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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:05 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2008

Tennis: Federer reaches 18th major semifinal in a row

By HOWARD FENDRICH
AP Tennis Writer

NEW YORK — Roger Federer struggled at times against 130th-ranked qualifier Gilles Muller before eventually winning 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (5) at the U.S. Open today to reach the semifinals for the 18th consecutive Grand Slam tournament.

It was Federer's 32nd victory in a row at Flushing Meadows, where he has won the past four championships.

Despite playing a man who never before was past the third round at a major event, Federer had some trouble. He wasted six set points in the opener but closed it out on his seventh chance when Muller missed a backhand volley. Federer only went 1-for-11 on break-point chances.

Bidding for a 13th Grand Slam title, which would move him one shy of Pete Sampras' record, Federer meets No. 3 Novak Djokovic or No. 8 Andy Roddick in the semifinals.