Zverev and Khachanov ousted but Federer survives in Halle

It was a mixed day for the seeds at Halle. Alexander Zverev was ousted by the talented David Goffin, and Italy’s Matteo Berrettini beat third seed Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals. Roger Federer, on the other hand, survived Bautista Agut’s persistent onslaught to move into the 15th consecutive Halle semi-final.

Roger Federer delivered in the important points.

The match was quite close and Bautista Agut dominated the second and the first half of the third set. Roger Federer, however, was better in the important points and converting and saving the break-point opportunities. Federer saved four of the five break-points he faced, and converted three of the six he created.

Roger Federer is bidding for an unprecedented 10th Halle title.

Federer will face Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France for the first time in the semis. Herbert, ranked 43rd, progressed into the semis when Borna Coric withdrew, down 5-7, after the first. Roger Federer, we believe, has a good shot at making another final and winning an unprecedented 10th Halle title.

Zverev was inconsistent and undone by unforced.

Zverev’s inability to convert many of the break-point opportunities he created for himself and his high unforced count was responsible for his loss to Goffin in the Halle quarters. Zverev’s forty winners and fourteen aces were accompanied by forty-two unforced and nine double faults. Goffin, on the other hand, landed 26 unforced against 29 winners in the match. Goffin will face Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, who beat third seed Karen Khachanov 6-2 7-6(4) in the quarterfinal.

David Goffin scored his first win over Alexander Zverev.

Alexander Zverev was not as lucky as Roger in his three set loss to David Goffin who changed direction at will and did not relinquish after the first set loss in his 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3) quarterfinal win over Zverev. Goffin saved seven of ten break-points to score his first win in three meetings between them.