Federer into final in record 3-setter

LONDON, Aug 3, 2012 (AFP) - Roger Federer fought through the longest three- set singles match in the Open era Friday when he beat Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 1917 to reach the Olympic final.

Wimbledon champion Federer was on the brink of a shock defeat on Centre Court after dropping the first set, but the world number one finally subdued del Potro after a marathon four hours and 26 minutes.

The match, 23 minutes longer than Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's Madrid semi-final in 2009, comes after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga took 66 games to beat Milos Raonic in the second round -- the most ever seen in an Olympic three- setter.

The great escape means Federer, 30, is guaranteed at least a silver medal. In Sunday's final, he will face world number two Novak Djokovic or Britain's Andy Murray, who was beaten by Federer in last month's Wimbledon final.

“I don't think I've ever played as long a set in a best of three match,” Federer said. “The whole match was nearly four-and-a-half hours, so it was very physical at the end and so mental.

“It was very tough from start to finish. I got lucky in the second set to get back and then in the third it was so tough. I was calm but serving to stay in the match so many times is hard and it takes its toll.

“May a bit of fitness was the difference. I liked my attitude today, so I am very happy.