HALLE, June 20, 2019
Nine-time champion Roger Federer headlined Thursday’s second round action at the NOVENTI Open. The top seed of the ATP 500 grass-court event defeated French wild card entry Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(5) 4-6, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals in Halle for the 17th time in 17 appearances.
In a match with a couple of twists and turns, Federer fought from 0-3 down in the tie-break to win the opening set after 49 minutes. The Swiss maestro hit 35 winners and broke his opponent’s serve two times to prevail after two hours and 16 minutes.
Tough test: passed@rogerfederer survives a Tsonga onslaught to reach his 17th Halle quarter-final in 17 appearances! pic.twitter.com/X4cbaqtjn3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 20. Juni 2019
“It was a completely different match compared to the first round against a baseliner like John Millman,” Federer said. “Jo is hitting big…We like playing against each other. It was close in the end today and I was also a bit lucky but I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was great and it was good match overall.”
Federer will next play Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, who remained untroubled to edge out Richard Gasquet of France 6-1, 6-4.
Earlier in the day, Alexander Zverev booked his spot in the quarterfinals. The No. 2 seed from Germany defeated US-American Steve Johnson 6-3, 7-5. Zverev struck 11 aces, winning 85 per cent of his first service points to advance in one hour and 16 minutes.
“I played without restrictions today,” Zverev told ATP Tennis TV after his match. “I experienced a nasty fall on Monday and I only played yesterday for about 30 minutes. I still had some pain in my knee and so I am happy to be through. The knee is still a bit swollen and I felt it on the court, but let’s see how it goes on.”
Up next for the 22-year-old Hamburg native will be David Goffin of Belgium.
Around Gerry Weber Stadium
Karen Khachanov receives Top 10 Award (photo: NOVENTI OPEN/HalleWestfalen)
Karen Khachanov of Russia received the Top 10-Award by the ATP at the GERRY WEBER SPORTPARK HOTEL.
“This is a nice souvenir of a really great moment, of a first big milestone in my career. As a child, you always dream of getting to the top. It is also the reward for the hard work that has been invested,” said Khachanov, who cracked the Top 10 following the French Open at Roland Garros.
“I am particularly pleased that I receive this award in Halle. I really like this tournament a lot.” The 23-year-old from Moscow will play hot-red Mattteo Berrettini of Italy for a place in the semi-finals of the NOVENTI Open.
