Federer wins 9th Gerry Weber Open title

18-time Grand Slam winner, Roger Federer, earned a comprehensive victory over Alexander Zverev on Sunday to win a record ninth title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

The 35-year-old Swiss won the 20-year-old German 6-1 6-3 in just 53 minutes.

The victory means Federer has lifted a fourth title this year, a tally only matched by his long-time rival Rafael Nadal.

After winning the Australian Open – his first Grand Slam success in five years – in January, Federer went on to claim the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in March and, later, the Miami Open.

He achieved all these after a period away from the game, as he spent over six months nursing a knee injury in 2016. He admitted it was a tough time for him, and he will now take nothing for granted.

“It has been a difficult year,’ he said after his win.

“I have spent a lot of time on practice, training and rehab so it is nice
to be back on court.

“I’m not sure if I am going to win this tournament again so I want to enjoy
it as much as I can.”

The former world number one will be looking at winning his 8th Wimbledon
title when the tournament begins at the All England Club on July 3.