Veteran Roger Federer was the guest of honour on the 30th anniversary of the Halle Open on June 21, Wednesday, while inside OWL Arena, a special ceremony was held to mark his achievement.

Veteran Roger Federer was the guest of honour on the 30th anniversary of the Halle Open on June 21, Wednesday, while inside OWL Arena, a special ceremony was held to mark his achievement. The ten-time German grass-court ATP 500 event winner also weighed on the GOAT (Greatest of all time) debate following Novak Djokovic’s record-breaking 23 Grand Slam wins at the Roland Garros in Paris lately. As the tournament commemorated "Roger Federer Day" on the centre court, the 103-time ATP tour-level winner praised Novak for his gigantic achievement but said for as long as Rafael Nadal is around, this debate stays alive. 𝐑𝐅 is honoured in Halle 🐐@ATPHalle welcomes back 10-time champion @rogerfederer on #RogerFedererDay! ❤️#TerraWortmannOpen pic.twitter.com/DDypaGO6op — ATP Tour (@atptour) June 21, 2023 × Federer, who retired from professional tennis last September during the Laver Cup, showered praises on Novak, aged 36, for becoming the first male Tennis star to win 23 Grand Slams in Open Era, surpassing Nadal's tally of 22 Slam wins. And by mentioning Rod Laver’s unique record of him lifting the Wimbledon title at the age of 17 in the same sentence, Roger said, "What is better? Winning Wimbledon at 17 like Becker or Paris at 36 like Novak? I don't know." ALSO READ: Bidding committee 'underestimating' 2024 Olympics budget is now costing Paris, says Government report Meanwhile, when asked to share his thoughts on the GOAT debate, Roger, who is widely regarded as the greatest athlete of all time, let alone in Tennis, replied by saying till the time his old foe on the field and a dear friend of his, Rafael Nadal is around, calling Novak the GOAT will not do justice. "What he has achieved is absolutely gigantic. It could be sufficient. But I think as long as Rafa is still playing, too, you can't answer that definitively yet," Roger added. Rogers relishes time spent in Halle At Halle, Roger boasts a 69-8 career record, having won in 2003-06, 2008, 2013-15, 2017 and 2019. Upon returning to the event for the first time since hanging his boots, Federer remembered the time spent in this event over the past two decades and cherished his friendship with the Weber family. “With Halle, we go way back,” said Federer. “I don’t know the first time I ever came here, maybe 22 years ago, and I played 18 years in those years. More than just a partnership, it’s also become a friendship over the years with the Weber family, first Gerhard Weber and then Ralf, who is now the tournament director. So it’s been a wonderful time, obviously also [I had] a lot of success here." Memories that will last forever. 🫂 There is only one @rogerfederer ✨@ATPHalle | #TerraWortmannOpen pic.twitter.com/2Yxv02a88p — ATP Tour (@atptour) June 21, 2023 × “[There were] great times, good moments spent as well in the second part of my career with the family. My kids would be running around all across the venue, and also the fans. We got to know them all, there’s been a lot of moments for interaction as well. It’s been really good, to be honest, and I always love coming here, so it’s really nice to come back again once I’m retired,” Federer added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Roger Federer weighs in on GOAT debate, says 'what Novak has achieved is gigantic but till Nadal is around...'

World number four Alexander Zverev's quest for a first title at the Halle Open came to a grinding halt as the two-times runner-up was stunned 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by David Goffin in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Belgium's Goffin saved seven of 10 break points to overcome the tournament's second seed and home favourite in two hours and 16 minutes to set up a semi-final clash with Italy's Matteo Berrettini, who beat third seed Karen Khachanov 6-2, 7-6(4).

Although <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-alexander-zverev-cruises-into-second-round-gael-monfils-ousted-228212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj40-GjuPziAhXGeisKHdyEC30QFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-6IgsW1C3wUqbbi8PVUKS">Zverev </a>fired 14 aces in the match, his erratic serve was on display at the Gerry Weber Stadion as the 22-year-old made nine double faults to lose to Goffin for the first time in three meetings between the pair.

