Ageless: Federer wins record 8th Halle title
The words were spoken on the broadcast, and did they ever ring true: "Enjoy him while you can."
Roger Federer won his record eighth Gerry Weber Open title - his most in any tournament - Sunday in Halle, Germany, defeating Andreas Seppi 7-6 (1), 6-4 in an hour and 40 minutes. It was the Swiss' 10th Halle final.
The victory is Federer's third straight in Halle, a trick he's turned before.
"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.
Federer's Halle titles:
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2008
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
It's Federer's fourth title of the season, 15th on grass in his career (and 86th overall), and he'll head into Wimbledon on a roll, like he usually does.
Roger Federer's best tournaments, by most titles won: 8 - Halle 7 - Wimbledon, Dubai 6 - ATP WTFs, Cincinnati, Basel 5 - US Open
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 21, 2015
Federer fought off two set points in the first set, rallying with aces each time, while Seppi was unable to convert on three break-point opportunities. The tiebreak was all Federer, and Seppi's struggles continued in the second set, when he put another break-point opportunity early on into the net.
"He played better at the decisive moments and deserved to win," Seppi said. "I'll take some good memories with me."
In the end, Federer got the only break of the match, and it was the only one he needed.