Federer makes final with Borg watching

WIMBLEDON, England – Roger Federer sneaked a peek at Bjorn Borg in the Centre Court stands, then carried on with the business at hand.

One eye on the past, one on the present.

Troubled little in a straight-set semifinal win Saturday, his 33rd consecutive victory at Wimbledon and record 53rd in a row on grass, Federer strolled into what amounts to a two-sided challenge in the final.

Today, Federer will try to beat his present-day nemesis Rafael Nadal and equal past star Borg’s mark of five straight Wimbledon championships.

“It is tricky when you see him sitting there, because he is a living legend,” Federer said, sounding something like a teen who spotted his favorite rock star. “I have so much respect for him that it is great that he’s here. I hope I can do the job tomorrow.”

Because all the rain during the tournament jumbled the schedule, Federer’s quick semifinal was followed by the women’s final. Just like last year at the All England Club, and the past two years at the French Open, the men’s championship will be decided by No. 1 vs. No. 2, Federer vs. Nadal, Roger vs. Rafa. Each of those earlier Grand Slam finals went four sets, with Federer winning on the grass, and Nadal winning on the clay.

“Sure, he’s the favorite. No one has any doubt about this,” Nadal said, ignoring his 8-4 career record against Federer. “But I’m going to try my best, no?”

One would assume he also will have to be at his best to have a chance on this surface against Federer, someone so talented on the court and so universally well-liked off it that Borg said he wouldn’t mind seeing the Swiss star equal his 1976-80 reign at Wimbledon.

Federer gave himself a chance by beating No. 12 Richard Gasquet of France 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in a semifinal that was competitive for a set. Nadal advanced when No. 4 Novak Djokovic of Serbia quit because of an infected blister on his left little toe while trailing 3-6, 6-1, 4-1.

Here’s how relaxed Federer was against Gasquet, a 21-year-old playing in his first Grand Slam semifinal. In addition to taking time to enjoy Borg’s presence, Federer also glanced at the scoreboard during changeovers, keeping track of what was happening in Nadal-Djokovic.

Nadal has won three French Opens in a row, something no one had done since Borg.