Goffin had a chance to seal the match in the third set at 5-4 but Zverev saved two match points to take it to a tiebreak, where the Belgian triumphed after winning all his service points.

Later, Roger Federer survived a mid-match scare to get past Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and reach the last-four at Halle for a 15th time as he chases a 10th title in the tournament.

Up next for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-roger-federer-comes-through-tricky-jo-wilfried-tsonga-test-to-reach-quarters-229131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj40-GjuPziAhXGeisKHdyEC30QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TaWABlb-WS6UAlQmfbd-S">Federer </a>is Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert who progressed after defending champion Borna Coric was forced to retire from their quarter-final after dropping the opening set 7-5 due to a suspected back injury.

World number four Alexander Zverev's quest for a first title at the Halle Open came to a grinding halt as the two-times runner-up was stunned 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by David Goffin in the quarter-finals on Friday.

World number four Alexander Zverev's quest for a first title at the Halle Open came to a grinding halt as the two-times runner-up was stunned 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by David Goffin in the quarter-finals on Friday. Belgium's Goffin saved seven of 10 break points to overcome the tournament's second seed and home favourite in two hours and 16 minutes to set up a semi-final clash with Italy's Matteo Berrettini, who beat third seed Karen Khachanov 6-2, 7-6(4). Although Zverev fired 14 aces in the match, his erratic serve was on display at the Gerry Weber Stadion as the 22-year-old made nine double faults to lose to Goffin for the first time in three meetings between the pair. Goffin had a chance to seal the match in the third set at 5-4 but Zverev saved two match points to take it to a tiebreak, where the Belgian triumphed after winning all his service points. Later, Roger Federer survived a mid-match scare to get past Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and reach the last-four at Halle for a 15th time as he chases a 10th title in the tournament. Up next for Federer is Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert who progressed after defending champion Borna Coric was forced to retire from their quarter-final after dropping the opening set 7-5 due to a suspected back injury.

Halle Open: Alexander Zverev tumbles out of quarters after defeat by David Goffin

Roger Federer was made to work hard by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-nothing-to-lose-says-jo-wilfried-tsonga-ahead-of-roger-federer-clash-228891&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjokM299fniAhWD7GEKHU_EAOEQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0k5StyJlQHGNByiXCXauFw">Jo-Wilfried Tsonga</a> at the Halle Open on Thursday before he sealed a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the second round to continue his charge towards a 10th title at the grasscourt tournament.

The 20-times Grand Slam winner, who is using the tournament to prepare for next month's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-roger-federer-begins-grasscourt-season-with-win-over-john-millman-228558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjokM299fniAhWD7GEKHU_EAOEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14QoR62UxCyzgiEmtJZhqV">Wimbledon </a>championships, converted two out of four break points to come through a tight match in two hours and 16 minutes.

The 37-year-old Swiss, who has reached the Halle quarter-finals for a 17th time, next meets Roberto Bautista Agut who defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4.

Germany's Alexander Zverev, the runner-up in 2016 and 2017, stayed in the hunt for a first Halle title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Steve Johnson to set up a quarter-final against the unseeded David Goffin.

"I'm definitely happy with how things went," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-alexander-zverev-cruises-into-second-round-gael-monfils-ousted-228212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjokM299fniAhWD7GEKHU_EAOEQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1oh95QoFBjhf1AtNyxTjFa">Zverev</a>, who withdrew from the doubles competition on Tuesday due to a knee problem, said.

"Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago. I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better,"&nbsp;Zverev said.

Belgium's Goffin, the 2017 ATP finals runner-up who has slipped to number 33 in the world, has lost his two meetings with second seed Zverev but both matches were played on clay.

Matteo Berrettini, who rallied past Italian compatriot Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, is seeking his third ATP title and second on grass following his success in Stuttgart last week.

