last night saying 'may the best man win'", said Federer. "We know each other's games pretty well so it is tough. I am glad I managed to win today and am really looking forward to the final, you never know what can happen", he added.
Filed by James Shortt
