Legendary Roger Federer inched closer to a record-extending 10th title, which would also be his personal best at a single tournament, after he steamrolled Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-3, 6-3 in a lopsided semifinal of the ATP Halle Open in Germany. The Frenchman caused little trouble for the 37-year-old top seed on Saturday as Federer is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon Championship.

Incidentally, the 20-time Grand Slam winner was dragged to three sets in his previous two matches, but was far more efficient in the final four stage match, as he came out firing on all cylinders from the opening game of the match.

The former world number one continued with the momentum to seal the opening set 6-3 with an ace down the middle. Federer had a break point to start the second set, but world number 43 Herbert upped his game to fend it off.

But the Frenchman was soon facing another break point when Federer came in for a volley. The Swiss Ace converted three of his eight break opportunities without facing any himself.

At match point, he stepped around for a forehand passing shot to win the second set 6-3 as well as the match with an identical score-line.

Federer is now into his 13th final in Halle and will face David Goffin with a chance to win his 102nd title, which would move him to seventh behind Jimmy Connors for the all-time record. 

(Cover photo via VCG)