Begemann / Knowle deny Federer / Chiudinelli Halle doubles crown

Roger Federer was denied a singles and doubles title sweep at the Gerry Weber Open on Sunday, as Andre Begemann and Julian Knowle saved four match points for their first team crown.

Begemann and Knowle rallied from an early deficit to prevail 1-6, 7-5, 12-10 over Federer and Marco Chiudinelli in dramatic fashion, saving all four championship points in the Match Tie-break.

The German-Austrian duo dropped the first five games of the match before grabbing an early break in the second set. Federer and Chiudinelli, who were seeking their first ATP World Tour crown together, broke back for 5-5 but were unable to force a tie-break.

The Swiss tandem led 9-6 in the deciding Match Tie-break, on the precipice of the title, but was unable to convert on three consecutive match points and one more at 10-9.

"I'm thrilled," exclaimed Begemann. "A childhood dream come true. Twelve years ago I went to school in Halle. I lived here for two or three years, played for the club. With my mom passing a few years ago, I dedicate this title to her. This is such a special moment for me."

Federer, who was competing in his 40th tour-level doubles final, had claimed his seventh Halle singles trophy earlier in the day with a victory over Alejandro Falla. He was seeking his second doubles crown on the lawns of the Gerry Weber Stadium, having previously won alongside countryman Yves Allegro in 2005.

The title gives Begemann his third in five ATP World Tour finals on the doubles circuit. For Knowle, it was the Austrian's 18th tour-level trophy, having last triumphed with Marcelo Melo at the Heineken Open earlier in the year. Knowle had teamed with Simon Aspelin to win in Halle in 2007 as well.

"It was a great week for us," said Knowle. "It's very special to play Roger and to beat in a final. I really enjoyed playing with Andre and we got our first title together in our first tournament."

Date: 15th June 2014, Source: ATP