By Daily Sports on June 21, 2019

Roger Federer says he was “lucky” after surviving a scare against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the Halle Open quarter-finals.

Top seed Federer, 37, beat French world number 77 Tsonga 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-5.

The eight-time Wimbledon champion is bidding for a 10th Halle title.

World number five Alexander Zverev withdrew from the doubles due to a knee injury but beat American Steve Johnson 6-3 7-5 to reach the last eight of the singles.

Federer will play Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the next round at the grass-court tournament, while German 22-year-old Zverev will face Belgian David Goffin.

World number three Federer was a set and a break up against Tsonga, 34, before the Frenchman came back to take the match to a third set.

“I knew when I gave away that lead that it would be tight. Then it was about holding my nerve,” said the Swiss.

“The third set was more of a battle. I tried to stay calm. It had a bit of everything: happiness, sadness, frustration. It was a bit emotional at the end, which was nice.”

Zverev enjoyed a slightly more straightforward win, but admitted he is still having problems with his knee.

“Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago,” he said.

“I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better.” (BBC)

•Photo shows tennis superstar Roger Federer in action

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 21, 2019

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