• Gerry Weber Open

Federer sails past Youzhny to reach Halle final

ESPN staff
June 16, 2012
Roger Federer lines up a backhand © Getty Images
Enlarge

Roger Federer issued a stern warning to his rivals ahead of Wimbledon as took a step closer to a sixth title at the Gerry Weber Open with victory over Mikhail Youzhny.

The world No. 3, who will be bidding to win a seventh title at the All England Club, eased to a 6-1 6-4 victory to book his place in Sunday's final at Halle.

Having seen top seed Rafael Nadal bow out at the quarter-final stage, Federer showed no signs of taking his foot off the gas, grabbing two breaks of serve to wrap up the opening set in just 21 minutes.

The No. 2 seed tightened his grip on the match with two early breaks in the second set, and although he dropped his serve, it merely delayed the inevitable as he eased to victory in a little over an an hour.

The 16-time grand slam champion will now meet home favourite Tommy Haas in the final after the wildcard saw off fellow German Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6(5) 7-5.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close