In the semi-finals, the top seed will square off against the fifth seed and 2012 titlist Marin Cilic. The 2014 US Open champion had to claw his way back from a set down for a 6(3)-7, 6-3, 6-4 win over Steve Johnson of the USA.
Also read: Lendl says Murray can end Djokovic’s ‘golden slam’ dream
Third seed Milos Raonic, however, had it easy against the sixth-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut. The big-serving Canadian thundered 19 aces to dismiss Agut, 6-1, 6-4.
He next meets Bernard Tomic, who came through a tough battle against Gilles Muller. The Australian withstood a barrage of 26 aces to secure the 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-2 win.
Federer vs Zverev in Halle semis in Garry Weber Open
Seeking his ninth title at the Gerry Weber Open, the top-seeded Roger Federer overcame a late challenge from the fifth-seeded David Goffin to win 6-1, 7-6(10) in the quarter-finals on Friday.
The Swiss maestro broke Goffin four times to race through the opening set. In the second set, he needed to work a little harder as he saved five set points and then secured the victory on his fifth match point.
Federer will next be involved in a mouthwatering semi-final clash with the fast-rising Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated former runner-up Marcos Baghdatis 7-6(9), 6-3 in the last-eight encounter.
Federer and Zverev last met in the second round of the Rome Masters where the 17-time Grand Slam champion had emerged a 6-3, 7-5 winner.
Meanwhile, the in-form Dominic Thiem, who has been on a title-winning spree this season, got a rare rest day as his opponent, Philipp Kohlschreiber withdrew due to a left hip strain. In the last-four stage, the Austrian will take on local hope Florian Mayer. The former World No. 18 beat Andreas Seppi 7-6(4), 6-3 to advance to the semis.
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