Federer warms up with Halle title

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World number one Roger Federer claimed a third successive title at the Gerry Weber Open with victory over Marat Safin in Halle on Sunday.

Federer completed the perfect preparation for Wimbledon with a 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 win over the second seed.

Safin overcame his dislike of grass to push Federer hard but crucially dropped serve early in the final set.

Federer has now won 29 consecutive matches on grass - a run stretching back three years.

"Those are great figures but what matters most to me is the fact that I have not lost any of my last 20 finals," said Federer afterwards.

There is no stopping Roger Marat Safin

"Finals are the most important matches and I'm glad I have performed so well."

And looking ahead to Wimbledon, the defending champion was understandably optimistic.

"I'm happy that Im already at such a good level so early," he said.

"I'm surprised about myself again, because I came here to Halle and after a few matches I'm already feeling great."

Safin, who at one stage smashed a racquet in a trademark outburst, admitted: "I could not have played any better.

"I cannot remember playing that well in recent years but there is no stopping Roger. It was a great match and I enjoyed it."