Dream final: Federer, Zverev to square off in Halle

Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev will face off in Sunday’s Halle final in what is a dream title match for tournament organisers.

Enduring fan favourite Federer, the top seed, saw off Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-6(5) to take his place in an incredible 11th Halle.

Local hero Zverev later on Saturday outlasted Richard Gasquet in a high-quality semifinal to set up the decider against the Swiss champion.

Zverev’s 4-6 6-4 6-3 sent the 20-year-old into his second straight Gerry Weber Open final. Last year he fell to fellow German Florian Mayer, after beating Federer in the last four.

The semifinals had a similar flavour to what the final offers. Federer, a tour veteran aged 35, opened the day’s proceedings against #NextGen star Khachanov, just 21.

Then it was fellow young gun Zverev tackling Gasquet, playing in his 16th season as a pro.

In that match, youth prevailed. Yet in Federer’s case, experience proved invaluable.

“I thought it was extremely close, especially that second set,” Federer told atpworldtour.com. “I’m still just very happy how I was able to close it out in the ‘breaker.”

Federer and Zverev have split two career meetings – Federer won their first in Rome last year before Zverev gained his revenge on grass.

“He’s definitely the favourite in (this) match,” Zverev said when interviewed courtside following his semifinal victory.