Roger Federer has won the Gerry Weber Open in Halle for the eighth time in his career this afternoon, beating Andreas Seppi of Italy in straight sets in the final.
The world number two had to save a couple of set points in the opener as Seppi returned strongly, but the Swiss dug deep to force a tie-break.
Federer rattled through the breaker, securing the first four points before bringing up five set points with a 6-1 lead, converting at the first time of asking.
Seppi was on the attack again early in the second set, making Federer save a break point in the fifth game, but he was under pressure himself at 4-4 as the 17-time Grand Slam winner pushed for a lead.
The Italian, who beat Federer at the Australian Open earlier this year, had to save three break points to keep the set level, but struggled while serving to stay in the match, conceding two match points to his opponent, and Federer claimed the second to secure the title.
Federer has now won the grass-court event, which serves as a Wimbledon warmup, three years in a row.
Sian Cowper
