Federer struggles before reaching Halle quarter-finals

Roger Federer came through a difficult match against Czech qualifier Jan Vacek 7-5 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

Federer faced surprisingly strong resistance from the 342nd-ranked Czech qualifier. The top-ranked player needed a crosscourt volley to break serve for a decisive 4-3 lead in the second set.

"It was difficult," Federer said. "When it happens - you can't play your game and it isn't working - then it's a surprise. It was an awkward sort of match." "On the easy wins you feel good and don't think about it; on the hard ones you think about what you have to do better."

Federer traditionally uses Halle as a warm-up for Wimbledon and has won four titles at the event, going on to win Wimbledon three weeks later each time.


(source BBC, photo/AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz via Yahoo Sports)