Roger Federer has won the title at Halle, Germany eight times. Seeded No. 1 this year Federer beat David Goffin 6-1, 7-6 (10) to move into the semifinals. Amazingly Federer, for all his success, takes none of his late career achieving for granted. After needing five match points to finish off Goffin, he chimed in — in detail — on what he thought of the other quarterfinal that produced his next opponent, Alexander Zverev.
Instead of focusing solely on his own work, Federer analyzed the Zverev match as if he were coaching one of the players. Others at Federer’s level might not watch the competition so intently. But here’s Federer, who seems to have watched Zverev’s win against Marcos Baghdatis — 7-6 (9), 6-3 — from the edge of his seat:
“I thought Zverev played well. He played a crucial huge first set. Marcos should have won that but ended up losing it, the momentum goes Zverev’s way, one break and the match is over,” Federer said afterwards. “So, credit to Zverev for getting the job done. He’s got a big serve, he’s got a nice backhand, he’s improving his forehand and he’s moving forward.”
Wimbledon begins June 27.
