Federer ‘fresh’ for 10th Halle title tilt

Halle (Germany), June 16 

Roger Federer says staying wide awake will be the key to his grass-court season with his focus on claiming a record 10th Halle title this week. The 37-year-old Swiss was beatenby Rafael Nadal on the Roland Garros clay, but says he’ll be back in his element on his preferred lawns at the renamed Noventi Open.

“It was good to reach the semifinals of a Slam again, and in my first appearance in Paris for four years. I feel fresh, rested and ready for the grass season,” said Federer, who will target a ninth Wimbledon win. “The surface suits me: I like the intuitive, aggressive game. The matches on grass are decided in a few rallies. You have to stay awake and concentrated.”

Sharapova inspired by Rafa

Maria Sharapova says she will draw inspiration from Nadal’s incredible powers of recovery as she resumes her injury-hit career on the Spanish great’s island next week. The 32-year-old has not played a competitive match since January and underwent surgery on her right shoulder a few weeks later. She returns to action next week at the Mallorca Open. “He is the ultimate fighter and an amazing example of what you can achieve if you have the will and the passion for what you do,” Sharapova said. — Agencies

Riske stuns Bertens to win Libema Open

Rosmalen: American Alison Riske saved five championship points before stunning home favourite Kiki Bertens 0-6  7-6(3) 7-5 to win the Libema Open title.

Berrettini wins first grass-court title

Stuttgart: Italian Matteo Berrettini claimed his first grass-court title with a 6-4 7-6(11) victory over Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Stuttgart Open final today.

Bopanna, Shapovalov lose in final

Stuttgart: Rohan Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov lost 5-7 3-6 to top seeds Bruno Soares and John Peers in the final of the Stuttgart Open. agencies