Roger Federer won the Halle Open for the 10th time in his career, and thus created another bit of history in his career.
The Swiss maestro beat David Goffin in straight sets 7-6, 6-1 and as such claimed an ATP Tour title at the same event for a 10th time for the first time ever. He has become the second player in the Open Era to accomplish such a feat, joining long time rival Rafael Nadal on the exclusive club.
The Belgian Goffin had an early chance to make a major dent in the final when the score was 2-2 in the first set, as he was up 40-0 on the Federer serve. He was unable to convert his chances though, as he made a couple of errors on his forehand and it would be the closest he would get on the Federer serve.
Both players continued to trade blows, mainly, from the baseline, with Federer making his way to the net whenever the chance presented itself.
There would be no breaks of serve and the first set headed to a tie-break.
The key moment during the tie-breaker was when Federer led 3-1 and while serving, he managed to make a remarkable half-volley from a ferocious return from Goffin and it was plain sailing for the Basel born player thereafter. Federer closed out the first set, after Goffin hit his return long with the score at 6-2.
In the second set Federer raised his game a couple notches and immediately got the rewards, as he broke the Goffin serve, after the Liege born man double faulted. Federer did not allow the 28-year old Goffin any breathing room and broke his serve for the second time while leading 3-1, when he hit a forehand long. The FedExpress duly finished off his opponent winning the next two games and the match ended as Goffin hit a forehand long, while Federer was approaching the net on match point.
This is Federer’s 102nd title as a professional, as he continued his chase of American Jimmy Conners all-time record of 109 and his record at Halle is now 68-7.
Speaking after the title triumph, Federer said:
“It’s the first time ever I could win a title for the 10th time in one place, so it’s obviously a very special moment in my career.”
The 20-time Grand Slam will now take a week off as he prepares for another crack at Wimbledon, which begins on the July 1.
Be the first to comment