Up next for Berrettini is Russian Karen Khachanov who has failed to defeat the big-hitting world number 22 in two previous attempts, including in the second round at Stuttgart.

Roger Federer was made to work hard by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Halle Open on Thursday before he sealed a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the second round to continue his charge towards a 10th title at the grasscourt tournament.

Roger Federer was made to work hard by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Halle Open on Thursday before he sealed a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the second round to continue his charge towards a 10th title at the grasscourt tournament. The 20-times Grand Slam winner, who is using the tournament to prepare for next month's Wimbledon championships, converted two out of four break points to come through a tight match in two hours and 16 minutes. The 37-year-old Swiss, who has reached the Halle quarter-finals for a 17th time, next meets Roberto Bautista Agut who defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4. Germany's Alexander Zverev, the runner-up in 2016 and 2017, stayed in the hunt for a first Halle title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Steve Johnson to set up a quarter-final against the unseeded David Goffin. "I'm definitely happy with how things went," Zverev, who withdrew from the doubles competition on Tuesday due to a knee problem, said. "Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago. I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better," Zverev said. Belgium's Goffin, the 2017 ATP finals runner-up who has slipped to number 33 in the world, has lost his two meetings with second seed Zverev but both matches were played on clay. Matteo Berrettini, who rallied past Italian compatriot Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, is seeking his third ATP title and second on grass following his success in Stuttgart last week. Up next for Berrettini is Russian Karen Khachanov who has failed to defeat the big-hitting world number 22 in two previous attempts, including in the second round at Stuttgart.

Halle Open: Roger Federer comes through tricky Jo-Wilfried Tsonga test to reach quarters

Roger Federer began his preparations for next month's Wimbledon Championships with a 7-6(1), 6-3 victory over unseeded Australian John Millman in the opening round of the Halle Open on Tuesday.

Competing in his first match since being beaten by eventual <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-beats-roger-federer-to-reach-12th-final-225296&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQhpOK5vTiAhURSX0KHQ0XCE0QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Vz7WRMc4liNlyRmQXyo_B">champion Rafael Nadal</a> in the French Open semi-finals, the Swiss proved too strong for Millman in the grasscourt tournament.

World number 57 Millman, who had beaten Federer in four sets in their previous encounter at last year's US&nbsp;Open, put up a strong fight in the opening set but was no match for his opponent at the contest wore on.

Up next for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who has won the last two matches of their 17 career meetings.

Earlier, world number 14 Borna Coric began his title defence with a 7-6(2), 6-3 victory over Spain's Jaume Munar to move into the second round where he will face Joao Sousa.

David Goffin fired nine aces and won 86% of points on his first serve in a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 win over Argentine Guido Pella in 50 minutes. Up next for the Belgian is Radu Albot.

Wildcard Tsonga defeated fellow Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-4, 7-5 but not before the duo delighted the crowd with an impromptu game of foot tennis&nbsp;in the second set after Paire's racket slipped from his hand following a serve.

Seventh seed Roberto Bautista Agut overcame Taylor Fritz 7-6(10), 6-0 while local hope Jan-Lennard Struff got past Laslo Djere 6-4, 6-4 to set up a meeting with Karen Khachanov.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-alexander-zverev-cruises-into-second-round-gael-monfils-ousted-228212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKhOuz5fTiAhVLWysKHWHECKUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw223-icc8fWuI1BPdn2ZJnQ">The Halle Open</a> is a warm-up tournament for Wimbledon which begins on July 1.

Roger Federer began his preparations for next month's Wimbledon Championships with a 7-6(1), 6-3 victory over unseeded Australian John Millman in the opening round of the Halle Open on Tuesday.

