Roger Federer won the Halle Open for a record-extending eighth time yesterday by beating Italy’s Andreas Seppi 7-6 6-4 in a successful dress rehearsal on grass ahead of Wimbledon.

Defending champion Federer, who has now won Halle more times than any other tournament, captured his fourth title of the year after victories in Istanbul, Dubai and Brisbane to take his career haul to 86.

“It is a special moment for me, to win this tournament an eighth time,” the 17-times grand slam winner said.

“I have always enjoyed amazing support here all these years.

“2013 was difficult, 2014 was better and now 2015 is even better and I hope I can keep it up,” he said with Wimbledon starting today week.

The Swiss top seed, who has won Wimbledon seven times, saved two set points on his serve when he trailed 5-4 in the first set. He dug deep to level for 5-5 in his 10th final appearance in Halle. Federer then crushed the Italian in the tiebreak, losing only one point, to take the first set.

Seppi earned another break opportunity at 2-2 but he sent a backhand into the net.

Federer then squandered three breakpoints at 4-3, allowing Seppi to hold on and win the 10-minute game.

He did everything right, however, two games later to earn two match points and finished off the contest with a spectacular overhead smash.

Aegon Championships final: Murray bt Anderson 6-3 6-4.