Roger Federer thrashes Alexander Zverev to claim ninth title at Halle in style

Updated 25/06/2017 at 13:39 GMT

Roger Federer demonstrated his sensational form ahead of Wimbledon as he breezed past Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-3 to win his ninth title at Halle.

Roger Federer from Switzerland poses with his trophy after winning his final match against Alexander Zverev from Germany at the Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament in Halle

Image credit: Getty Images

It was a thorough dismantling from the Swiss, who oozed confidence as he conceded just four games to the German in winning his favourite Wimbledon warm-up tournament yet again.

Federer required just 53 minutes as he destroyed Zverev and will be much fancied to continue his superb form in 2017 when he arrives in Wimbledon as the number three seed.

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The Australian Open champion did not lose a set in Halle as he won his 92nd ATP Tour title to prepare for SW19 in the perfect manner.

"It has been a difficult year with a lot of practice, training and rehab so I am very happy to be back on the court," Federer said.

Roger Federer (R) from Switzerland poses with his trophy after winning his final match against Alexander Zverev (L) from Germany at the Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament in Halle

Image credit: Getty Images

"I do not know if I will ever win this tournament again so I will enjoy this one," said the Swiss, who has won eight Wimbledon titles.

Federer gave himself a rest during the clay-court season after his triumph in Melbourne and did not afford the world number 12 even the slightest opportunity to challenge for victory.

The 35-year-old broke in the opening game of the match to establish his control and did not offer a reprieve as he dominated from start to finish.

In taking the opening set in just 24 minutes, Zverev already looked a beaten man and, even though he found a way past Federer in last year’s semi-final, Federer ensured that a repeat was never on the cards.

A break of serve which put the Swiss 5-2 ahead in the second set proved crucial and he clinched victory with his first match point courtesy of a typically sumptuous volley into an open court.