Federer hits back to beat Agassi
INDIAN WELLS, U.S. -- World No. 1 Roger Federer advanced to his first ATP Indian Wells final, coming back from one set down to beat eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi 4-6 6-3 6-4.
The 22-year-old Swiss won in an hour and 53 minutes in their sixth meeting, recording his third straight victory.
He will play Tim Henman after the Briton beat Georgia's Irakli Labadze 6-3 6-2 in the other semi-final.
"I just kind of hung in there," said Federer.
The match turned in the ninth game of the final set with Agassi serving up 40-15. Instead of crisply putting away a forehand volley, the 33-year-old smoothed it crosscourt.
Federer managed to fire a return at the American, who poked the ball into the middle of the court where the in-form Swiss player tracked it down before burying a forehand winner.
"That turned out to be more crucial than it seemed at the time," Agassi said.
