By DPA
Melbourne : Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis will face Andy Roddick of the US in the final of the AAMI Classic tennis tournament at the Kooyong club here Saturday.
Baghdatis thrashed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-2, 7-5 Friday and took 70 minutes in winning the match that pitted the last two finalists at the Australian Open against one another. Roddick booked his place Thursday in a third-straight title match at the Kooyong club with a 6-3, 6-3, win over Russian Marat Safin.
The popular Cypriot raced away to a double-break in the first set in 40-degree temperatures and wrapped up the opener in well under half an hour.
Gonzalez tried to cut down on the error count, which surpassed 60, but was unable to turn the tide despite saving four match points.
Baghdatis was called up as a late substitute for the elite eight-man round robin event after Roger Federer, Tommy Haas and David Nalbandian pulled out because of injury.
“I’m very glad I was able to play,” the World number 16 said of the tournament that serves as a tune-up for the Australian Open, which begins Monday. “I’m happy with how I’m playing. I guess I’m ready for the Open.
“It was good to play in windy, tough conditions. I’ve had a good week here. I’m playing better and better with every match.”
Baghdatis heads into Saturday’s final trailing 1-2 against Roddick. His only win against the American came at the Open two years ago.