Federer dodges distraction to double-up into Gstaad semis

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2004

GSTAAD, Switzerland (AFP) — Roger Federer did double duty on the high-altitude clay, taming the tallest man in tennis in the second round and then holding off a Czech challenge to reach the semi-finals at the 544,750-euro Swiss Open.

The world number one and top seed had to avoid a first-set distraction from a noisy helicopter on the way to felling 2.08-metre Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

A few hours after winning that rain-delayed match from Thursday, the Swiss standout held off a challenge from Czech Radek Stepanek 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.

Federer admitted fatigue after a long day on court. "Six sets of tennis in one day after winning Wimbledon, that's a lot," he said after earning his 23rd win from 24 matches.

"I wasn't serving well...