Federer Wins 9th Halle Title, Heads Into Wimbledon Riding High

Roger Federer will enter Wimbledon on a high note after winning a record ninth title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

The 35-year-old Swiss, who is aiming for an eighth Wimbledon crown, dispatched German Alexander Zverev, 6-1, 6-3 in just 53 minutes in Germany.

Germany’s Zverev, 20, beat Federer in last year’s semifinal, but could not match the 18-time Grand Slam champion.

Federer’s victory earned him a fourth title of the year, a tally only matched by his long-time rival Rafael Nadal. Between them, Federer and Nadal have won eight titles this year, including both Grand Slam events.

“It’s been a difficult year,” Federer said. “We had a lot of practice, a lot of training, a lot of rehab to do so it’s nice to be back on the match courts so it feels great. I don’t know if I’m ever going to win this tournament again so I’m going to enjoy this one as much as I possibly can.”

Make that 9 Halle titles for Roger Federer, who will be the favorite at @Wimbledon starting July 3@mzemek @HarveyAraton @christophclarey pic.twitter.com/ZCcsNQWQrR

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 25, 2017

Federer won the Australian Open – his first Grand Slam success in five years – in January despite not playing in the previous six months, then claimed the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in March and, two weeks later, the Miami Open.

In May, he announced he would be missing the French Open and the rest of the clay-court season to concentrate on the grass and hard-court seasons.

Another success at Wimbledon will put Federer clear of Pete Sampras’ joint-record seven men’s singles victories at Wimbledon.

Roger and Rafa have combined to win 8 titles in 2017, including both Majors. pic.twitter.com/UpC932cwje

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 25, 2017

Federer made a strong statement before the Championships at the All England Club, which begin on July 3, with an imperious display against the world number 12.

Zverev is regarded as one of the world’s most promising young players and climbed into the top 10 earlier this year after winning three tour titles.

But he struggled to impose himself against Federer, who dropped just nine points on his serve.

Federer broke to love in the opening game, going on to take a 4-0 lead as Zverev struggled to find rhythm.

Zverev managed to hold his serve at the third opportunity, but Federer broke again at 5-1 to claim the first set in just 22 minutes.

The Swiss top seed survived a break point in the opening game of the second set – the only chance created by Zverev – and then moved 4-2 ahead before taking his first championship point with a backhand volley.

 

**For more on Federer and Nadal dominating the Majors in 2017, click here.

(Via the BBC)