Federer back in the swing at Gerry Webber tennis tournament
Jun 13
Roger Federer returned to winning ways when he saw off Michael Berrer 6-4 6-2 in the first round of the Gerry Weber Open.
The Swiss star, whom Rafael Nadal had manhandled 6-1 6-3 6-0 in the final of the French Open, revealed he was glad to be back on the surface he has now won 55 straight matches on. “It was easier than expected, especially towards the end,” he said after destroying his opponent in 61 minutes. “My reaction was good, my movement was good and my service was excellent. I even tried out a few things when I was up 30-0 or 40-0. I am very happy with my performance. It feels good to be back on grass.” ( Read- I am actually really happy that Nadal isn’t playing in this tournament.)
Meanwhile, defending Gerry Weber Open champion Tomas Berdych crashed out of the tournament following a 6-2 7-5 loss against Robin Soderling. The Swede easily took the first set before winning the last eight points of the contest to kick his opponent out. “He served extremely well and my return did not work,” third-seeded Berdych said. “I was not in the match today. I did not move well. It was very difficult after losing the first set. He played very solid.” Elsewhere, second seed James Blake came from one set and one break down to edge Germany’s Benjamin Becker 4-6 7-5 6-3. In two all-German battles, Philipp Kohlschreiber also defeated Tommy Haas 7-5 5-7 7-6 (7/5) and Andreas Beck toppled fellow German Mischa Zverev 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/5) 6-1.
Indian ace Leander Paes Made has made it to the semifinals of the doubles event partnering Czech Luca Dlouhy. The duo swept aside local favourites Tommy Haas and Michael Berrer 6-3, 6-4.
The Gerry Webber tennis tournament is being shown live on Neo Sports from the 13th to the 15th of June. The semifinals are on the 14th of June from 17.30 IST onwards and the final is on 15th June and starts at 18.30 IST
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