Switzerland’s Roger Federer won the Halle grass-court tournament for the seventh time on Sunday with a 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3) victory over Colombia’s Alejandro Falla.
Federer, 32, the defending champion and world No. 4, was too powerful for the world No. 69 as he claimed his second success of the season after Dubai in February.
It was Federer’s 79th career title — and his 14th on grass — and it provided the Swiss with a timely boost ahead of his bid for a record eighth Wimbledon crown next week.
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“It is great to have won seven times here,” Federer said. “It is very special and I hope to come back here next year. I really enjoy winning titles. It is what I play for, to play and receive a standing ovation at the end. I am very pleased with my performance. I work hard and travel the tour to win these titles and not lose in the quarters or semi-finals.”
“With all the success I have had in the past, I need to aim for titles. I think I deserved the title this week,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner said.
There was a break of serve in each set before Federer took control in the tiebreaks to seal the victory in 88 minutes.
Falla, 30, failed in his bid for a first ATP Tour title, a year after also losing his first final in Bogota.
Meanwhile, Federer hopes his record of following Halle with success at Wimbledon continues.
“In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon,” he said. “They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn’t work out, but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days.”
“I’m delighted with this victory and I hope I can continue to play well in the coming weeks,” said Federer, who had slumped to a fourth-round exit against Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis at the French Open.
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