Federer buries 'doubts' with perfect Wimbledon boost

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Swiss great Roger Federer thrashed Alexander Zverev to win his ninth Halle title on Sunday and admitted he's feeling fresh ahead of his assault on an eighth Wimbledon crown next month.

The top seed lost his first match of the grass-court season last week in Stuttgart to Tommy Haas, but was in imperious form all week at Halle, Germany culminating in Sunday's 6-1, 6-3 final victory over home favorite Zverev.

Alexander Zverev of Germany during the men's singles match against Roger Federer of Switherland on Day 9 of the Gerry Weber Open 2017 on June 25, 2017 in Halle, Germany. /VCG Photo

Federer will head into Wimbledon, which starts on July 3, as favorite to win an outright record eighth title and surpass the mark of seven he currently shares with Pete Sampras.

"I was doubting myself a little bit, I must admit, because losing in the opening round for the first time in 15 years on grass was always going to shake me a little bit and it did," admitted Federer.

"So I'm happy to react right away and let that be forgotten and actually move on and remind myself I actually can play well on grass.

"It's a boost for me personally, with my confidence, knowing that my body is in good shape. Mentally, I'm fresh again and I've gotten used to match play," he said.

Tennis player and winner Roger Federer at the Gerry Weber Open 2017 on June 25, 2017 in Halle, Germany. /VCG Photo

The 35-year-old, who skipped the entire clay-court season, has still only lost two matches this year en route to four titles, including the Australian Open in January.

This year's men's singles at Wimbledon promises to be the most open for a decade, according to Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez.

"Roger is playing great. He's not playing much, but when he's playing, he's winning."

"Considering the results of the best players in the world, it is true that it is probably the most open Wimbledon in the last 10 years," Lopez said, referencing the struggles of Wimbledon champion and world number one Andy Murray and three-times winner Novak Djokovic.

(Source: AFP, Reuters)

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