Federer can turn it up to 10

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA —  Roger Federer has beaten Fernando Gonzalez on clay in Monte Carlo, Hamburg and at the French Open; on grass at Wimbledon and on a carpet in Basel; and four times on hard courts.

It adds up to 9-0 as Federer goes into today’s Australian Open final a heavy favorite for his 10th straight win over Gonzalez.

That also makes him a favorite to secure his 10th Grand Slam singles title, four shy of Pete Sampras’ leading total.

Federer said Saturday he’s wary of Gonzalez, who beat former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, No. 5 James Blake and No. 2 Rafael Nadal en route to the final. And the Chilean player’s semifinal win over Tommy Haas was so overpowering that Haas said all he could do was watch.

“I think it’s going to be a tough match,” Federer said. “Usually when you play against Fernando, you know it’s going to be dangerous because he’s got the ability to suddenly steamroll. He’s been very consistent, very impressive.”

Gonzalez, who had never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in 23 previous Grand Slam events, is hoping he has improved enough to push Federer, who hasn’t lost a set in the tournament. Gonzalez had only three unforced errors in his 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 win over Haas.

“I’m playing much better than the last time we played,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve never beaten him ... but in tennis, you always have a new opportunity.”

Federer will be playing in his seventh consecutive Grand Slam final, tying a record set by Jack Crawford in 1934, and his 11th overall.

*

American twins Bob and Mike Bryan won their fifth Grand Slam men’s doubles title by beating Jonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi, 7-5, 7-5. It was the Bryans’ fourth straight appearance in the Australian Open final and their second consecutive win.