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

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Roger Federer wins 7th Halle crown

Roger Federer captured his seventh Gerry Weber Open title on Sunday.

The second seed picked up his 14th grass-court crown with a 7-6(2), 7-6(3) victory over Alejandro Falla, who had been attempting to capture his first ATP World Tour trophy. The match lasted 89 minutes.

“It is great to have won seven times here,” said Federer . “It is very special and I hope to come back here next year, where it is a 500-series event.”

“I really enjoy winning titles. It is what I play for, to play and receive a standing ovation at the end. I am very pleased with my performance. I work hard and travel the tour to win these titles and not lose in the quarters or semi-finals. With all the success I have had in the past, I need to aim for titles. I think I deserved the title this week.”

Federer, who improved to a 46-5 record in Halle, received $128,860 in prize money and earned 250 ATP Rankings points.

The 32-year-old Federer has now won 79 tour-level titles. He has also lifted the Wimbledon crown seven times.

“In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon," said Federer. "They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn’t work out, but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days.”

Federer had an opportunity to serve for the set at 5-3, having converted his second break point opportunity on Falla’s serve at 30/40, 3-4. But Falla responded with his own break, to 15, en route to a first-set tie-break.

Federer broke clear at 2-2 in the tie-break, winning five straight points to wrap up the 42-minute opener. He had lost two of his first service points in the opener.

Federer broke Falla to 30 in the first game of the second set, but once again Falla responded by clinching his third of three break point chances for 1-1.

Without any further chances to break, Federer took a 3-0 lead in the tie-break and went on to maintain his perfect 7-0 ATP Head to Head record against Falla.

“He fought back when I served for the first set and he also fought back when I had won the first game of the second set. Things could have been trickier and tougher, but overall it was a close match in quick conditions. I was able to serve and volley a little bit and I served extremely well in the tie-breakers, which was the difference at the end.”

Falla had been bidding to become the first Colombian to win an ATP World Tour title since Mauricio Hadad at 1995 Bermuda. Falla also finished runner-up to Ivo Karlovic in last year’s Bogota final.



“It’s always tough losing a match, especially a final,” said Falla. “I wanted to win the title so badly. But when you play Roger in a final, it is always tough. He is the king of all kings in tennis. It was a close match. I tried my best and fought for every point. I am happy with the way I played today and the tournament overall. I enjoy playing on the grass. This tournament gave me a lot of confidence, having won some tough matches.”

World No. 69 Falla picked up $67,865 and 150 ATP Rankings points.

Date: 15th June 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer into his ninth Halle final; Defeats Nishikori in straight sets

Roger Federer soared into his ninth final at the Gerry Weber Open with a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory over Kei Nishikori on Saturday.

Federer will vie for his 14th grass title and 79th overall after improving to 45-5 on the lawns of Halle. The six-time champion (2003-06, ‘08, ‘13) fired 10 aces and was a perfect 2/2 on break point opportunities, dismissing the Japanese in 73 minutes.

Nishikori rallied from behind in the second set, forcing a tie-break and earning an early mini-break at 4-2, but two consecutive forehand errors would hand the advantage back to Federer. The second seed would convert on his first match point, levelling the ATP Head to Head at two apiece.

"I’m very happy that things are going so well for me here this week," Federer said. "I only played a few matches and I’m in the final now. I wasn’t sure whether it’s a good thing to get a walkover in the quarter-finals because I was really lacking matches on grass. Playing against somebody like Nishikori is a big test.

"I’m extremely happy with the way I played today. I think I played really aggressive, I served well when I had to and I was able to keep the pressure on Kei and at the end I think I deserved to win. I played a good tie-break as well to get back into it and now I’m in another final here at the Gerry Weber Open. I love this tournament. I’ve won it six times before. So I’m hoping to make it seven."

Even after 1178 tour-level matches, Roger Federer experienced something new when he defeated Kei Nishikori.

The Swiss lost track of the score as a Nishikori backhand clipped the tape on match point. For a brief moment, he was unaware of his triumph while sauntering back to the baseline to serve again.



"I miscounted early in the tie-break," Federer said. "I just realized it when I saw that Kei was laughing, the umpire was laughing and everybody of my team as well. It was the first time in my career in over a thousand matches."



The Swiss will face Alejandro Falla in the final after he became the second Colombian to reach an ATP World Tour final in 2014, rallying to upset home favourite Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first semi-final. Santiago Giraldo recently advanced to the final in Barcelona (l. to Nishikori).

Falla emerged victorious against Kohlschreibe 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes.

''It would be nice to play Roger, maybe to get revenge for the last couple of matches on grass at the Olympics and at Wimbledon,'' Falla said, referring to their previous meetings in 2012 and 2010.

Federer has a 100 percent record from six meetings with Falla.

Roger Federer will look claim the doubles title as well on Sunday after he and his partner Marco Chiudinelli downed the all-German duo of Dustin Brown and Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 6-3 in the semi-finals. Federer enters his 40th doubles final in search of a ninth tour-level crown. He previously prevailed at the Gerry Weber Open alongside Yves Allegro in 2005.

