Intro:

Roger Federer and Andreas Seppi advanced to the final of the Gerry Weber Open on Saturday (20th June) in Halle, Germany.

Script:

Roger Federer will bid for a record eighth Gerry Weber Open title after advancing to the 10th final of his career at the tournament.

Federer overcame the challenge of big serving Ivo Karlovic to advance.

In fact, the Swiss player managed to win just five points on the Croat's serve in the first set, but made a mini-break to go 4-3 up in the first set tie-break.

Surpringsly he won the set thanks to a double fault by Karlovic.

The second set proved to be more of the same with both players dominating on serve and going to a tie-break once again.

Federer eventually wrapping up the match in an hour and 28 minutes to move a step closer to claiming a 15th title on grass.

Meanwhile, in the day's second semi-final Kei Nishikori was up against the tournament's surprise package, Andreas Seppi.

The Italian was making his first semi-final appearance in six attempts at Halle but got off to a flyer against Nishikori.

He made it through his quarter-final against Monfils when the Frenchman was forced to retire through injury.

And yet again, injury would play a part in the semi-final, Nishikori forced to pull out with Seppi 4-1 ahead in the first set.

He will now face Federer in Sunday's final.