Roger Federer won the first title at Halle in 2003, celebrating his first trophy on grass and lifting his second at Wimbledon a few weeks later. The Swiss returned to Halle in 2004 as world number 1 and favourite. The defending champion played at a high level and lost 26 games in five matches.
Thus, Roger secured the 16th ATP title and sent a clear message to his rivals before Wimbledon. Roger dispatched Thomas Johannson 6-3 6-2 in 69 minutes in the opening round. He defended six of seven break chances and delivered four breaks for the best start.
The second match also lasted 69 minutes, with Federer dispatching Mikhail Youzhny 6-2 6-1 to earn a spot in the quarter-finals. Roger dropped 13 points in his games and converted five of 14 break point opportunities to control the scoreboard and enter the Round of 16.
The Swiss defeated Arnaud Clement 6-3, 7-5 in 72 minutes to stay on the title trail. Roger was too good again, never facing a break point and stealing the Frenchman’s serve once in each set to book a place in the semi-finals.
Jiri Novak couldn’t match Roger’s pace on the fast grass court in the semi-finals, as the Swiss beat the Czech 6-3 6-4 in 53 minutes with another flawless performance. On June 13, Roger delivered another masterclass against Mardy Fish in the title clash, leaving his contemporary far behind in a 6-0 6-3 win.
The American left his powerful serves in the locker room, conceding just 55% of his first serves and finishing the match with a modest three aces.
Federer will turn 41 in August
South African comedian Trevor Noah recently lavished rich praise on Roger Federer, calling him the “classiest man” that he has ever come across.
“And lastly, thank you to my fellow half Swiss half South African @rogerfederer. You were the ultimate host & still the classiest man I’ve ever met,” Trevor Noah tweeted. “I know you miss me on the court but hopefully you’ll be able to play on in my honour now that my knee is out of commission.
Switzerland what a surreal experience this was for me,” Trevor Noah tweeted. “I’ve always dreamed of visiting my father’s country but never dreamed I would do it like this. Thank you to every single person who came and filled out both arenas in Geneva and Zurich I’ll never forget the experience.”
The comedian also singled out certain key features of Geneva and Zurich that caught his fancy, including the lakes, fondue, and watches.
