Federer hoping to avoid three sets in Halle semifinal

Roger Federer said he was hoping for some easier victories after a battling 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the last four of the ATP event in Halle for the 15th time.

World number three Federer is chasing a record-extending tenth title on the Halle grass as he warms up for Wimbledon next month, but has had to scrap to stay in the tournament this week.

He prevailed in a gruelling three-set encounter with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Thursday, and was taken the distance again by Bautista Agut in Friday's quarter-final.

"My body is reacting well to the grass, so I would prefer the matches to be shorter. But if not, it's no problem. I have enough time to recover before Wimbledon," said Federer.

The Swiss improved his ATP Head to Head against Bautista Agut to 9-0.

"Roberto is a top player and he has beaten top guys before, played good at big events, gives the best players a hard time and beats them sometimes. You’ve got to expect him to come out there and play a tough match," said Federer. "He’s able to stay in the rallies on the grass court and he has a very dangerous forehand. I’m not surprised about the tough match and enjoyed the battle."

The Swiss next faces Andy Murray's Wimbledon doubles partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert in Saturday's semi-finals.

"I know Pierre-Hugues well. He returns well and looks to get to the net, which makes him a great grass player," said Federer.

Herbert won the first set of his quarter-final 7-5 against reigning champion Borna Coric, before the Croatian retired with a back problem.

The 28-year-old Frenchman said that he felt an "unbelievable energy" going into his first-ever meeting with Federer.

"It will be unbelievable for me to face Roger. I have played against Nadal, against Djokovic, against Murray, but never against him. It was a dream come true," said Herbert.

Date: 21 June 2019, Source: AFP and ATP