Federer blanks Zverev to make semis, Monfils next
Five-time winner Roger Federer outclassed Germany’s Mischa Zverev 6-0, 6-0 on Friday to book his place in the semifinals of the Halle Open.
The world number three will now face Tommy Haas, who beat him in last year’s final, after the veteran German saw off France’s Gael Monfils 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3.
The 31-year-old Federer wrapped up the match against the world number 156 in just 39 minutes.
“You never go on to court aiming for such a score. I’m surprised to have managed it today,” said Federer, who earned just the second “double bagel” whitewash of his career.
His first was inflicted on Argentina’s Gaston Gaudio in the semifinal of the Shanghai indoor tournament on November 14, 2005.
“I expect a completely different opponent (in Haas) tomorrow (Saturday). (Having played just two hours over two matches) could be an advantage as well as a disadvantage,” said Federer.
France’s Richard Gasquet, the world number nine, went through to the semifinal with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory over German world number 33 Florian Mayer.
Cilic overcomes berdych
Marin Cilic remains on course to retain the Queen’s Club title after the defending champion defeated Czech second seed Tomas Berdych 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in the quarterfinals.
Cilic won the pre-Wimbledon warm-up event in bizarre circumstances last year when his final opponent David Nalbandian was disqualified for kicking an advertising board into the shins of a line-judge in frustration at losing a point.
The Croatian fifth seed is now just two wins away from becoming the first player to retain the trophy since Andy Roddick in 2005.
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