No. 2 Seed Zverev Loses to Goffin, Federer Survives Bautista Agut at Halle

(June 21, 2019) No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev lost to David Goffin in the quarterfinals of the Halle Open on Friday 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3).

Zverev saved two match points at-5-4 in the third set.

Zverev’s serve was erratic, serving 14 aces and 9 double-faults.

“I started to serve badly and also didn’t play good in the rallies,” Zverev said. “Things can go fast against a player like him if that is the case,” said Zverev. “I can also take the positives. I played three great matches here. Today’s match was a high-quality one and so were the first two rounds. Of course, I am not happy that I lost, but I feel good for Wimbledon.

The No. 33 ranked Goffin saved 7 out 10 break points.

The Belgian’s upset sets him up with a semifinal meeting versus Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, who defeat third seed Karen Khachanov 6-2,7-6(4).

Top seed and nine-time champion Roger Federer survived a test to get past Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to reach the semifinals at Halle for a 15th time.

”He’s a top player and he has beaten top guys before, played good at big events, gives the best players a hard time and beats them sometimes. You’ve got to expect him to come out there and play a tough match,” said Federer to media. “He’s able to stay in the rallies on the grass court and he has a very dangerous forehand. I’m not surprised about the tough match and enjoyed the battle.”

Federer will face Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert who advanced after defending champion Borna Coric retired from their match after dropping the first set 7-5 due to a back injury.