Tennis Roundup | Federer reaches Halle final; Kvitova through to Aegon Classic final after Safarova retires
Roger Federer, chasing a ninth title at the Halle Open, thrashed Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) on Saturday to enter the final. Meanwhile, Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova reached the Aegon Classic final in Birmingham after Lucie Safarova retired from their semi-final with a leg injury.
Roger Federer reached the final of the Wimbledon warm-up tournament for an 11th time with a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) win over upcoming Russian star Karen Khachanov on Saturday. The world number five will now face German fourth seed Alexander Zverev who saw off France's Richard Gasquet 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
Despite a shock exit from Stuttgart on his comeback last week, Federer has improved in Halle and has not dropped a set in the tournament, as yet.
Speaking of his win, the 35-year-old said, "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,” as quoted by Firstpost.
The Swiss maestro first reached the Halle final in 2003. However, he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals at Halle last year and will be looking to avenge that loss in this year's final.
On the other hand, Czech Petra Kvitova's return from a lengthy injury layoff gathered momentum as she reached the Aegon Classic final after her compatriot Lucie Safarova retired from the semi-final with a leg injury. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, playing just her second tournament of the year, was 6-1, 1-0 up at the Edgbaston Priory Club when Safarova pulled out.
Kvitova will face Australian Ashleigh Barty who upset Spain's Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the other semi-final. The 27-year-old is looking in good shape ahead of Wimbledon, after an absence from the sport following a hand injury, caused by a knife attack during an attempted robbery at her home in December.
“I couldn't have imagined to have a better comeback than I am having now. Paris was a bit weird and strange, and I couldn't play the best over there,” Kvitova said as quoted by Dailymail.
“I am happy that I am able to show good tennis here. I played four matches already, so it's a good record and good preparation for the final. The hand is good, which... I am not feeling any pain, and that's the best news.”
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