ATP: Federer with loose opening victory in Halle

Grand Slam record winner Roger Federer (Switzerland) won his opening game at the grass court tournament in Halle/Westphalia without any problems.

The 36-year-old world number one won in the first round against the Slovenian Aljaz Bedene 6:3, 6:4 and celebrated his 17th success on grass in series. In the round of 16 of the Wimbledon dress rehearsal, the record winner (nine titles) will meet the Frenchman Benoit Paire on Thursday.

“I dominated the match with my serve, never really let him come in. He didn’t have a chance to break. I’m totally happy for a first round with little training,” Federer said: “But I’m glad I’m getting a little break tomorrow.

Last week, after a break of two and a half months during the clay court season, Federer won the grass court tournament in Stuttgart for the first time. With the final at Weissenhof, he had already displaced French Open winner Rafael Nadal (Spain) from the top of the world rankings for the third time this year.

To maintain this position, Federer must successfully defend his title at the Gerry Weber Open. The reigning Australian Open champion has not yet won ten tournaments in his career. In Wimbledon (from July 2) Federer is aiming for his ninth title.

The single draw of Halle at a glance