Federer fails to make Halle Open quarterfinals for 1st time

Halle (Germany), June 16

Roger Federer failed to reach the Halle Open quarterfinals for the first time on Wednesday when Félix Auger-Aliassime rallied from a set down to stun the former champion 4-6 6-3 6-2 in the second round.

The 20-year-old Auger-Aliassime is 19 years younger than the Swiss great, who has won the Halle tournament a record 10 times. Both share the same birthday – August 8.

Federer had been going for his 18th quarterfinal in as many appearances at the grass-court tournament, but was unable to deal with his young opponent’s change of tactics in the second set. Auger-Aliassime targeted the backhand with his strong serves and the Canadian player converted three break opportunities to win in 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Auger-Aliassime next faces American qualifier Marcos Giron, who later rallied to beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (1) 6-3 6-4. 

Struff had shocked top-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday.

Also on Wednesday, Andrey Rublev defeated Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-4 6-4 and veteran home favorite Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Corentin Moutet of France 6-4 7-6 (4). AP