Roger Federer claimed his seventh Gerry Weber Open title with a hard-fought 7-6 7-6 win over Alejandro Falla in Halle, yesterday.
The Swiss made it through to his ninth final in 12 years at the German venue after dispatching Kei Nishikori, the fourth seed.
Falla was in search of a first title on the ATP tour, having come from a set down to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in their semi-final.
Federer, 32, went into the showdown yesterday holding a 6-0 record over the Colombian.
However, having been two-sets down against Falla in the first round of Wimbledon four years ago, there would be no complacency from the Swiss against the world number 69.
The first set proved a tight affair, although Federer missed the chance to close out on serve at 5-3, only for Falla to break back and eventually force the tie break.
Federer, though, did not waste another opportunity when he claimed five straight points from 2-2 to take the first set in 42 minutes.
Falla, 30, continued to push Federer as there remained little margin for error in the second set, which also went locked at 6-6.
Federer forced an early mini-break and then took control at 3-0 when he came to the net to drive down a forehand.
The Swiss world number four remained in charge at 5-2 when he crashed in another big serve.
A wide passing shot down the line from Falla, which was upheld on review, handed three match points to Federer and the Swiss took the opportunity at the first time of asking to secure a 14th grass-court title.
Federer will now head to Wimbledon looking for an eighth title at the All England Club.
Ivanovic dominates
Ana Ivanovic warmed up for Wimbledon by capturing her first grasscourt title with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in the Aegon Classic yesterday.
The former world number one dropped her serve in the opening game but from then on dominated the contest.
“I couldn’t ask for better preparation than to win my first title on grass,” the Serbian said after following in the footsteps of players such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova by winning the tournament in Edgbaston.
“It definitely feels very special, not just to win my first title on grass, but to put my name next to champions like that.”
Queen’s final (men): Dimitrov bt Lopez 6-7 7-6 7-6.