Federer lands sixth Halle crown

 

Originally published on: 17/06/13 00:00

The world No.3 came from a set down to defeat Mikhail Youzhny 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 to equal John McEnroe’s record of 77 career titles and move to equal third in the all-time list behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Ivan Lendl (94). 

It was Federer’s sixth title at Halle, and he will now look to complete the Halle-Wimbledon double for a fifth time when he arrives at the All England Club to defend his Wimbledon crown, a decade after he won his first title at SW19.

Federer defeated defending champion Tommy Haas in the semi-finals in a rematch of last year’s final, before rallying from a set down to claim his first title since August.

"Ten years ago I went into Wimbledon with so much pressure, even though I had lost in the first round the year before,” Federer said. In terms of needing to prove my point that I was a legitimate Grand Slam contender, I had incredible pressure.

“Now, ten years later, I know Wimbledon, I know Halle, I know my way around and what I need to do to perform well. I'm going in with pressure because I'm defending my title. There's always pressure because it's a privilege to play at Wimbledon and I want to do so, so well. I feel good right now and I hope I can show it on the tennis court."

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