• Gerry Weber Open

Federer and Hewitt set up final showdown in Halle

Roger Federer is untouchable in Halle © Getty Images

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Roger Federer will play Lleyton Hewitt in the final of the Gerry Weber Open after German interest was ended at the semi-final stage on Saturday.

Federer, who has not lost in Halle since 2003, is chasing his sixth title at the grass-court tournament that he sees as the perfect preparation for Wimbledon. Beating home favourite Philipp Petzschner 7-6(3) 6-4, the newly-named world No. 2 is also set to add a decent number of ranking points having not played in the competition last year.

It wasn't plain sailing for the Swiss, who was broken twice by a fired-up Petzschner in the opening set. Inspired by his home fans, Petzschner attacked both the first and second serves of Federer, claiming 40 percent of points on either. However, Federer battled back to force the tiebreaker, where his class finally showed through.

The second set was more predictable with Federer forcing the only break of serve, setting up his 29th consecutive victory in Halle.

Hewitt will contest Sunday's final after an intense three-set battle with the other German left in the draw, Benjamin Becker, who was finally beaten 6-7(4) 7-6(3) 6-2. The 2002 Wimbledon champion must now overcome an abysmal head-to-head record against Federer, which has seen the Swiss win their last 15 matches.

Becker appeared to be on course for victory for the majority of the first two sets, taking the first directly to a tiebreak without a break of serve, and then battling back from 3-5 in the second to force a second breaker. However, at 3-3 Hewitt strung together four straight points to level the contest.

The Australian then made the most of his momentum to book his first final of 2010, closing out the match in two hours and 23 minutes.

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