Roger Federer survived a stern test to beat Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-6(5) and make his 11th Halle final.
Both men started misfiring as they shared breaks at the start of the set for 1-1. However the Swiss maestro eventually gained control and stormed out to a 3-1 lead. Khachanov’s weakest shot, the backhand was causing trouble and Federer fans had a right to be concerned. Despite the Russian threatening to break, he failed to do so and some good serving from the world number five ensured that he sealed the first set 6-4.
Despite a one set lead, it was the world number 38 who seemed the happier as he continued to crush the balls and make Federer seem ordinary. He even had the Swiss maestro wrong footed at times, which very few men seem to do on the tour these days. There were a few moments of genius from the 18 time grand slam champion but nothing too amazing for the Federer fans in attendance to celebrate. However never count legends out and pressure finally told on the young Russian as Federer broke for 5-4 in the second set. Match over right? Not to the confident Khachanov as he created sublime angles from his forehand side to break back for 5-5. Federer looked frustrated and disappointed. The eight time champion had more work to do as he was forced to save two set points in the 11th game, however no breaks were constructed as a tiebreak loomed. The Russian couldn’t keep the pressure on when it mattered most and a fortunate Roger Federer survives to make his 11th Halle final.
“I thought it was extremely close, especially that second set. I’m still just very happy how I was able to close it out in the tiebreaker,” said Federer.
Roger Federer will seek a ninth title in Halle and third placed seeding at Wimbledon on Sunday when he plays Alexander Zverev or Richard Gasquet in the final.
