Roger Federer heads into Wimbledon next week with an advantage over both No. 1 Rafael Nadal and defending champion Andy Murray.
Roger Federer doesn't realize he won match point in the Gerry Weber semifinal vs. Kei Nishikori
Federer claimed the Gerry Weber Open championship on Sunday, defeating Alejandro Falla 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3) for his second title of the year.
The fourth-ranked Swiss star won his second tournament this season. He won the Gerry Weber for the seventh time and, more importantly, played more matches on grass in preparation for Wimbledon.
Federer, who will seek an unprecedented eighth Wimbledon title, played three matches on grass as the ATP transitions from clay season after last month's French Open.
Early French Open exit another indication that Roger Federer's dominance is in the past
Nadal, who won his ninth championship at Roland Garros, was bounced in the first round at the Gerry Weber and has had only one match on grass. He also said that he was taking some time off to rest an ailing back before Wimbledon.
Murray got in two matches at the Queen's Club Aegon Championship under the guidance of new and temporary coach Amelie Mauresmo. After getting a first-round bye, Murray lost in the third round to Radek Stepanek.
For Federer, confidence has been a factor in his bounce-back season after an injury-plagued 2013 dropped him to No. 8 in the world rankings.
"My big goal for the week was to collect the title, play good tennis and have fun. I've done that," said Federer, who defeated up-and-comer Kei Nishikori in the semifinals, to SkySports.com.
ATPWorldTour.com reported that he was satisfied with his level of play as he gets ready for the tournament in which he's had the most success among the Grand Slam events.
"In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon," said Federer. "They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn't work out, but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days."
Federer is tied with Pete Sampras for all-time Wimbledon titles with seven.
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