Roger Federer said it was a "special" feeling to reach the final of the ATP event in Halle for a 13th time after beating Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-3, 6-3 in Saturday's semi-final. Federer is chasing a record-extending tenth title at the pre-Wimbledon grass court event this year, having suffered a surprise defeat to Croatian Borna Coric in last year's final. "It is very, very special. I am glad I got another chance this year, because last year I really didn't know if I would ever play another Halle final," he said.
World number 43 Herbert, 28, struggled in his first-ever meeting with 20-time major winner Federer, who is hoping to win a ninth Wimbledon title next month. The straight-sets victory provided welcome respite for the Swiss star, who was forced to battle through gruelling three-set encounters with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Roberto Bautista Agut earlier in the week. "I feel in a similar situation to last year. I was perhaps more tired last year because I had played in Stuttgart the week before," said Federer. "I hope I can call on that extra bit of energy, because I am going to need it tomorrow."
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