Roger Federer began his preparations for next month's Wimbledon Championships with a 7-6(1), 6-3 victory over unseeded Australian John Millman in the opening round of the Halle Open on Tuesday. Competing in his first match since being beaten by eventual champion Rafael Nadal in the French Open semi-finals, the Swiss proved too strong for Millman in the grasscourt tournament. World number 57 Millman, who had beaten Federer in four sets in their previous encounter at last year's US Open, put up a strong fight in the opening set but was no match for his opponent at the contest wore on. Up next for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who has won the last two matches of their 17 career meetings. Earlier, world number 14 Borna Coric began his title defence with a 7-6(2), 6-3 victory over Spain's Jaume Munar to move into the second round where he will face Joao Sousa. David Goffin fired nine aces and won 86% of points on his first serve in a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 win over Argentine Guido Pella in 50 minutes. Up next for the Belgian is Radu Albot. Wildcard Tsonga defeated fellow Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-4, 7-5 but not before the duo delighted the crowd with an impromptu game of foot tennis in the second set after Paire's racket slipped from his hand following a serve. Seventh seed Roberto Bautista Agut overcame Taylor Fritz 7-6(10), 6-0 while local hope Jan-Lennard Struff got past Laslo Djere 6-4, 6-4 to set up a meeting with Karen Khachanov. The Halle Open is a warm-up tournament for Wimbledon which begins on July 1.

Halle Open: Roger Federer begins grasscourt season with win over John Millman

World number five Alexander Zverev of Germany breezed into the second round of the Halle Open with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Dutchman Robin Hasse on Monday.

Second-seeded <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-winner-rafael-nadal-still-lagging-novak-djokovic-in-rankings-226068&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8w4iis_LiAhVKto8KHVPXBL0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UK2hM5H0UGLMa9bRQ8nvS">Zverev </a>struggled on serve at times and finished with seven double faults but he fired 12 aces and converted four break points to advance after an hour and 45 minutes.

Russian third seed Karen Khachanov also progressed by winning 7-6(5),&nbsp;6-4 against Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic -&nbsp;a late replacement for Damir Dzumhur who withdrew from the tournament.

However, there was an early upset when fifth seed Gael Monfils lost 7-6(6), 6-4 to French compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert.&nbsp;

Top seed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-beats-roger-federer-to-reach-12th-final-225296&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo1_ySs_LiAhXFpY8KHeQqB3UQFjAIegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3VkZEMX0axZZRxyVP2SJcd">Roger Federer</a> is in action on Tuesday against John Millman, who beat the Swiss at the US&nbsp;Open last year.

World number five Alexander Zverev of Germany breezed into the second round of the Halle Open with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Dutchman Robin Hasse on Monday. Second-seeded Zverev struggled on serve at times and finished with seven double faults but he fired 12 aces and converted four break points to advance after an hour and 45 minutes.

World number five Alexander Zverev of Germany breezed into the second round of the Halle Open with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Dutchman Robin Hasse on Monday. Second-seeded Zverev struggled on serve at times and finished with seven double faults but he fired 12 aces and converted four break points to advance after an hour and 45 minutes. Russian third seed Karen Khachanov also progressed by winning 7-6(5), 6-4 against Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic - a late replacement for Damir Dzumhur who withdrew from the tournament. However, there was an early upset when fifth seed Gael Monfils lost 7-6(6), 6-4 to French compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Top seed Roger Federer is in action on Tuesday against John Millman, who beat the Swiss at the US Open last year.

Halle Open: Alexander Zverev cruises into second round, Gael Monfils ousted

Roger Federer&#39;s bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-final on Saturday by German teenager Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 5-7 6-3. 
 
Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable. 
 
The Swiss world number three had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev&#39;s considerable potential. 
 
World number 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4. 
 
Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev, the son of a former Russian player with the same name, responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion. 
 
Zverev will meet the winner of the other semi between Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Florian Mayer. 
(Reuters)

The Swiss maestro lost to German teenager Alexander Zverev

Roger Federer's bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-final on Saturday by German teenager Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 5-7 6-3. Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable. The Swiss world number three had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev's considerable potential. World number 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4. Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev, the son of a former Russian player with the same name, responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion. Zverev will meet the winner of the other semi between Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Florian Mayer. (Reuters)

Federer humbled in Halle

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