Fish home run not a patch on Federer upset

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) - Hitting a home run out of Shea Stadium was a defining moment for American Mardy Fish but even that fell way short of his stunning victory over Roger Federer at the Pacific Life Open on Saturday.

The 26-year-old produced the biggest win of his career by outplaying the Swiss world number one 6-3 6-2 in a semi-final lasting just over an hour at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

"That was pretty cool," Fish told reporters of the 370-foot home run he struck over the right field wall in batting practice at Shea Stadium, home of baseball's New York Mets, during the 2004 U.S. Open.

"I'm a huge sports fan, period and Shea Stadium is a pretty cool place but it doesn't compare too much today. I would trade that home run for another win against anyone, really."

Fish, who had lost to Federer in five previous meetings, became the first American to beat the Swiss in 42 matches.

It followed his victories this week over world number seven David Nalbandian of Argentina and fourth-ranked Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

"Putting together these wins gives me a heck of a lot of confidence, and hopefully I have one more to go," said Fish, who faces third-seeded Serb Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final.

"I've always thought I've had the capability of getting into the top 10 and that's always been the goal," added the American, a former top-20 player who is now ranked 98th.