Roger Federer safely into Halle semi-finals but Alexander Zverev crashes out

Michael Graham
Roger Federer applauding

Roger Federer moved into the semi-finals of Halle after easing past Roberto Bautista Agut in Germany, but home favourite Alexander Zverev is out.

Federer, who is chasing a tenth title in the competition, was certainly tested by Bautista Agut, but was still unable to prevent the 37-year-old from sealing a 6-3 4-6 6-4 win.

“It was very tough especially in the middle [of the match],” Federer told the ATP afterwards.

“I got off to a flier, played great in the first set. I broke in the first game and I broke in the last game so in between was tough.

“I think the result doesn’t lie. We both had chances, especially in the third set.

“He had one bad game at the end that cost him dearly.

“But from my side I’m very happy with my level. It was another great match. I already played good against [Jo-Wilfried] Tsonga.

“And it took Bautista Agut to play a really good game. I thought he was rock solid for a very long time and it was difficult today.”

He will face Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the next round after Borna Coric, the defending champion, had to retire mid-match with injury.

It is a clash that Federer is looking forward to.

“I know Pierre-Hugues very well. He’s come to Switzerland before to train with me,” Federer said.

He’s a good guy. Likes to take the ball early, make cuts at the ball, takes time away and comes to the net.

“I’m excited. It is going to be different from what I saw today.

“I’m looking forward to it. It is always nice playing against someone for the first time.”

It wasn’t Alexander Zverev’s day, though, as he sank to a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) defeat to David Goffin.

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