体坛英语新闻：Federer beats Falla to defend Halle title

BERLIN, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Former world No. 1 Roger Federer defeated Alejandro Falla in two sets to lift his seventh Halle title on Sunday.

Federer needed 89 minutes to crown himself with the seventh title in Halle, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-3), and his 79th ATP title overall. Besides that, it was Federer's seventh win in as many matches against Colombia's Falla.

Federer worked out a 5-3 lead in the first set but Falla fought back to force the Swiss into the tiebreak. Federer pulled away in the tiebreak after 2-2 to make five consecutive points, sealing the first set.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion utilized his momentum to break Falla's first serve of the second set. Nevertheless, Falla responded immediately as he re-broke Federer. Both players offered no more break ball opportunities so that the second set tiebreak had to bring the decision. Federer romped off with a 3-0 lead giving Falla no chance to turn things around.

With the victory in Halle, Federer completed his grass court preparations for Wimbledon successfully.

"The main thing is that I have won. Alejandro returned well and if you lose long rallies against him it will be hard," Federer said.

Falla added: "He is the king of the kings in tennis. I am very happy despite the defeat as I had a great week here."