HALLE, June 23, 2018

Roger Federer recorded his 20th consecutive grass-court victory by overcoming a stern examination from US-American qualifier Denis Kudla to reach Sunday’s final of the Gerry Weber Open. The World No. 1, who had never lost before the stage of the final eight in Halle, sealed a 7-6(1), 7-5 win on Saturday.

Federer fired 12 aces, winning 84 per cent of his first service points to prevail after one hour and 27 minutes.

“Denis has played an excellent tournament and made it difficult for me. I am of course very glad to have made it to the final,” Federer said.

The Swiss maestro was also asked whom he would prefer in the final. “Who’s playing? Bautista Agut versus Coric, is this right?,” Federer checked backed and added with a smile: “I didn’t really follow or forgot because the match of Switzerland cost me too much nerves.”

Bautista Agut slips and retires

Federer, who needs to retain his Gerry Weber Open title to remain on top of the ATP Rankings ahead of Rafael Nadal, will next face Borna Coric, who benefited from the retirement Robert Bautista Agut with the Spaniard leading 3-2 in the opening set.

Bautista Agut took a nasty fall and was forced to stop playing after only 23 minutes.

🌱🌱🌱 problems 😢

Thankfully, Roberto Bautista Agut appears to be okay in Halle 🙏#GerryWeberOpen pic.twitter.com/lhx1IGHsbR

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 23. Juni 2018