Federer and Chiudinelli, who have not relinquished a set this week, will face fellow unseeded tandem Andre Begemann and Julian Knowle in the final.

With Switzerland playing Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup at 6 p.m. German time and the Halle final getting underway at 3 p.m., Federer said he'd have to play quickly - he's also playing in the doubles final - so he can watch the football.

''Whoever wins the first set is the winner,'' he joked.

Date: 14th June 2014, Source: ATP and AP

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Roger Federer: "I'm much more relaxed on the Tour"

With age comes experience, and with experience, Roger Federer has found enjoyment travelling the ATP World Tour.

The 32-year-old Swiss, who will contest the singles and doubles semi-finals Saturday at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, reflected on the different stages of his career when asked whether he’d come to the phase of his life where he really enjoyed playing tournaments.

“You have enough money, all titles…?” the reporter prefaced.

“Enough children, right?” Federer responded, with a laugh.

“No, it really is the case that you see things much more relaxed. That's normal,” said Federer, as he elaborated on the transition from wide-eyed rookie to seasoned champion.

“It is a very cool period at the beginning when you start playing the players you know from the TV. It’s a very special phase for a player.

“Then you need to hold your ground. That’s also cool because you win a lot but you're up to your ears with work. You also need to say, ‘No, can't be everywhere,’ a photo shoot here and there somebody needs you for a cover shoot and you can't say ‘No’ again. So, it's a bit of both.

“And later you know there are others who will do that and you can concentrate on playing tennis again; of course also on the family.”

Federer made his Gerry Weber Open debut 14 years ago as a promising teenager. On his 12th appearance this week, Federer returns as a winner of 78 titles - including six in Halle - and family man, joined by his wife and four young children.

“I know everything so well now,” he said. “Wherever I go I'm a returning guest. That's also nice that everybody knows me. Over the years, I was able to make friends, which wasn't the case at the beginning.

“I went to New York for the first time only travelling with my coach, that's it. And later you're happy to get 20 or 30 tickets so your friends, pals or colleagues travelling with you or who have moved to New York in the meantime can come and watch you play.

“Things have changed tremendously. Therefore, I'm much more relaxed because I know my way on the Tour, know all the players. There are hardly any new things, which is exciting at the beginning but also a bit stressful.”

Date: 13th June 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer fights way into Halle quarter-finals in 3 sets

Roger Federer began his grass-court preparations for Wimbledon by coming from behind to beat Joao Sousa of Portugal 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2 at the Gerry Weber Open on Thursday to book his place in the quarter-final.

Federer was denied on five break points in the first set as the No. 47-ranked Sousa edged it in the tie-break. The Swiss' perseverance paid off in the second set as he converted his ninth break point for a 4-3 lead and levelled the match. A break at the start of the third set put Federer on the path to victory in one hour and 50 minutes.

"It was slightly frustrating at times clearly, but nevertheless I served well and kept on doing my thing," said Federer. "It was important to stay calm and actually I think it gives me more confidence winning this way. I had to stay calm, fight through the match and find a way and then the last set and a half were much better. So, I'm actually pretty happy now.

"I just didn't get the important points in the first set unfortunately," said Federer. "Joao played very aggressively and served well in the tie-break too. I knew that I hadn't got too much wrong, and the longer it went on, the better I became, and that certainly gives me self-confidence for what's to come."

The 32-year-old Federer has a 44-5 event record in Halle, lifting the trophy in 2003-'06, '08 and again last year with victory over Mikhail Youzhny. The Basel native is the most successful grass-court player in the Open Era. He has won at least one grass-court title in nine of the past 11 years, claiming 13 in total, including seven triumphs at Wimbledon.

For a place in the semi-finals Federer will face Yen-Hsun Lu who defeated Ivo Karlovic 7-6(2), 7-6(3).

Date: 12th June 2014, Source: ATP and Gerry Weber Open

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Federer: "There is a lot at stake for me in Halle"

Roger Federer really enjoyed his time with his family after the French Open. But even though Roger Federer’s wife Mirka and four children came with him to the Gerry Weber Open, it’s time to get serious for the tennis star.

“I am certainly not in a holiday mood. Now it’s time to get into the grass court season. There is a lot at stake for me in Halle. It’s the only tournament where I can defend a title,” said the 32-year-old Swiss Monday at a press chat for the start of the competition. “The excitement is there. I want to play well here and win.”

The six-time Gerry Weber Open winner has already went through two training sessions on the grass courts of Halle - with very different impressions.

“On Saturday I was a little bit disappointed how it went. It’s always a challenge to switch from clay to grass. But it was a joy on Sunday. The automatisms and rhythm just worked well,” said Federer. “I had a good base feeling again.”

Federer’s coach, former Swedish superstar Stefan Edberg, also came to Halle to support the 17-time Grand Slam winner. “It’s of course a dream to hit balls with him,” said Federer.

Federer said he greatly respects the “really strong field” who will fight for the 2014 title in Halle.

“You really have to be alert from the very first minute, ready for every test.” It’s kind of like a paradox for Federer. While there is a lot at stake with defending the title and the points he won, Federer said he doesn’t feel a lot of pressure going into Wimbledon. “I am anxious to see how everything goes.”

