STUTTGART, June 15, 2018

Roger Federer advanced to the semi-finals of the MercedesCup. The top seed at the ATP 250 grass-court event eased past Guido Pella of Argentina 6-4, 6-4 on Friday afternoon.

Federer was in control of the encounter facing his first two break points in his final service game. The 36-year-old saved both of them and converted his first match point after 65 minutes.

“The match was good, maybe the best I have ever played in Stuttgart. I think I was in good control today. I served well. I am happy to make it through the difficult situations towards the end of the match on a beatufiul day in Stuttgart. Conditions were easier. It was fun,” Federer said and added about his preparation:

“A friend of mine has a grass court in Switzerland, which was helpful but the most important thing is the fitness.”

Kyrgios beats López

Federer will play for the No. 1 spot in the ATP ranking on Saturday against Nick Kyrgios. The 23-year-old Australian edged past Spanish veteran and last year’s runner-up in Stuttgart, Feliciano López, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Kyrgios, who has returned from right elbow injury and defeated Maximilian Marterer on Thursday in his first singles match since April, fired 20 aces and broke his opponent’s serve twice to seal victory in one hour and 22 minutes.

“It was a tough match. Feli is one of the best grass courters and I am really happy the way I played today. It was a massive improvement from yesterday,” Kyrgios was pleased.

“The crowd was awesome today and I am ready for my match tomorrow. Roger is unebelievable but I will come out and have some fun.”

Their head-to-head record is tied at 1-1. Federer won the last match with Kyrgios in Miami last year.