HALLE, Germany — Roger Federer defeated Italy's Andreas Seppi 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Sunday to claim a record eighth Gerry Weber Open title in his 10th final at the event.
Despite not replicating the free-flowing tennis of previous rounds, Federer dug deep to win big points. He broke the 45th-ranked Seppi for the first time at the fifth attempt in the decisive game.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner sealed his 15th title from 20 finals on grass and his 86th career title from 130 finals overall. Lleyton Hewitt is next on grass with eight titles.
Seppi was in the final after Kei Nishikori withdrew from their semifinal with a calf injury and Gael Monfils pulled out of the quarterfinal with a knee problem, but the Italian showed no apparent lack of match fitness.