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Federer wins record-equaling 10th grass court crown

Roger Federer just wanted to survive a couple of rounds at the Gerry Weber Open after his painful French Open loss to Rafael Nadal.

The top-ranked Swiss did one better, beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-4 in Sunday’s final for his 10th grass title.

That matches Pete Sampras’ total on the surface and takes his unbeaten streak on grass to 59 matches.

To further boost his confidence, Federer sailed through the Wimbledon warm up tournament without dropping a set or his serve.

“I’m really excited, I think that’s the first time in my career I won a title without losing serve,” Federer said. “That was very special — and I’m very proud to keep my streak going.”

In fact, Federer also won a tournament in Doha in 2005 without being broken.

The top-ranked Swiss restored some momentum after one of his worst defeats — a rout in the French Open final the previous Sunday at the hands of Nadal. Federer took just four games.

Federer, who raised his record to 10-0 in grass finals, won Halle for the fifth time. The previous four were followed by Wimbledon triumphs three weeks later.

“That’s exactly what I hope for this time,” Federer said. “That’s why I’m so satisfied. That’s why I will go to Wimbledon with a lot of hope.”

The Swiss was surprised to match Sampras’ 10 wins on grass.

“I didn’t know, but it’s nice,” Federer said.

Federer did not face a top 10 player in Halle, but was stronger than his last appearance at the event in 2006. He was pushed to three sets in four of his five matches that year.

He started slow in front of 12,000 spectators as rain forced the roof on center court to be closed midway through the match.

Kohlschreiber, looking for his second title this year after Auckland, had two break chances at 1-1 in the first set. Federer saved with an ace and a pinpoint passing shot.

“I was, maybe, a hair better than Roger at the start,” Kohlschreiber said.

Federer won Halle for the first time in 2003 — before going on to win his first Wimbledon title — and now has won 25 straight matches at the tournament.
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