Top-seeded Roger Federer eased into the quarter-finals of the Gerry Weber Open by beating Alejandro Falla of Colombia 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday.
The Swiss player needed just 52 minutes to overcome Falla, and will play Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last eight after the German’s 6-4, 7-5 victory over Federer’s countryman Marco Chiudinelli.
Germany’s Benjamin Becker, world ranked 52nd, caused an upset when he knocked out the second-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia 6-3, 6-4.
Becker, next faces compatriot Mischa Zverev, who had earlier beaten sixth-seeded Jurgen Melzer of Austria 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3).
Federer conceded just two break points in his second-round match but saved both of them.
“I think I controlled the game and dominated at times,” he said. “The result does not lie, to be honest. I was able to vary things well, play cleverly and I knew I would have chances on his serve, and I took them.”
Federer did not look under threat on Thursday.
“It was not much of a battle, but you still have to concentrate a lot and make sure you vary things,” Federer said.
“It is more a matter of keeping your concentration than anything tactical or technical,” he said.
Federer feels more will be required in the quarter-final against Kohlschreiber.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough game,” Federer said .
“I know the strength of Philipp. He has not really shone a lot here yet, but the important thing is to go through,” he said. “On grass, anybody has a chance. It was easy today, but whenever it gets to 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 or 5-5, it is not so easy to get through. He knows that and I know that.”
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