Agence France Presse

Key Biscayne, April 2:

Roger Federer’s dominance of eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi continued as the Swiss world number one posted a straight set victory over the US veteran to reach the final of the Nasdaq-100 Open Key Biscayne ATP Masters Series tournament.

Federer, seeking his first title in Miami, defeated six-time champion Agassi 6-4, 6-3 to advance to Sunday’s final against Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who beat compatriot David Ferrer 6-4, 6-3. It was just the second time in 10 semi-final appearances at Key Biscayne that Agassi has failed to reach the final.

Agassi had chances to break Federer in just one game during the 1hr 25min match, at 3-3 in the second set, but he couldn’t convert any of the five opportunities. A backhand was Agassi’s first break chance, at 0-40. On the next two, Federer came up with two of his eight aces, but he gave Agassi another chance with a double fault.

Agassi netted a backhand on that one, ruefully tapping his head with his racquet. Agassi gave himself one last chance with a forehand service return winner, but again Federer came up with a service winner to escape the threat.

He quickly turned the tables on Agassi, breaking for a 5-3 lead and serving out the match.