Federer expressly praised the performance of his long-time rival Rafael Nadal, who won his ninth French Open title on Sunday. “It’s amazing what he does on the clay,” said Federer. He said you cannot write Nadal off just because he didn’t have the same success at warm-up tournaments that he did in the past. “For me, he was the clear favorite from the very first rally. And you really can only tip your hat to him how he played during the tournament,” said Federer, who is looking forward to seeing Nadal in Halle. “I think he will have gathered enough energy by the time of his first match.”

Federer also addressed Andy Murray’s decision to work with French woman Amelie Mauresmo as coach. “That is a very interesting decision. But Andy was always open to go new ways. I think Amelie knows the game, is very professional and very smart.”

Before the press chat, the star for Federer’s sixth Gerry Weber Open victory in 2013 was poured into the Walk of Fame - the tunnel on the way to the main entrance. Numerous fans, journalists and camera teams were on hand for the ceremony, which the Swiss maestro took part in with tournament director Ralf Weber.

“The victory last year will always remain in my memory,” said Federer. “It was the only one of the season. And also at one of my favorite tournaments.”

Date: 10th June 2014, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Federer visits children's hospital in Halle

Roger Federer took time out from his preparations for the Gerry Weber Open, where he is a six-time champion, to visit the Bethel children's hospital in nearby Bielefeld on Monday morning.

Federer, who had a living room named after him at the hospital last year, told ATPWorldTour.com, “I am happy to be back here one year later and to see how things are developing for the children. It is really important to me, as helping children is also a major part of my foundation work.

“I think that is great that the tournament is involved in such an activity for the long term.”

The Gerry Weber Open, a recipient of an ATP ACES For Charity grant in 2012, donated € 10,000 for a kitchen to be built in the ‘Roger Federer Living Room’.

The children's cancer clinic has four other treatment rooms named after Michael Kohlmann, Alexander Waske, Mischa Zverev and Marco Chiudinelli, who also made visits in recent years.



More About Halle's Charities and Causes

Later in the day, Federer unveiled a star on the Gerry Weber Open Winners’ Walk of Fame.
He told ATPWorldTour.com about the keys to succeed on grass courts and how he has been catching up on some sleep after a hectic couple of days in Halle.

“I have a wonderful wife who takes care of the four kids at night so that allows me to sleep,” shared Federer. “At the end of the day we’re here [in Halle] for tennis, so she is nice enough to take care of them.”

Date: 10th June 2014, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer has arrived in Halle for Gerry Weber Open

The six-time winner was greeted before the Gerry Weber Sportpark Hotel by tournament director Ralf Weber with a cake in Halle. Federer was incorporated from his last year's success. "It's a good feeling to be back here. In a place that gives such a beautiful memories," said the 32-year-old Swiss, who arrived with his entire family, wife Mirka, the twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva and the recently born twin sons Leo and Lenny.

Federer joins with the Gerry Weber Open Lifetime Contract, ie that the 17-time Grand Slam champion will always compete in Halle Westfalen up to end of his career.

Federer took time after French Open for both intensive training sessions as well as time with his family.

"Yesterday I hiked with the family in the mountains," Federer said. He had even sent for his huge social media fan base a photo from a train. "I am fit, healthy, fresh and of good courage," said the Swiss, "of course I really want to defend my title. But I've seen how strong the field this year is, which is very hard."



Federer completed his first two-hour training session to get used to the lawn - his favorite surface in the afternoon, on which he celebrated the biggest success of his dream career with a record seven Wimbledon crowns.

Date: 7th June 2014, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Federer, Nadal to compete in Halle

Defending and a record six time champion Roger Federer and World No. 1 Rafael Nadal will compete at the 2014 edition of the Gerry Weber Open, to be held 9-15 June in Halle. The ATP World Tour 250 grass-court event will feature its strongest field in tournament history.

“We are happy about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two legends of this sport,” said Tournament Director Ralf Weber. “It will be a thrilling showdown of the top two players, but with some strong competition. This shows with the cutoff because with only players in the Top 53 in the world, we have the best collective ATP Ranking of all time for the main field.”

In addition to Nadal and Federer, the entry list includes two-time champion Tommy Haas, Milos Raonic, Richard Gasquet, Kei Nishikori, Gael Monfils, returning finalist Mikhail Youzhny and Jerzy Janowicz.

“The road to the tournament victory has gotten much more difficult in recent years because there are so many top players in the field,” said six-time champion Federer, who will be making his 12th tournament appearance. “The spectators can look forward to an extremely strong tournament, I am certain of that.”

Nadal will be making his third main draw appearance in Halle, and reached the quarter-finals on his last visit in 2012. “I urgently want to have a successful start to the grass court season. Halle is a tremendously organised tournament with a great audience. Everybody wants to play their best tennis,” he said.

The Gerry Weber Open will be recategorised as an ATP World Tour 500 tournament in 2015, along with the Aegon Championships at the Queen’s Club in London.

Date: 3rd May 2014, Source: ATP

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