Roger Federer Claims Tenth Halle Open Trophy for 102nd Career Tournament Title
(June 23, 2019) Roger Federer defeated David Goffin 7-6(2), 6-1 to win a record 10th Halle Open title. By winning the Noventi Open, it is the first time that Federer has claimed 10 trophies at a single tournament, joining Rafael Nadal as the only men in the Open Era to earn this accomplishment.
It’s Federer’s 102nd career title, seven titles behind all-time record holder Jimmy Connors. It’s the Swiss’ 19th title won on grass.
“It’s amazing. For some reason I didn’t think I was going to make it anymore. Didn’t think of it much. I just thought match-for-match because the second round and quarters were so tough that I never really thought about how it would feel if I won and now it’s reality,” Federer said. “[It’s the] first time ever I could win a title 10 times in one place, so it’s obviously a very special moment in my career.”
After a tight first set, Federer took over the match in the second set.
“I was able to run away with the lead getting the break early on in the second and I think that maybe calmed down my nerves,” Federer said. “His level might have dropped just a tiny bit, but it was tough to play with the shadows, it’s a fast court. David of course also had a great week, so clearly he was feeling it from the baseline. But I was able to tough it out and at the end I was able to really play some great tennis, so I couldn’t be happier right now.”
Federer told media that he’s looking forward to Wimbledon, where according to the Wimbledon seeding formula, he’ll be the second seed.
“Every time I’ve won in Halle, I went on to play really well at Wimbledon. It’s never a guarantee of course, but I’ve been on the Tour for long enough to know what it means,” Federer said. “Most important is I know I’m injury-free. I’m going to have a couple of days off I guess and then get ready once I’m going to be at Wimbledon practicing again. But for now I’m going to enjoy this one, rest up a little bit, and then look forward to the rest.”
