Roger Federer beats Ivo Karlovic to reach Gerry Weber Open final

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Roger FedererImage source, EPA
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Roger Federer will play either Andreas Seppi or Kei Nishikori in the final

World number two Roger Federer eased into the Gerry Weber Open final with a straight-set victory over Ivo Karlovic.

The Swiss top seed won 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) to move closer to a record eighth title in Halle, Germany.

Karlovic, 36, hit 45 aces - the most in a three-set ATP Tour match - against Tomas Berdych in the last eight.

Federer, 33, was unable to secure a single break point against the Croat but won both tie-breaks to set up his 10th appearance in the event's final.

A brilliant backhand return followed by a Karlovic double fault secured Federer the first set and he went on to seal victory after one hour and 28 minutes with a backhand volley in the second tie-break.

"Sometimes you can't do anything," Federer said of Karlovic's serve. "You have to hope for a bit of luck or that you don't make a mistake at an important moment.

"The whole match can change in a moment. Thankfully it went well, though I had a bit of luck in the tie-break."

Federer will meet Italy's Andreas Seppi in Sunday's final after second seed Kei Nishikori retired early with a calf injury after the fifth game of the other semi-final.

The 25-year-old world number five, who was trailing 4-1 when he retired, said: "I felt it yesterday during the quarter-final and I fought through it.

"But there was a little pain this morning and I tried in the match, but couldn't really move.

"I don't want to take a big risk for Wimbledon."

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