Federer wins record eighth Halle Open title

-- Roger Federer defeated Italy’s Andreas Seppi 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Sunday to claim a record eighth Gerry Weber Open title in his 10th final at the event.

Despite not replicating the free-flowing tennis of previous rounds, Federer dug deep to win big points. He broke the 45th-ranked Seppi for the first time at the fifth attempt in the decisive game.

“Of course it’s a special moment for me, to win here for the eighth time before Wimbledon. It doesn’t happen without making an impression,” Federer said. The 17-time Grand Slam winner sealed his 15th title from 20 finals on grass and his 86th career title from 130 finals overall. Lleyton Hewitt is next on <g data-gr-id="23">grass</g> with eight titles. 

Seppi was in the final after Kei Nishikori withdrew from their semifinal with a calf injury -- and Gael Monfils pulled out of the quarterfinal with a knee problem -- but the Italian showed no apparent lack of match fitness. Seppi missed three break points in the first set, including two set points that Federer defended with two successive aces. Federer took the first of his five set points in the tiebreaker and Seppi missed another break point opportunity early in the second when he hit a return to the net.

Federer’s first break chances came at 4-3 in the second <g data-gr-id="26">set</g> but Seppi won all three to level. It seemed only a matter of time, <g data-gr-id="25">however,</g> before Federer made the only break, which was enough for the title. “He played better at the decisive moments and deserved to win in the end,” said Seppi.