Roger Federer wins own “La Decima,” in perfect position for Wimbledon

Roger Federer won his 10th title in Halle, and will be seeded second at Wimbledon, above rival Rafael Nadal. The win bolsters Fed’s quest for a record ninth title at the grass slam.

Only Rafael Nadal owned 10-plus ATP titles, but his great rival Roger Federer has now joined that club, locking in his own historic 10th crown at the Halle Open, with a breezy win over Belgium’s David Goffin, 7-6(2), 6-1.

There’s a reason that a street was named after the Swiss Maestro at the German tournament, the Roger-Federer-Allee.

It’s the only tournament where the 37-year-old owns an impressive 10 titles. In addition to his historic six ATP Tour Finals trophies, Federer owns the tournament tally at several other events:

• Halle 10
• Basel 9
• Wimbledon 8
• Dubai 8
• Cincinnati 7

However dominant Federer has been on grass for the better part of the last two decades, the win was not a guarantee. The Swiss played a lighter grass season, opting not to defend his title at Stuttgart. He also transitioned from clay to grass with just a week off between, a much different schedule from the last three years.

The 20-time slam champion started out with a masterclass two-sets win over John Millman in the first round, avenging his loss to the Australian at last year’s U.S. Open, 7-6(1), 6-3. However, Federer was tested in his middle two matches against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Roberto Bautista Agut, weathering two three-set, testy matches before sailing through his semifinal with Pierre-Hugues Herbert in two.

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Nerves plagued the tennis legend at the outset of the Goffin match, with backhand errors, forcing Federer to run around that shot to fire off his more formidable forehand. His 83 percent win percentage on-serve was an indicator of his great strength that has always saved him in the past. His ability to convert three out of the six break points in the second set clinched the win.

“I was able to run away with the lead getting the break early on in the second and I think that maybe calmed down my nerves,” Federer said after the match.

“But I was able to tough it out and at the end I was able to really play some great tennis, so I couldn’t be happier right now.”

Making the final was a boost for Goffin, who has been climbing back after dealing with injuries. The former world No. 7 has dipped to No. 33, but is sure to rise higher after the final appearance in Halle.

Federer’s win at the Noventi Open became his 102nd ATP title, just seven shy of Jimmy Connors’ overall record of 109. The achievement is also a significant boost heading to the All England Club, a point not lost on the tennis titan.

“Every time I’ve won in Halle I went on to play really well at Wimbledon. It’s never a guarantee of course, but I’ve been on the Tour for long enough to know what it means,” Federer said. “Most important is I know I’m injury-free. I’m going to have a couple of days off I guess and then get ready once I’m going to be at Wimbledon practicing again. But for now I’m going to enjoy this one, rest up a little bit, and then look forward to the rest.”

Federer is seeking his 21st grand slam trophy. Nadal closed in on the GS race, but the Swiss is looking very confident that he can extend that lead.

It’s been a great week for 37-year-old men in tennis. In addition to Federer, another 37-year-old, Feliciano Lopez — a wildcard entry — also won a big Wimbledon warm-up title at Queen’s Club. He’s also partnering with Andy Murray, in his comeback, in the doubles final, to be played directly after his singles final.

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It just proves that when it comes to men’s tennis, age is just a number.

Wimbledon begins July 1. Stay tuned here for all the updates from the All England Club.