London, Aug 4: Tennis icon Roger Federer has bagged a record 17 Grand Slam titles so far and he also partnered Stanislas Wawrinka to win the doubles gold for Switzerland at the 2008 Bejing Games. However, he is yet to achieve success in the men's singles at the Olympics.

The top seed will get a chance to do so tomorrow when he takes on Britain's Andy Murray in the final of the 2012 London Games. Incidentally, the latter's 7-5, 7-5 victory over Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the second semi final yesterday means that Federer will remain World No 1.

It was the first semi final however that provided all the talking points. Federer's titanic battle with Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro was only decided after both players had been on court for an amazing 4 hours and 26 minutes.

In fact, the third set alone lasted 2 hours and 43 minutes. Afterwards, a weary Federer said: "I don't think I've ever played as long a set in a best of three match. It was very physical at the end and so mental. I feel horrible for Juan MartÍn, but he can be very proud."

Potro was understandably upset at the 3-6, 7-6, 19-17 scoreline. "To lose this way hurts a lot. It's very hard to talk about it right now," he admitted.

In comparison to Federer, Murray had an easier time against Djokovic. Though the World No 2 upped his game in the second set, the Brit somehow hung in to set up a repeat of last month's Wimbledon final.

Tomorrow if Federer defeats Murray just like he did back on Jul 8, he will complete a Golden Slam. Then few will dispute that the Swiss player is the greatest of all time in his sport.

OneIndia News