Mirnyi wins surprise victory over Federer

Prior to today's semi-final, Roger Federer had won ten matches in succession. Thinking aloud after his quarter-final victory over Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Mirnyi commented: "And why shouldn't I be the one to end Federer's string of wins". A day later, his words came true. The Byelorussian surprised his Swiss doubles partner by beating him 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 in front of a capacity crowd.

Having won the toss, Mirnyi elected to serve. Obviously not quite warmed up yet, he immediately lost the game. Although Mirnyi won Federer's third service game, the Byelorussian again handed in his serve in the eleventh game, serving a double fault at break point. Federer went on to take the opening set 7-5.

Federer's fortunes reversed during his third service game in the second set, which he lost. The Swiss subsequently failed to convert three break points in the ninth game, allowing Mirnyi to deploy his favourite weapon – an ace – to take the set 3-6.

The Swiss started to get tired at this stage. He again ran into trouble during his third service game, but managed to hold on by the skin of his teeth. It proved a stay of execution. Federer, who fell and hurt his elbow during the eight game, lost his service in the ninth. Mirnyi subsequently produced two aces to take the set 4-6.

"I am thrilled to have made it to the final" said Mirnyi after the match. "I felt good and managed to get into my stride as the match progressed. At times, I tried to focus on my serve and volley game too much. However, I sensed that Roger was getting into difficulties. I was really happy to thwart two break points at the end of the second set, which allowed me to level the score at one set all. It did wonders for my self-confidence. If I play as well tomorrow as I did today and yesterday, I am in with a good chance."

"I am really happy for Max" said Federer, who was genuinely pleased for his doubles partner. "I didn't feel good out there tonight. We know each other extremely well, which made it difficult for me to play my own game. He played a solid match and avoided rallies. Max deserved to beat me and I hope he wins tomorrow."

This will be Max Mirnyi's second final. He also made it to the final of the Masters in Stuttgart in 2001, where he lost to Tommy Haas. He did manage to win the doubles tournament with partner Sandon Stolle.