Australian Open: Gonzalez Batters Haas to Book Federer Clash

Fernando Gonzalez will take part in his first grand slam final after bludgeoning his way past Tommy Haas in straight sets.

The Australian Open's second semi-final had much to live up to after defending champion Roger Federer's imperious dismissal of sixth seed Andy Roddick yesterday, but Gonzalez has been in a rich vein of form himself so far in 2007, and his 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 win here was every bit as emphatic.

Dominating twelfth seed Haas with a series of powerful baseline strokes, Gonzalez hit 42 winners against just three unforced errors in the 23 games. Shellshocked Haas only registered his first point of mid-way through the third game, and never threatened to break his opponent in a match that lasted just 91 minutes.

"Today was really good," said Gonzalez afterwards. "The last three or four matches I have been playing really great tennis. I am really enjoying it. I'm enjoying it a lot and I'm playing all over the court. I was very calm at the important moments."

Gonzalez, the tenth seed, has now won his last three games - against Haas, fifth seed James Blake and world No2 Rafael Nadal - in straight sets, but remains a heavy underdog for Sunday's match against Federer, who is yet to drop a set in this year's tournament.

"Roger is number one by far," acknowledged Gonzalez. "I have lost many times to him, but I know that I am playing much better than the last time that we played. This is only one match, I am playing well myself and I will look forward to playing him."