HALLE, Germany – Roger Federer won his first title of the year, overcoming a sluggish start to beat unseeded Mikhail Youzhny 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 at the Gerry Weber Open on Sunday.
Returning to grass in his favorite warm-up for Wimbledon, the top-seeded Federer looked lethargic until the middle of the second set, when he started hitting shots with confidence.
Federer won his first title since Cincinnati in August and his sixth in Halle, the first since 2008. Four of Federer's seven Wimbledon titles have come after victories in Halle.
The former top-ranked player, who is now No. 3, won his 77th career title.
Federer will be looking to extend his record of 17 Grand Slam championships when he defends his title at Wimbledon.
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